Pamukkale Hot Springs, Turkey
Literally “Cotton Castle,” Pamukkale is a set of pure white calcite travertines that look like a gleaming set of clouds overflowing with water. Made of glistening concentric calcium carbonate shelves, these hot springs in the Aegean Coast of Turkey look like they come from another world.
Before Pamukkale became a World UNESCO Heritage Site, it was once a famous Roman and Byzantine spa city attracting the rich and luxurious names of the empire. It is also the site of the ancient city of Hierapolis, whose buildings and structures have merged into the landscape over time.
Due to uncontrolled tourist behavior leading to the gradual destruction of the site, the travertines are now under strict protection of UNESCO. Visitors are still allowed to bathe in the pool, but without their shoes to prevent damage on the calcite deposits.
