BODRUM HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL PLACES

1.  Bodrum Castle

Bodrum Castle (Turkish: Bodrum Kalesi) is a historical fortification located in southwest Turkey in the port city of Bodrum, built from 1402 onwards, by the Knights of St John (Knights Hospitaller) as the Castle of St. Peter or Petronium. A transnational effort, it has four towers known as the English, French, German, and Italian towers, bearing the names of the nations responsible for their construction. The chapel was built around 1407 and the first walls completed in 1437. The castle started reconstruction in the late 14th century, only to be taken over by the Islamic Ottoman Empire in 1523. The chapel was converted to a mosque, and a minaret was added. The castle remained under the empire for almost 400 years. After remaining empty following World War I, in the early 1960s, the castle became the home for the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. In 2016 it was inscribed in the UNESCO Tentative list of World Heritage Sites in Turkey.

• Address: Çarşı, Kale Cd., 48400 Bodrum/Muğla
• Phone: (0252) 316 10 95
• Visiting hours: April-October (summer period) 08.30-18.30, November-March (winter period) 08.30-16.30. Closed on Mondays during winter months.
• Distance to hotel:xxxxxxxx km

2. Bodrum Ancient Theater

The history of Bodrum Ancient Theater, located on the southern slope of Göktepe, dates back to the 4th century BC. This important structure, where the history of theater in the Roman Empire period was written, is currently used as a concert venue. The theater, which was restored in 1990, was opened to the public with its magnificent view. At the same time, the structure, which is the oldest ancient theater in Anatolia, is a historical place that must be seen. Why should I go? This impressive art area still hosts various artistic activities today. Bodrum Ancient Theater should definitely be on your list to both watch an enjoyable event and feel the historical texture of the region better.

Don’t miss it! If you wish, you can follow the events here and make your plan. By the way, since the stone seats are a bit hot, we recommend that you bring a cushion with you.

• Address: Yeniköy, Bodrum, Muğla

• Phone: 0252 316 80 61

• Visiting hours: 09:00-19:00 in the summer and 08:00-17:00 in the winter 

• Distance to hotel: xxxxxxx km

 

3. Myndos Ancient City

The source of ancient writings is the Myndos Ancient City in the town of Gümüşlük. It is located at the intersection of Mediterranean and Aegean cultures. A large part of the city, which has a rich historical past, has been submerged. It is considered one of the 8 cities founded by the Lelegians in the 640s BC. It is possible to observe the architectural ideas of different nations, and it is thought that many important ruins, especially those that have not yet been unearthed, are waiting to be discovered underwater in the ancient city.

Why should I go? Myndos Ancient City is located at a point on the road that is easy to reach. Since this is a very important visiting point to take magnificent photographs, especially during sunrise and sunset, Myndos Ancient City is one of the places to visit for a Bodrum trip.

• Address: Eskiçeşme, Bodrum, Muğla
• Visiting hours: All day long
• Distance to hotel:xxxxxxxx km

4. Myndos Gate

It is estimated that the Myndos Gate was built in the 360s BC. The gate was built by the Carian Satrap Maussolus. It was named after the ancient city of Myndos. The gate, which has an impressive appearance, is among the important historical points of Bodrum. The structure, built for defense purposes, formed a very important protective wall for Halicarnassus and fulfilled its duty properly. Even Alexander the Great, who wanted to seize the city, could not overcome this gate. Another gate built for the protection of the city, the Mylasa Gate, has been destroyed.

• Address: Eskiçeşme, Bodrum, Muğla
• Visiting hours: All day long
• Distance to hotel: xxxxxxxx km

5. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is one of the historical structures worth seeing in Bodrum. It was built in 353 BC on behalf of King Mausolus by his wife and sister and is also called the “Tomb of King Mausolus”. It is a tomb monument that has been turned into a museum today. 

It is located very close to Bodrum Castle. The mausoleum represents both Greek and Egyptian architecture.The stones of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus were used during the construction of Bodrum Castle. It is assumed that the monument was destroyed by an earthquake after standing for about 1500 years. The remaining parts of the museum are exhibited in the British Museum.

Why should I go? Although there is not much left from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, which is considered one of the 7 Wonders of the World, it is among the most important historical places that must be seen. 

• Address: Tepecik, Turgut Reis Cd. No:93, 48440 Bodrum/Mugla
• Visiting hours: Summer season 08.30-18.30, Winter season 08.30-17.30 
• Distance to hotel:xxxxxxxx km

6. Karakaya Village

Karakaya Village has become one of the safest settlements in Bodrum, which is vulnerable to attacks from the sea due to its location. It was founded after the 14th century and is a very important treasure for Bodrum’s history with its approximately 700-year history. The place where the village was founded has an altitude of 450 meters and the similar stone houses offer a magnificent view.

Why should I go? Karakaya Village is among the must-see historical places in Bodrum as it is one of the most beautiful examples of historical stone architecture in the region.

Don’t miss it! Karakaya Village is also known for its magnificent view of Gümüşlük Bay. Therefore, you should definitely watch this magnificent view when you come to the village. 

