Travlang Travel Guide

Travlang's Guide to International Travel

Pamukkale – The Cotton Castle of Turkey

Pamukkale is a natural wonder which is also known as the “Cotton Castle”. This exotic site is located in the Denizli Province which is in the south western region of Turkey. This site is famous all around the world for its terraces of carbonate minerals which are formed due

Pamukkale

to the flowing water. At this place you can also find travertines and hot springs. This world famous site appears like a Cotton Castle that is why various people from all around the world come to visit this place.

The ancient city of Hierapolis was located here many centuries ago and it is now completely in ruins. The water that comes through an underground source in this area is said to be a cure for various diseases. Many thermal hotels are also located very near to Pamukkale.

History of Pamukkale
The sacred city of Hierapolis was built around the warm water spring by the Romans, many centuries ago. Pamukkale Town’s sacred pool is still there and a large number of trekkers stop at this place in order to admire the exotic views.  In order to improve this spa area and to encourage tourism, the local people undertook a revolution in 1999. The ruins of the historic city of Hierapolis cover a large area of this region.

Attrctions located near Pamukkale
Some wonderful attrctions and tourist locations that you can visit here are:

  • Byzantine Gate
  • Necropolis Cemetery
  • Temple of Apollo
  • Plutonium
  • Colonnaded Street

Geographical importance of this place
The sparkling white calcareous castles at this site are basically formed due to the limestone-laden thermal springs that create unusual and attractive formations like cataracts, stalactites and potholes. The water that flows from the terraces mainly contains carbon-dioxide and calcium salts. The exquisite formation which is present at Pamukkale is the result of the gradual formation caused due to various different elements. There is a great pool located in this area which is now known as the “Sacred Pool” and people can swim here without paying any fee.

Great benefits of the “Sacred Pool”
Bathing in the Sacred Pool can be highly advantageous for you as the water is very good for the eyes and the skin. It is known to have cured various diseases like rheumatism, asthma and many others.

If you are planning a holiday in Turkey then you must visit the “Cotton Castle” of Pamukkale. This fairyland location would surely mesmerize your senses.

Cave of The Seven Sleepers

The Cave of Seven Sleepers is a treat for the eyes of the lovers of history. The visit to this historical spot of Turkey will bring you very close to the history of Turkey. This place is

Cave of The Seven Sleepers

the soul for the tourist department in Turkey. It is a gorgeous place which is around 13 km away from the centre of the city. There are number of elegant gardens with plants of lavenders and roses. There are several beautiful trees of olives and pine.

History Of The Caves Of Seven Sleepers
The seven sleepers were the seven juvenile men who were walled up in the cavern at the time of the persecution under Decius. These seven men fell asleep. They miraculously walked around 435 in the era of Theodosius II. The men wandered in the city of Ephesus. They were astonished to see the churches and the freedom of worship for the Christians. The sleepers died natural death and were buried in the caves in which they had once slept.

Spots To See In The Caves
The cavern of the seven sleepers is presently fenced off. A large outlet in the fence allows a complete entry in the cave. The site of this cavern is quite off the beaten track. But still this spot of Turkey is visited by a number of tourists and pilgrims. There is a small local restaurant at the site. The main part of the grotto is the cave church in which the seven sleepers were obscured. The huge cave has a high ceiling as in all regular churches. The burial places of these seven sleepers in the floor have now transformed into empty holes.

One of the fascinating and appealing aspects of this site is the treasure trove of the terracotta lamp which was explored in the grotto. Most of the lamps are decorated with the cross. There is a large variety of the secular scenes like the fisherman and the performances of the theatre.

Apart from all these artworks there are the pagan religious scenes such as Hercules and the Lion, Zeus and the Aphrodite. You may also cone across the pictures of the temple facades and the head of the God Attic. Generally the people coming at this place think wonder if the lamps used by the Ephesians who considered themselves as the Christians were burnt in the Cave of the seven sleepers! The answer to this is that it may so.

This is a great place for the people who love to explore the history of any country. This place is surely the ideal vacation spot for all the history bugs!

Ancient City of Aspendus – Turkey’s Most Treasured Tourist Attraction

In order to gather information about Turkey’s historical past, you must visit the Ancient city of Aspendus. This place is located in the ancient area of Pamphylia and it is believed that the people who first settled in this city were Hittites. This amazingly beautiful

Aspendus Theater

ancient Greco-Roman city is also known as Aspendos. In the early 13th century BC, various Roman settlers started to arrive in this city.

In the Roman period this place was a significant port city. During the reign of Persian rulers, Aspendus was captured by Alexander the Great. The whole city was located on the hilltop and this place is till date the largest and one of the best preserved Roman Theater. The heater was constructed around 2nd century AD and various tourists come here all around the year to experience this mesmerizing wonder.

Roman Ruins
The Ancient city of Aspendus is best known for its Roman Ruins. During the early 5th century BC, the city was a part of the Delian League and its wealth was greatly influenced by a wide range of coinage. During the Hellenistic Age, the city was ruled by Seleucids or the Ptolemies kings and after this period the city eventually passed on to the Roman rulers. In the ancient city you would basically find an agora (which was a huge marketplace), a basilica and numerous rocks cut tombs which were influenced by the Phrygian design.

Aspendus Theater
Aspendus Theater is one of the finest ancient theaters in the world and it was basically carved out of the northeastern part of the hill. The theater was constructed in the honor of king Marcus Aurelius who reigned from 161 Ad to 180 AD. It was designed by Zeno who was a Roman architect. In order to repair the theater on periodic basis, the services of Seljuks were used. In the 13th century the stage of the Aspendus Theater was converted by the Seljuqs of Rum into an attractive palace.

The theater was used for various festivals, concerts and events that were organized on a regular basis.

Coinage
The city of Aspendus started minting coins in the early 500 B.C and it was one of the earliest cities which started this procedure. The coins which were issued by the royalties became a huge source of the city’s wealth.

Well these are the special structures of the Ancient city of Aspendus and visiting it would surely be a mesmerizing experience for you.