Culture of Pamukkale. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The major attractions of Pamukkale are healing thermal springs and snow-white terraces and basins, so-called travertines formed by the springs. In total, the resort area includes 17 hot springs that differ in their temperature and mineral composition. Now the unique nature attractions, the age of which is several thousands of years, is well-known all over the world and annually attracts an attention of thousands of curious travelers.

Despite the fact that there are no outstanding historical sites and cultural centers at the resort, this territory cannot be called boring in terms of sightseeing tours. Just a couple of minutes by car separate Pamukkale from notable historical sites and archaeological discoveries that will be certainly of tour enthusiasts’ interest. The most visited attraction in Pamukkale is an ancient city of Hierapolis. The first settlements on its territory were established more than 4 000 years ago.

Extensive archaeological researches in the ancient city were started in the second half of the 19th century, and scientists have been continuously working here since that time. They have found a lot of unique artifacts and restored several ancient architectural monuments which everyone can see now. During the tour, you can take a closer look at the largest necropolis on the territory, a miraculous amphitheater and several ancient temples. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

One of the most interesting constructions is the Hierapolis Amphitheatre. According to the historical data, it was built in the 3rd century AD. The arena has 300 steps and the total height of the construction is 100 m. The necropolis is also of great interest in terms of architecture and history. It is a trove of unique constructions and monuments, ancient crypts and sarcophagi. Exactly a diversity of constructions has made these places attractive for the further researches.

The ancient Apollo Temple is a very interesting place too. According to scientists, it was built several thousands of years ago on land with a high seismological activity. One of the historical monuments of the later period is St. Philip's Church, the age of which is more than 1.5 thousands of years. A lot of interesting legends are connected with this religious attraction. One of them says that the apostle spent the last minutes of his life exactly in this place. The church named after him was built near the saint’s tomb but researchers have not managed to find a sacred burial place yet.

Invaluable archeologist’s discoveries made in these places are presented in the local museum that can be also visited by guests of Pamukkale. Here, you can see beautiful ancient sculptures and bas-reliefs, old sarcophagi, a coin collection and unique jewels that local residents presented to strict gods for thousands of years.