The Bodrum Castle (St. Peter) (What to See? Tickets, Tips)

Bodrum Castle, also known as the Castle of St.Peter, is a magnificent structure on the waterfront, is over 600 years old and is a superb example of a Gothic style stronghold, where you can walk around the twisting passageways and towers designed to make the castle as difficult as possible for invaders to take. It is a must-visit destination for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to learn more about the rich history of this beautiful town.

Fast Facts

• Bodrum Castle is also known as the Castle of St. Peter or Bodrum Castle of the Knights Hospitaller.
• It is located in the center of Bodrum.
• The castle was built in the early 15th century and was later expanded by the Knights Hospitaller in the 16th century.
• It has five towers and two inner courtyards, and it covers an area of about 30,000 square meters.
• The castle is now a museum that showcases artifacts from the Ottoman era as well as the ancient city of Halicarnassus.

Quick History

Bodrum Castle has a long and fascinating history that spans centuries. The castle was built by the Knights Hospitaller in the early 15th century as a defensive fortress to protect the city of Bodrum from invading forces. It was built on the site of the ancient city of Halicarnassus, which was once the capital of the region and a major center of trade and commerce.

Over the years, the castle underwent numerous changes and expansions, particularly under the leadership of the Knights Hospitaller. They added new towers and walls, as well as several chapels and a hospital. The castle was also used as a prison for a time, and some of the most famous prisoners included the French writer and philosopher Voltaire.

In the 19th century, the Castle was used as a military base by the Ottoman Empire. During World War I, the castle was heavily damaged by British warships. However, in the 1960s, extensive renovations were undertaken to restore the castle to its former glory.

Today, Bodrum Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, and it is considered a symbol of Bodrum’s rich history and cultural heritage.

What to Expect?

Bodrum Castle is an impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of the Rhodes guards the entrance to Bodrum’s dazzling blue bay, in which the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet. It is a stunning historical landmark that is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Bodrum. The castle is filled with history, culture, and stunning architecture that will leave you in awe.

What to See?

The Bodrum Castle (the Castle of St Peter) is one of the most popular sights and spots of Bodrum. The castle is undoubtedly worth a visit. It is a unique piece of architecture that was built by the Knights Hospitaller in the early 15th century.

The castle is made up of several towers and courtyards, each with its own unique features and historical significance. Here are some of the highlights of what you can see inside the castle:

The Towers

Bodrum Castle has several towers, each with its own unique features and stunning views of the surrounding area. The towers include the French Tower, the German Tower, the English Tower, the Italian Tower, and the Snake Tower.

The Museum of Underwater Archaeology

Bodrum Castle also hosts the famous Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology since 1964. It displays artifacts from ancient shipwrecks and other archaeological sites around the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.

The museum is one of the most rare underwater archaeology museums in the world that holds treasures that have been excavated from Turkish waters and also has received a special commendation in 1995 as the “European Museum of the Year”.

The Museum is also home to the world’s oldest known shipwrecks, as well as one of the largest and most impressive underwater archaeology museums in the world. A visit to the museum is a highly recommended on your Bodrum holidays.

The Chapel

The castle has a beautiful chapel that was used by the Knights Hospitaller. The chapel is still in use today and is a popular destination for weddings and other special events.

The Dungeons

The castle has several dungeons that were used to hold prisoners during the Ottoman era. The dungeons have been restored and are now open to the public.

Bodrum Castle is also surrounded by a beautiful park that is perfect for picnics and relaxing walks. The park is filled with colorful flowers and has stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

Visiting Information

Location

Bodrum Castle is situated just at the central Bodrum, just by the coast. It is situated on the coast overlooking the Aegean Sea, offering spectacular views of the sea and the city. Visible from just about everywhere in Bodrum.

Opening Hours

Bodrum Castle is open to visitors every day of the week, except Mondays. The castle opens at 9:00 am and closes at 7:00 pm during the high season, from April to October. During the low season, from November to March, the castle closes at 5:00 pm.

Ticket Price

please check prices from muze.gov.tr

Guided Tours

by Viator

Visiting Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved in exploring the castle.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat, as there are not many shaded areas inside the castle.
• Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the city of Bodrum.
• It is recommended to visit the castle early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat of the day.
• Be prepared to climb stairs and walk on uneven surfaces, as the castle is a historical building and not wheelchair accessible in many parts.

How to Get There

Bodrum Castle is located in the heart of Bodrum, within walking distance of many hotels and attractions. If you are coming from the Bodrum Bus Station, you can take a minibus or a taxi to the castle. Taxis are readily available and are an affordable option for visitors.

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