Pamukkale, The Natural Wonder

Pamukkale

With its very rare travertines, the Hierapolis has a different beauty in every season. The theraphetic waters of Hierapolis are being used since the Romans. By running down the edge of a plator, the calcerious waters laden with salts have formed magnificient formations like cataracts and basins. These formations are the main attractions for the visiting tourists. The area which is consisted of the travertines and the remains of the ancient hierapolis city is a very important center with its historical value and novel structure.
HierapolisThe remains of the ancient city Hierapolis which had been founded by the Legendary Pergamum king in the name of his wife Hiera lies scattered around Pamukkale. The ancient city is one of the important centers of Christianity though it is believed that St Philippe was martyred here.

Temple of Apollo

The temple is situated next to the sacred cave called Plutonium. A wide flight steps leads to the sanctuary. The temple which measures 20x15 m carries the traces of Hellenistic period.

Aphrodisias

The city has taken its name from Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. It is constructed around one of the most famous temples dedicated to the goddess. The aphrodisias city which is very well preserved and famous with its school of sculpture is a great touristic attraction today. The white and blue colored marble quarries situated to the north of city was the main reason for the sculpture school foundation here. Archeological excavations revealed that the school also had very remote visitors. Additinaly, Aphrodisias has generated other works of art in other subjects like literature, science and philosophy.

City Walls, City plan and the Temple of Aphrodite

The city walls of the Aphrodite Temple is 3.5 km long. On the city walls, there are the remains of a castle which is roughly circular in shape having some towers and 4 main doors. The aphrodite Temple which only 14 columns remained standing today was the focus point of the city in the ancient era. Unfortunately after the most parts of the building had been converted to a Christian basilica in the 5 c A.D., the information related to its former condition that reached today is very limited. The walls of the naiskos was pulled down and at the sides were shifted, additional walls had been constructed to the north in order to build two aisles.
TetrapylonThis decorative gate, the most glamarous symbol of Aphrodisias dates back to mid of the 2. century A.D. It has got 4 columns at 4 sides and the real entrance is in the east.At the front there are fluted very beautiful columns in Corinthian order facing to the main street on the north - south axis. The broken pediment of the west columns is decortaed with a hunting eros relief.

Museum of Aphrodisias

In the museum where statues, busts, reliefs, sarcophagi, medusa and animal figurines were exhibited.

Article From www.mybea.com