Pamukkale, which means "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site in Denizli Province in south-western Turkey. The area is famous

for carbonate minerals released by thermal spring water flows. It is located in the Menderes Valley River in the Inner Aegean region of

Turkey, which has a temperate climate for most of the year.The ancient Greek city of Hierapolis was built on top of a travertine structure

that in total is approximately 2,700 m (8,860 ft) long, 600 m (1,970 ft) wide and 160 m (525 ft) high. It can be seen from the hills on thea

opposite side of the valley to the town of Denizli, 20 km away. Known as Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) or Ancient Hierapolis (Holy City), the

area has been attracting visitors for its thermal springs since the time of classical antiquity. The Turkish name refers to the shimmering,

snow-white limestone surface, shaped over millennia by calcite-rich springs. Slowly dripping down the mountain, the mineral-rich water

collects and falls into the pool below, under the mineral terraces. Legend has it that the formations are solid cotton (the area's majorr

crop)left to dry by giants. Pamukkale. panoramic view of travertine terraces in People have been visiting this area for thousands of years

because of the allure of thermal pools.As recently as the mid-20th century,hotels were built on the ruins of Hierapolis,causing considerable

damage. A contact road was built from the valley to the terraces, and motor bikes were allowed to move up and down the slopes. When the area

was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hotels were demolished and the road was removed and replaced with artificial pools. The site

has well-preserved Roman ruins and a museum. A small footpath leads up the mountain for visitors to use,