"Calcium Deposits and Byzentine Ruins!" Pamukkale by Greatwalk0

The Calcium Shelves in Pamukkale are the primary reason that people visit Pamukkale. These once-frequented calcium deposits were over-exploited for generations from the Byzentine Empire until the 1980s, at which time the wear and tear of frequent tourism began to have devistating effects on this unique environment.

The municipal government now strictly regulates what visitors to the site can and cannot do. For example, visitors must now remove their shoes when walking through the deposit field and can no longer bath in the natural springs.

Regardless, this natural wonder is well worth a visit.

Ampitheatre in Heirapolis

The Byzentine ruins of Heirapolis, located at the summit of the calcium shelves, is a great way to spend an afternoon. We spent the afternoon wondering around the extensive ruins, including the ampitheatre photographed below, and were quite impressed.

Great afternoon!

• Pros:Two interesting sites; good excuse to escape from Istanbul
• Cons:(Only) TWO interesting sites