Journal entry: 19 Sep Wednesday –-> Pamukkale   9 am start, driving thru cotton fields, eventually reach Sardis, Lydian capital from 680-547 BC when captured by the Persians who made it the capital of Asia Minor.  Lots of tumuli in surrounding hills, some real, some false to deter grave robbers.  Croesus was last king of this rich area.  Impressive ruins, large entrance gate, remains of a 3^rd c synagogue, Byzantine shops.

Entrance Gate, Sardis
Lutfi, mosaics, Sardis
Synagogue, 3rd c, Sardis
Detail, Entrance gate, Sardis

Lunch in town, Odun Kofte, excellent lamb ground and cooked on skewers, yogurt, grilled whole tomatoes, grilled peppers.  Arrive in Pamukkale around 3 or so, time to relax around the pool. 

Around 6 we went for a tour of Hierapolis, >

Necropolis, Hierapolis Necropolis, Hierapolis Necropolis, Hierapolis Necropolis, Hierapolis

Warning, Hierapolis Hellenistic Tower, main gate, Hierapolis Frontinus Street, Hierapolis

then walked along top of the travertine terraces to watch the sunset.  Disappointing, since there was a lot of smog (from the cement factories down the valley).  >

Travertine terraces, Pamukkale Sunset, Pamukkale Waders, Travertine terraces Travertine terraces

Travertine terraces Travertine terraces Swimmers, Roman columns Swimmers, Roman columns Skene Theatre Hierapolis Skene Theatre Hierapolis Roman Theatre HIEROPOLIS Flowers HIEROPOLIS Flowers amid ruined columns HIEROPOLIS

All the hotels and other developments have been removed from the top last year, partly for environmental reasons.  Gives much more open and scenic impression.  The main hotel has also been closed, leaving just a few changing rooms, and the only swimming pool left on top.