Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) is a white cascade from sources containing chalky water which formed stalactites, basins and terraces. The water is renown for its healing qualities for eye and skin diseases, for softening rheumatism, asthma and dermatitis crisis.
Today is is not allowed any more to walk on the terraces but you may maybe still have the chance to enjoy the warm water in the Turizm Motel opposite the terraces. The water, a kind of soda, has formed a pool around a collapsed temple. (Note : this hotel may be closed any time in relation with the rescue program under control of the UNESCO).

The original city has been founded by the Pergamum king around 190 BC as a "border" for military colonies during the expansion of his kingdom and named after the godess "Hera"
During the conquest by the Romans in 129 BC, its name was wrongly interpreted as "Holy Town" ("Hieros" = Holy in classical Greek) which explains the building of numerous tempels.
The city knew its apogy as a spa center during the 2nd century AD.
As Hierapolis has always had a very mixed population, very early it had its Christian community.