Hundreds of thousands of foreign and local tourists are stripping down to their swimsuits this winter and slipping into the thermal baths of Karahayýt and Pamukkale to relax in the scenic beauty and find relief in the waters' curative properties. These areas near Denizli are famous for their warm mineral waters. Pamukkale, 18 km from the Aegean city of Denizli, is an aesthetic wonder because of its travertine formation carved by calcareous waters from mountain springs. The curative waters maintain a natural temperature of about 35°C in every season of the year. Pamukkale's special curative carbon dioxide rich waters help in the treatment of diseases of the heart and blood vessels, hypertension, rheumatic diseases, skin problems and metabolic disturbances. Lying on the lowest slopes of Mount Cokelez, and containing some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, Pamukkale is situated near the ancient city of Hierapolis, founded by King of Pergamon, Eumenes II, in 190 B.C. According to claims, Queen Cleopatra of Egypt also indulged in thermal mud baths down the road in Karahayýt. The thermal water of Karahayit, 5 km from Pamukkale, is another carbon dioxide spring, but it contains a high level of iron and manganese, and emerges from its source at 56°C, turning the earth red where it runs. Its red color is due to the oxidation of iron and the sedimentation of calcium carbonate. Karahayýt Mayor Ibrahim Vural said that the red water of Karahayýt has proven to be beneficial for rheumatism, hernias, skin disorders and Parkinson's disease. Vural said that even in the middle of winter there is big interest in Karahayýt. “We are going to host around 200,000 visitors by spring. At the moment, 90 percent of our facilities are full. Those tourists benefiting from the red water mostly come from Germany, Russia, England, Belgium and Holland.” Today, the use of these waters is being increasingly combined with modern scientific therapeutic methods. While most of the hotels and resorts in the area provide thermal water for recreation and relaxation, some have established modern spa facilities for therapeutic cures prescribed and supervised by experienced physicians and health professionals.Web: www.pamukkale.gov.tr