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  A
magical and spectacular natural site, unique in the world,
Pamukkale (Hierapolis) is a fairyland of dazzling white,
petrified castles. Thermal spring waters laden with
calcareous salts running off the plateau's edge have created
this fantastic formation of stalactites, cataracts and
basins. The hot springs have been used since Roman times for
their therapeutic powers. Both the thermal center with its
motels and thermal pools, and the ruins of the ancient city
of Hierapolis, are situated on the plateau.
Pamukkale
(Hierapolis) is now covered by a comprehensive protection
and construction plan and needed restoration work has
already begun.
An
agreement ratified in Barcelona on February 16, 1976 in
regard to the "Prevention of Pollution in the
Mediterranean" and a 
Protocol relevant to special areas of protection have all
gone into effect. Within the framework of this protocol the
following have been designated as special protection areas:
-
Dilek
Yarimadasi (Peninsula)
-
Olympus
Beydaglari (Beyda Mountains)
-
Gelibolu
Yarimadasi Milli Park (Gelibolu Peninsula National Park)
Furthermore,
in accord with the same agreement, 100 sites along the
shores of the Mediterranean sea which share a common
importance, and seventeen other sites around the country
have come under protection. Work is being undertaken at an
international level. The seventeen sites are as follows:
Antalya,
Aspendos, Bursa, Didyma, Ephesus, Fethiye-Ölüdeniz,
Halikarnassos, Istanbul, Kaunos, Kekova, Knidos, Miletos,
Pergamon, Phaselis, Priene, Troy, Xanthos.
An
agreement on the Protection of the European Archaeological
Heritage has also been signed.
An
agreement signed between Turkey and the Council of Europe
countries on the protection of the European architectural
heritage has been ratified by Law 3534 and brought into
effect.
Situated
in the inner part of the Aegean Region, is Denizli, a
tourism city with its numerous beauty.
Dating
back to the Calcholithic age, this was the site of a
settlement of the earliest communities, and changed hands 
continuously, becoming the center of various civilizations
in different time periods. The ancient city of Laodikeia is
here, within the borders of Denizli, with its ruins awaiting
for the sightseers. In addition to Triopolis which was known
as the center of bishops, while Christianity spread.
Hierapolis is another Ancient City, being a historical
treasure, while it also offers a real wonder of nature.
Named, as today "Pamukkale", this place is
astonishingly beautiful, and unique in the world with its
white travertine offering marvelous scenery.
The
wide forests and numerous picnicking and camping areas here
contribute to this natural and archaeological richness,
while its position as a stopover between the major provinces
like Izmir, Ankara and Antalya, increases the tourist
attraction of Denizli. The thermal resorts also attract
visitors to the provinces with their spring waters of
therapeutic effects Gemezli, Cezmeli, Tekke and Kizildere
are the main spa resorts, besides the thermal centers of
Pamukkale and Karahayit.
PAMUKKALE
(HIERAPOLIS)
A
miraculous site, unique and world famous for its fascinating
formation of white petrified cascades is Pamukkale located
20 kms from Denizli.
This
fairyland of "Cotton Castle" is a marvelous
spectacle, created by a beautiful composition of cataracts,
pools and stalactites. The grounds of white travertine gleam
under the sun, as the waters flow mildly over.
 Nearby
is the ancient "Hierapolis" (the Holy City). Here
stands a magnificent theater affording a wonderful view of
the land below, and the Temple of Apollo, representing the
Hellenistic period.
Since
the earliest times of history, Pamukkale has been chosen for
its therapeutic mineral waters. The site today is a fine
spa-center with its warm pools and numerous facilities
provided nearby.
KARAHAYIT
To
the northwest of Pamukkale, is Karahayit, another thermal
center with curative waters of a high iron content. The
specialty of this site is the interesting formation made by
the water, with the most beautiful tones of glittering red.
You will want to make this extraordinary scene eternal by
taking some photographs, and the originality of the region
is reflected on these photos.
Standing
since the 3rd century AD, there exist aqueducts between
Pamukkale and Karahayit a rendering an attractive place for
sightseers, while thermal baths and camping grounds are also
provided for all holiday makers.
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