Cleopatra's Pool
Bathing among the ruins of ancient temples is possible in one of Turkey's most famous hot springs. Found in Pamukkale, it is regarded as one of the most sought-after destinations by travelers seeking an authentic experience.
This pool, which is constantly filled with mineral water flowing from underground, creates a unique image: labyrinths of water cascading down the slopes, forming one of the most authentic sights in the world. However, this is not the most impressive feature of this thermal spring.
Beneath the salty waters, and through the reflections they create, remnants of ancient temples dating back to the 1st century B.C. can be observed. In fact, the citizens of Ancient Rome began coming here for treatment and relaxation, using the mineral waters to recover from severe illnesses.
The ruins we see today once stood tall, but a terrible earthquake struck this area of Turkey in the 7th century A.D., destroying what was once the city of Hierapolis and obliterating all infrastructure from that era.
In Turkey, it is believed that the columns of the ancient portico that welcomed visitors to this spring were broken during that earthquake, collapsing the bottom of the pool. This collapse now makes this location a magical site.
A Swim in Cleopatra's Pool
To enter these healing hot springs, where it is said that Cleopatra herself bathed, you only need to buy a ticket that also grants access to the entire Pamukkale site: one of Turkey's most special places.
But a swim in this pool is essential: you can swim among the columns, taking a literal bath in history, feeling the grandeur of ancient Rome. You can enjoy it through its three areas: the water entry, the bath, and its depths.
Specifically, 3 meters under the water, a powerful mineral spring bubbles up from the ground as if by magic. The bubbling mineral waters, before our eyes, appear to be boiling. But undoubtedly, the most curious thing is that the water here is completely pure... and no one has ever managed to reach its bottom.
And you... would you bathe in healing waters where Cleopatra and the Romans once swam? Just looking at the images makes us want to dive in.