Type of destination: Historical Landmark/Natural Feature
Ideal visit duration: 1-2 hours
Cleopatra's Pool, also known as the Antique Pool, is a man-made pool situated in Pamukkale, Turkey, that has a rich historical background. It is believed to date back to the Roman era when it was part of the ancient city of Hierapolis, a place renowned for its thermal springs. The name 'Cleopatra's Pool' suggests that it was a gift from Marc Anthony to Cleopatra. This picturesque pool is unique; it is filled with warm mineral-rich waters, and the thermal springs are accentuated with underwater fragments of ancient marble columns, remnants of the bygone Roman temple of Apollo that once stood here. Visitors can swim in the therapeutic waters, which maintain a year-round temperature of about 36 degrees Celsius. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pamukkale, which is also famed for its travertine terraces. These terraces are formed by calcite-laden waters that cascade over cliffs forming shimmering, snow-white mineral pools. Cleopatra's Pool combines the relaxation of thermal waters with the wonder of its historic setting, offering a unique bathing experience amid ancient ruins.