 

• • Address: Karakaya Mahallesi, Bodrum, Muğla

  • Visiting hours: All day long

• Distance to hotel:xxxxxx km

7. Dibeklihan Culture and Art Village

 

Dibeklihan Culture and Art Village, which has been in service since 2013, was opened for the purpose of accommodation and meeting the needs of passengers. The Art Village, which is 13 km away from the town center, is located within the borders of Bodrum Yakaköy. 

You can reach the village in about 20 minutes with your private vehicle, or you can use public transportation in the city center.The place, which has won the appreciation of its visitors due to its extraordinary architecture and location, includes design workshops, handicraft shops, art galleries, restaurants and cafes.The place, where sculpture, painting etc. exhibitions are held, film and dance shows are held, also hosts various artistic and cultural activities such as concerts and fashion shows.

In Dibeklihan Culture and Art Village, where invitation organizations such as engagements and weddings are organized especially in the summer months, various items used by the local people in daily life are exhibited in the “Case Room” section allocated as an exhibition area.You can have pleasant moments with the exhibitions, events and entertaining organizations organized in Dibeklihan Culture and Art Village and have an unforgettable holiday experience. 

 

• Address: Yakaköy, Bodrum, Muğla 
• Visiting hours: Every day of the week except Monday 10:00 – 20:00 
• Distance to hotel: xxxxxxx km

8. Bodrum Windmills

Bodrum Windmills are among the historical symbols of Bodrum due to both their appearance and historical past. It is thought that the mills were built in the 18th century and there are 7 in total. Only one of the mills, which were used for their intended purpose for a long time, has survived to the present day completely, while the propellers of the others are damaged.

Why should I go? The ground mills, which are places that people who come to Bodrum do not leave without seeing, are among the most important places to go to take Bodrum souvenir photos.

• Address: Dağbelen, Bodrum, Muğla
• Visiting hours: All day
• Distance to hotel:xxxxx km

 

9. The Ottoman Shipyard

The shipyard, which dates back to the 1700s, currently serves as an art gallery. Behind the building is the Ottoman Cemetery. As a port city, new ships were built for the Ottoman Navy in the shipyard, which was an important structure of that period. Today, the restored Ottoman Shipyard is used for various exhibitions and art events.

Why should I go? There are tombs and shrines belonging to important Ottoman maritime figures in the shipyard. At the same time, the artistic activities held today also make this place attractive.

Don’t miss it! We also recommend that you don’t miss the impressive marina view that you see when you climb to the top of the shipyard.

 

• Address: Eskiçeşme, Neyzen Tevfik Cad. No:5, 48400 Bodrum/Muğla
• Visiting hours: All day long
• Distance to hotel: xxxxxxx km

 

10.  The Apostle Church

The Apostle Church is located on Küçük Tavşan Island. It is estimated that it was built in the 2nd century BC. It is estimated that various additions were made to the church between the 6th and 12th centuries. The island is also called “St. Apostle Island” because of the church. It was built with similar features to the Hagia Sophia Mosque and it is thought that the two structures were built around the same time. The basilica was planned when the church was being built. It has been taken under protection by Italy and Turkey. It is a hidden treasure for history lovers.

Why should I go? The restoration works carried out by both Italy and Turkey since 1996 show us how important a religious stop the church is for the world. That is exactly why we think that the Apostle Church should definitely be on a list of historical places to see in Bodrum.

Don’t miss it! Since the place where the church is located also has a magnificent view, don’t forget to enjoy this view. 

 

• Address: Golturkbuku, Küçük Tavşan Island, Bodrum, Muğla
• Visiting hours: All day long
• Distance to hotel: xxxx km

 

 

11. Zeki Müren Art Museum

The museum, which was established in memory of Zeki Müren, the Sun of Art, in Bodrum, where he settled in 1980 and lived until his death in 1996, is a great opportunity to see many different details about the artist. The two-story house where the artist lived was converted into a museum in 2000 and started accepting visitors. Various documents, stage costumes, and important materials about the artist such as photographs can be seen in the museum.

 

Why should I go? You should add the Zeki Müren Museum to your list of important places to see in Bodrum to learn important information about Zeki Müren, one of the most distinguished artists our country has produced.

 

• Address: Kumbahçe, Zeki Müren St. No:11, 48400 Bodrum/Muğla
• Phone: 0252 313 19 39
• Visiting hours: Tuesday-Sunday 08:30-17:00
• Distance to hotel:xxxxxxkm

 

Things to Consider When Visiting Historical and Cultural Places;

 

These historical places, which sometimes fascinate with their beauty and sometimes help us feel an important event in our bones, are strictly protected.

However, a large part of the task of protecting historical places falls on the tourists who visit these points. If we want these cultural heritages to be passed on to the next generations without being damaged, there are certain rules we must follow during our visit.

 

• No objects should be taken from historical places.
• The environment should not be polluted.
• No fire should be lit in any area.
• Historical artifacts should not be touched.
• No writing or drawing should be done on historical buildings and artifacts.
• When passing through places with narrow spaces, personal belongings such as bags should be prevented from damaging the historical artifact.
• Religious and cultural sensitivities should be observed.