Pamukkale, translated as "cotton castle", is a series of accumulated carbonate terraces near Denizli, Turkey. These terraces have been a place to come and bathe for thousands of years. On the top of these terraces are the remains of the ancient Greco-Roman and Byzantine city of Hierapolis. The terraced pools are protected these days. There is a cycle of draining and filling different groups of pools to maintain their condition. Only the artificial terraces which lead to the top of the castle are accessible for open-air bathing. The more luxurious pools at the hotels and spas can also be accessed for a fee. The pools accessible with general access passes are wonderful in themselves.
