Bodrum Castle

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Travel Tips

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat. 1

Allocate at least 2 hours for your visit. Wear comfortable shoes for navigating uneven terrain. 2

Explore the artifacts recovered from shipwrecks in the surrounding waters. 3

Explore the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus nearby. 4

Don't miss the museum inside for a collection of ancient artifacts. 5

Check for special exhibitions for a deeper dive into the maritime history. 6

Take a day trip by boat from the port to explore secluded bays. 7

The castle includes five surrounding towers, now transformed into the Bodrum Underwater. 8

Introduction

History

🏰 Construction: Began in 1402 under the supervision of German knight architect Heinrich Schlegelholt.
🛡️ Knights of St. John: Built by the Knights Hospitaller as a stronghold against the Seljuk Turks.
🌍 Multinational Effort: Towers named after the nationalities of the knights—English, French, German, and Italian.
🕌 Ottoman Conquest: Taken over by the Ottoman Empire in 1523; chapel converted into a mosque.
💣 World War I: Bombed by a French battleship in 1915, causing significant damage.
🏛️ Museum Conversion: Became the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology in the 1960s.

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Architecture

🛡️ Gothic Style: Represents Gothic architectural principles.
🏰 Towers: Features English, French, German, and Italian towers.
🕌 Ottoman Additions: Includes a minaret and a Turkish bath (hamam).
🛠️ Fortifications: Outer wall reinforced with towers and embrasures for cannons.
🖼️ Coats of Arms: Hundreds of painted coats of arms and carved reliefs on the walls.

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Museum of Underwater Archaeology

🏛️ Established: Opened in the 1960s.
⚓ Shipwreck Artifacts: Features artifacts from ancient shipwrecks in the Aegean Sea.
🛳️ Notable Exhibits: Includes the Uluburun Shipwreck and the Serçe Limanı Shipwreck.
🖼️ Collections: Houses amphoras, ancient glass, bronze, clay, and iron items.
🏺 Special Exhibits: Includes a collection of Islamic glassware and the tomb of a Carian princess.

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Visiting Information

🕒 Opening Hours: Open every day from 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
🎟️ Ticket Required: Entry to the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology requires a ticket.
🚶 Accessibility: Easily accessible by walking, driving, or public transportation.
🗺️ Location: Located in the port city of Bodrum, visible from almost anywhere in the city.
🕰️ Time Required: Plan to spend about three hours to fully explore the site.

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Nearby Attractions

🏛️ Mausoleum of Halicarnassus: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
🌊 Aegean Sea: Offers opportunities for diving and exploring underwater ruins.
🏖️ Beaches: Pristine beaches for relaxation and water activities.
🍽️ Local Cuisine: Numerous restaurants offering traditional Turkish dishes.
🎉 Nightlife: Vibrant nightlife with various bars and clubs.
🛍️ Shopping: Local markets and shops for souvenirs and local crafts.
🏺 Ancient Ruins: Various historical sites and ruins to explore.
🚤 Boat Tours: Available for exploring the coastline and nearby islands.

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Travel Information
📞 Phone: +90 252 316 25 16
🌐 Website: https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/mugla/gezilecekyer/bodrum-kalesi
🕒 Hours: See hours
📍 Address: Çarşı, Kale Cd., 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Türkiye

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