Limestone terraces of Pamukkale
The white limestone terraces of Pamukkale can already be seen from afar when driving. What at first glance looks like terraces made of salt or marble are actually limescale deposits that have developed into terraces over the centuries. Many small pools and the bright blue of the water make the limestone terraces look like a waterfall and invite you to take a short walk.
Unesco world heritage site Pamukkale
Until a few years ago, the numerous tourists and locals bathed in the 36 degrees warm and very calcareous water, but this is forbidden today. Numerous environmental sins also led to discoloration of the formerly gleaming white terraces, which today have almost regained their former glory. As a natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pamukkale attracts millions of visitors annually. Pamukkale was already popular as a spa and bathing resort over 2000 years ago. The ruins of Hierapolis are on the way to Pamukkale and are almost always included in the program on a study trip. A necropolis with more than 1,500 graves and remains of temples, a large amphitheater with 15,000 seats and ruins of former baths bear witness to life in the 2nd century.
Rest and relaxation
If you are looking for some relaxation on a trip to Pamukkale, you can bathe in the warm thermal water in one of the many hotel complexes and do something for your health.
The warm carbon dioxide-containing thermal water brings relief from rheumatism, circulatory diseases and skin diseases.
Ephesus ruins
According to topschoolsintheusa, the ruins of Ephesus are located on the west coast of Turkey near the small town of Selcuk, about 70 kilometers from the megacity of Izmir. The ancient ruins are considered to be the most important ancient sites and one of Turkey’s greatest tourist attractions. The city of Ephesus was in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. One of the most important trading centers in the world. Even if there is not much to see of the former splendor and wealth of the region today, the ruins of Ephesus are not only a popular destination for locals and tourists, they are also a popular place of pilgrimage for both Christians and Muslims.
Artemis Temple, Ancient Theater and Library of Celsus
The famous ruins also include the remains of the huge Temple of Artemis, which was one of the “Seven Wonders of the World” in ancient times. You can also see the ruins of the gymnasium, the Temple of Hadrian and the Library of Celsus. The statues in particular are still well preserved. The huge theater, which in ancient times had a total of 21,000 spectators, is also an extremely impressive sight. The ruins are located in the middle of an archaeological site covering many hectares, which you should plan to visit for at least one day. In addition to the famous ruins of the large buildings, there are also numerous smaller monuments on the site.
Topkapi Palace
The Topkapı Palace, also known as the Topkapi Seraglio, was the residence and seat of power of the Ottoman sultans in Istanbul for a long time. The area was about 700,000 square meters, so the palace was about twice the size of the Vatican. The large palace complex contained mosques, pavilions, baths, kitchens and extensive gardens. The palace, which housed more than 5000 people in its heyday, offered protection from enemies and opponents of the Ottoman Empire thanks to its exposed location on the Bosphorus as well as the meter-high walls.
A journey into the oriental past
Even if the palace complex has a much smaller area today, the imposing buildings and gardens are an impressive sight and the splendid testimony of a once powerful caliphate. Today the former center of the Ottoman Empire is one of the most popular travel destinations in Turkey. Magnificent collections and treasures can be admired in hundreds of halls and rooms.
In addition, the Topkapı Palace offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus due to its unique location.
Study trips to the Topkapı Palace are particularly worthwhile. Due to the large number of extraordinary exhibits, the historical place is particularly interesting for those who are enthusiastic about the cultural past of the Orient as well as the Islamic religion. The museum in the palace houses numerous relics, including one of the oldest copies of the Koran as well as a footprint, whiskers and weapons of the Prophet Mohammed.
Tufa cones Cappadocia
Cappadocia is in Turkey. The very beautiful landscape is located in Central Anatolia. There it extends over a plateau at an altitude of 1000 to 1300 meters.
Goreme National Park
The city of Göreme is considered to be the center of the Göreme National Park. Here you can see fascinating tufa cones that have developed through erosion. They were named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. Fascinating structures known as fairy chimneys emerged in the area of slopes that lie deeper. Their tips resemble pointed caps. Long ago they are said to have been inhabited by fairies. The extraordinary dwellings sometimes reach a height of more than 30 meters. A fairy chimney that is used for residential purposes is provided with small openings that serve as windows. The dwellings can contain several floors, which can be reached with the help of ladders. Some fairy chimneys are open to visitors.
The tufa cones and their inhabitants
Impressive rock formations cast a spell over visitors to the Göreme National Park. People have lived on the Cappadocia plateau for thousands of years. Often tufa formations were hollowed out so that they could be inhabited. The caves have the advantage that they protect against both heat and cold. The soft rock can also be worked well. However, since this approach increases the erosion, UNESCO prohibited further excavation of the unique tufa cones.
The underground residential complexes
In the vicinity of Göreme there are numerous opportunities to immerse yourself in bygone times. Large residential complexes that are located underground can be visited here. Kaymakli and Derinkuyu are among them. There are believed to be more than 50 underground cities in Cappadocia. Holidaymakers who want to go on a journey of discovery away from the stream of visitors will also find smaller cities here, which are also underground.
Private trips and study trips into Goreme National Park are great ways to explore the interesting rock formations.
