Denizli is a prosperous regional capital with a population of around half a million, and is best known for its textiles and breeds of cockerels. There are a number of exciting things to do, from historical monuments, cultural attractions, natural attractions, adventurous and entertainment activities. This surreal natural wonder is a must-do attraction on your travel list.
TOP 8 PLACES TO VISIT
1.HIERAPOLIS AND PAMUKKALE
Get a glimpse into the past of this UNESCO World heritage site with its ancient and artistic Roman ruins. If you are a lover of history and archaeology then the Hierapolis and Pamukkale is just the place to visit. Some of the highlights of the site include a huge amphitheatre, necropolis, Hierapolis archaeological museum, cotton castles, antique pool, Cleopatra's pool, the baths, and several other artifacts.
2.HIERAPOLIS ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM
The museum is housed in one of the biggest buildings in Hierapolis Antique city. The museums art exhibits includes the historical sites of Attuda, Laodicea, Tripolis, Colossae, and other towns of the Lycus (Çürüksu) Valley. In each of the three sections in the museum unique displays are on exhibit such as statues, gravestones, pedestals, pillars, idols and earthen cups. The museum also houses a library and a gymnasium.
3.LAODICEA
Built on the river Lycus, the ancient city is located in the Hellenistic region of Caria and Lydia. Due to earthquakes and several natural disasters the Laodicea is under continuous restoration – it is also one of the popular places frequented by the tourists. The site is also known worldwide for containing one of the seven churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
4.KARAHAYIT
The village is famous for its red water hot springs which is a result of the high concentration of iron and calcium.Cleanse yourself at the natural red water spring at this place that is considered to cure all the health ailments of the body and contribute for a healthier and a happier life. Head to Karahayit for a totally one-in-a-kind of experience.
5.ATATURK & ETHNOGRAPHY MUSEUM
This home of the former president of Turkey (Ataturk) is converted into a museum and contains wax statues, weapons, furniture, & clothing from the ancient times. With the antiques and architectural detailing the museum gives a deep insight into how the lives of the people of that age would have been. The collections inside the museum are so rich and uniquely captivating.
6.BOGAZICI VILLAGE MOSQUE
The old mosque in Baklan, east of Denizli was repaired and repainted in 1876. On the upper structure of the building the flowers are more recognizable. An inscription above one of the columns, dates this ‘kalemişı’ painting on wood to 1774 - 75. The mosque is one of the half dozen surviving village mosques in the province of Denizli.
7.APHRODIASIAS
The Aphrodiasias is the most important historic site in Turkey. Chalcolithic finds here show the area was settled in the 4th millennium BC, and early Bronze Age pottery finds also suggest there was an Assyrian trading colony here during the Hittite period. Approximately built in 100 BC the temple still has 12 standing columns. The temple was converted by the Byzantines in the 5th century into a three-aisled basilica. The mammoth on the north and at the south the Temple of Bouleuterion, decorated with reliefs and statues, is well preserved.
8.PAMUKKALE CASTLE
The 11th or 12th century castle was previously know as “Cotton Castle”. The castle sits just off the road leading from Pamukkale town up to the Hierapolis plateau. You will be rewarded with superb views over the travertines from the castle ruins. Sunset is the best time to come, as the changing light makes the travertine terraces glow.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
- Teras Park Alisveris Merkezi
- Yesildere Selalesi
- Forum Camlik
- Church of Laodicea
- Cavusoglu Waterpark
- Incilipinar Governor Recep Yazicioglue Cultural Park
- Denizli Teleferik
- Kaleici
- Ulusal Egemenlik Myd Denizli
- Bagbasi Yaylasi
- Lunapark
- Ataturk Parki
- The Ancient City of Laodicea
- Hierapolis Arkeoloji Muzesi
- Honaz Goz National Park
- Karahayit Aglanyan Kaya
- Keloglan Magarasi
- Bogazici Village Mosque
- Tripolis Antik Kenti
- Colossae
The best way to get around in Denizli is by bus. Other transport available is mimibus, train or by foot.
The best time to visit in Denizli is between March and May, the temperatures are moderate and the season also experiences a little amount of rainfall.
SOUTH AFRICA - PLACES TO SEE 4
