Terraces and Pools of Pamukkale | Turkey

Terraces and Pools of Pamukkale | Turkey
The marvellous terraces and pools of Pamukkale ("Cotton Castle" in Turkish) located in Denizli Province of south-western Turkey, were created by mineralized water flowing from hot springs. The travertine basins were formed by the carbonate minerals in the flowing water. The pools vary in size and overlook the surrounding green countryside. In 1988 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and according to UNESCO, the supposedly therapeutic virtues of the water were used for health and religious reasons by local cults in ancient times, and the Temple of Apollo was built near a fault zone where vapors arose. Whether a soak in steamy mineral waters has any health benefits or not, the warmth of the water and the relaxation it encourages have made Pamukkale a popular destination for hundreds of years.
This place comes with a lot of ancient ruins as well, called “Hierapolis”. Some of the ruins still lay in the pool where you can swim in. Absolutely a dream for cleopatra. Hierapolis basically was a cure center because of this therapeutic hot springs. Pamukkale is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in Turkey and perhaps one of the most attractive spot for tourists. Thousands of tourists visit this spot everyday during the summer.
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Butterfly Valley | Faralya, Turkey

Butterfly Valley | Faralya, Turkey
Butterfly Valley, which is located near the town of Fethiye, south-west Turkey. The Butterfly Valley near Fethiye is a hidden gem of Turkeys Turquoise Coast. The south of Ölüdeniz and 30 km south of Fethiye, Faralya was known simply as the "village on the cliffs of the Butterfly Valley" until recently, when travelers start to take a deeper look to the village. The village itself is quite a pleasant sight to see, with its houses and gardens cascading towards the cliffs of the Valley. Deep, steep and accessible only by boat or via the Lycian Way walking trail, which is advised against. The Valley has only been visited in the last twenty or so years before that it was relatively untouched and unknown. Luckily due to the valley being inaccessibly it has kept intact and pure. Butterfly Valley is one of the most worth seeing places in Turkey. The valley lies in the foothills of the 2000 metre high Mount Babadağ and runs between soaring rock walls.
The valley is located at the base of Babadag mountain and is protected by the World Heritage Foundation. It gets it's name from the unique butterfly species, who have up until recently been the only residents in the valley for thousands of years. There are over 60 different species of butterfly in the valley some appearing in the day time and others only venturing out at night. There are many rare butterflies and for those who are enthusiasts there is a small museum located in the valley dedicated to giving more in depth information about the species that can be found there.
The untouched valley is lush green and has much vegetation, some of the land is being cultivated to produce fresh fruit and vegetable to feed the hungry travelers that are desperate to get away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby tourist areas. Many of those choosing to stay on the island are backpackers, who bring tents or stay in the tree houses provided. Many of the boat trips that leave daily from Oludeniz beach make a stop at Butterfly Valley. Visitors are asked to refrain from shouting whilst exploring as the butterflies are very sensitive. Also to preserve the valley by taking your litter away after your visit.
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Aspendos Roman Theater | Turkey

Aspendos Roman Theater | Turkey

Aspendos or Aspendus was an ancient Greco-Roman city in Antalya province of Turkey. The it is located seven kilometers notheast of cenral Serik. Aspendos is the third largest after the city of Perge and Sida in Pamphylia. Presently, Aspednos is famous for its impressive Roman Theater, the best preserved in Asia Minor. The theater was constructed in the 2nd century AD by the architect Zeno during the reign of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius in 161-180 AD on the south-east slope of the hill on which the ancient city was developed.

According to legend the city of Aspendos was founded by colonists from Argos returning form the Trojan War. The first confirmed reference is in Hittite writings of 800 Bc. In the 5th and 4th centuries the city was one of the the few in the region to mint silver coins. The city reached its zenith during the Roman Era, and the theater was constructed during the reign of the Emperor Marcus Aurilius in the 2nd century AD bye the Roman architect Zeno.

The theater it is clear that it was conceived and executed by a skilled architect who knew exactly how to work with general proportions. The overall width of the theater is 96 meters, the with of the stage is half the width of the building that is 48 meters and the diameter of the orchestra is half the width of the stage that is 24 meters. the height of the scaenae frons including the triangular pediments is two-third of the diameter of the orchestra that is 16 meters. The theater could accommodate around 10-12 thousand spectators and was maintained by the Byzatines and Seljuks. After Ataturk visited Aspendos he commanded the restoration of the theater. Aspendos theater is still in use today. Each year during June and July the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival is held. Also at Aspendos and near to the theater are an acropolis with a nymphaeum and basilica.

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