Bodrum Castle

Bodrum Castle is a medieval fortress built in 1406 by the Knights of Saint John on a strategic peninsula in the Bodrum district of Muğla. Located between Bodrum Harbor and İçkale Harbor and surrounded on three sides by the Aegean Sea, the castle has served various military, religious, and cultural functions throughout history. Initially known as “Sanctus Petrus,” the castle bears traces of different historical periods through the reuse of stones from the ancient Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Today, the castle houses the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum and continues to exist as an important cultural and historical heritage site under the protection of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Location and General Information

Bodrum Castle is located in the Bodrum district of place area in Muğla province on the southwestern coast of Türkiye along the Aegean Sea. Castle is situated between Bodrum Harbor and İçkale Harbor. It was constructed on a peninsula surrounded by sea on three sides. Thanks to this strategic location, it has been used for various purposes throughout history. Today it functions as both a historical and tourist site.

Construction Process and Historical Background

Construction of the castle began in 1406 by the Knights of Saint John, also known as the Knights Hospitaller. The knights sought to establish a defensive base in the region and undertook the construction of the fortress. The building process lasted for long years, with various works carried out on the castle throughout the 15th century. Time saw new sections added to the castle and existing structures reinforced. During this period, architectural styles from different eras were reflected in the castle’s structure.

Origin and Evolution of the Name

The castle’s original name was recorded as “Sanctus Petrus” (Saint Peter), a Latin term used during its construction period. Over time, this name evolved into “Petronium” in the local language, and eventually the current name “Bodrum” became widely adopted.

Architectural Features and Structural Elements

The castle consists of five main towers. These towers are named after the different country groups involved in its construction:

• English Tower
• French Tower
• German Tower
• Italian Tower
• Spanish Tower

Each tower, while possessing its own architectural details, was designed for defense and surveillance. Within the castle’s interior are large courtyards, water cisterns, religious structures, dungeons, storage rooms, and military buildings. Different types of stone and materials were used in its construction. In particular, some wall sections incorporated remnants from ancient period structures.

Bodrum Castle (Turkish Museums)

Relationship with the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

Some sections of the castle were constructed using stones taken from the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The mausoleum’s debris was treated as a source during the castle’s construction. This situation carries both architectural and archaeological significance.

Use During the Ottoman Period

In 1522, the castle came under the control of the Ottoman Empire. From that date onward, it continued to serve as a military base and at various times functioned as a prison. The church structure within the castle was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period. Throughout this era, the castle preserved its existing architecture while undergoing certain new modifications.

Republican Era and Restoration Process

After the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye, the castle was left abandoned. Restoration efforts initiated in the 1960s led to its building reorganization. In 1964, the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum was established within the castle. This museum is among the first museums in Türkiye dedicated to underwater archaeology. Today, various restoration projects continue within and around the castle.

Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum

The museum is located within the castle’s interior spaces. Here, various archaeological artifacts recovered from shipwrecks in the Mediterranean are exhibited. The museum’s collection includes amphorae, glass objects, everyday items from shipwrecks, and other ancient finds. The museum serves as a information for both researchers and visitors.

Management and Status

Bodrum Castle is under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The structure is listed on UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites and is protected accordingly. Ongoing archaeological excavations and restoration activities in the region aim to preserve the castle’s historical structure.

Visit Information and Usage Purposes

The castle is open to visitors during specific periods of the year. Tourists can explore the towers, courtyards, and museum within the castle. Additionally, various exhibitions, cultural events, and scientific studies are held at the castle. The castle continues to function both as a historical monument and as a cultural center.