If you love exploring the culture and want to see something more ancient than the famous Bodrum Castle, than head out to the remains of the Bodrum Mausoleum Museum, also known as the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, which is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Bodrum Mausoleum Museum is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in history, archaeology, or ancient architecture. Its ruins are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the ancient world, and they provide a window into a time and place that has long since vanished.
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What to Expect?
The Bodrum Mausoleum Museum, also known as the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, is an ancient tomb that was built in the 4th century BC for King Mausolus and his wife Artemisia. Here, you can explore the ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and learn about the fascinating story of its construction, destruction, and rediscovery.
Not much has been left remaining after it was destroyed between 1000 A.D. and 1400 A.D. and survived for more than 1600 years. But still it worth a visit with its beautiful area with several remains, gardens and landscape.
You’ll see several foundations and a collection of the many battle scene friezes, which are on display next to the remains.
Whether you’re a casual visitor or a serious scholar, a visit to the Mausoleum is recommended to feel the ancient times and have a picture of yourself by one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Fast Facts
- It is dedicated to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
- The museum has a vast collection of artifacts related to the mausoleum
- The museum is open to the public every day
- Visitors can enjoy audio guides in several languages
Quick History
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was a tomb built for King Mausolus of Caria in the 4th century BC. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was known for its elaborate sculptures and architecture. However, it was destroyed by an earthquake in the 13th century, and the remains were eventually used to build a castle in Bodrum in the 15th century.
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When completed around 350 B.C., it was 50 meters high, and was rising over the Bodrum peninsula with a 24 step pyramid and chariot on top, and each side was decorated with friezes of battle scenes between the Greeks and Amazons.
Mausoleum means the memorial tomb of Maussolus. The Maussollos, a member of the Hecatomnos family, who was assigned as a Satrap to the Caria region by the Persians, began the construction for himself in 355 B.C., to show the world the greatness of his power continued after his death.
After his death in 353, his wife Artemisia continued the construction and following her death in 351, it was completed by the efforts of several sculptors of the era.
In the 20th century, the Turkish government established the Bodrum Mausoleum Museum to house the many artifacts that had been discovered at the site. Today, visitors can explore the museum and learn more about the history and culture of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.
What to See?
Although the mausoleum was destroyed by earthquakes and plundered by invaders over the centuries, its ruins are still an impressive sight to behold. Here are some of the most interesting things to see at the Bodrum Mausoleum Museum.
The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive at the museum is the massive platform that once supported the mausoleum. If you look closely at the base of the platform, you can see the remains of the mausoleum’s foundations. These massive blocks of stone were once part of the walls that supported the main structure.
The mausoleum was decorated with elaborate friezes that depicted scenes from Greek mythology and the life of King Mausolus. Some of these friezes were removed and taken to the British Museum in the 19th century, but you can still see some of them on display at the Bodrum Mausoleum Museum.
In addition to the ruins of the mausoleum, the museum also features a collection of artifacts from the site, including sculptures, inscriptions, and decorative elements. These exhibits provide insight into the art and culture of the ancient world and help bring the story of the mausoleum to life.
The area is also set in a beautiful garden that features trees, flowers, and a small pool. This tranquil setting provides a peaceful backdrop for exploring the ruins of the mausoleum and learning about its history.
Visiting Information
Location
The Bodrum Mausoleum Museum is located in the central part of Bodrum, on the Turgutreis Street, leading to the Bodrum Castle. It is situated close to other major attractions like the Bodrum Amphitheater and the Myndos Gate.
Opening Hours
The museum is open daily from 08:30 am to 07:00 pm.
Tickets
please check prices from muze.gov.tr
Guided Tours
by Viator
Visiting Tips
- To make the most of your visit to the Bodrum Mausoleum Museum, it is advisable to hire a professional guide who can explain the historical significance of the exhibits.
- The museum is housed in an outdoor area, so it is best to visit during pleasant weather.
- The museum is one of the most popular attractions in the city, so it is recommended to visit early in the day to avoid the crowds.
How to Get there
The Bodrum Mausoleum Museum is easily accessible by local transportation. Visitors can take a dolmus (shared taxi) or bus to Bodrum city center and then walk to the museum. Alternatively, visitors can also take a taxi directly to the museum.
