Castle of Bodrum : Need to know before go to Bodrum Castle

Castle or bodrum good pleases of turkey. For the past 600 years Bodrum Castle has stood guard of the eponymous peninsula of Turkey. The Knights Hospitaller were established a thousand years ago and in 1402 they called it home by building the Castle of St. Peter. This very important Christian military order converted a Byzantine fortress to a fortress withfour characteristic towers, the English, the French, the German and the Italian.

Positioned at the crossroads of the empire, this castle served as a key stronghold for the knights, fortifying their meeting points and halting Ottoman encroachment into their routes for trade. But in 1522 the Ottomans finally won again after a lengthy siege. They adapted the castle with ingenious work, mosques and bathhouses, in order to command the Aegean coast.

Castle of Bodrum has withstood centuries of warfare and the passage of time. In the 20th century it was reused as a museum. It offers a fantastic insight into the region’s punctuated history today. Visitors delve into its recesses discovering more about the Knights Hospitaller, the Ottomans, and the maritime history of the region.

Castle of Bodrum History

By far its most striking feature is the historic Castle of Bodrum, also known as St. Peter’s Castle. Its story begins in 1402, when the Knights Hospitaller, a Christian military order, chose Bodrum for their headquarters.
An ancient Byzantine fortress was also used in their construction, which adorned their castle walls with strong towers of etamps and piled ramparts. The Templars favored the location as their operating headquarters. The fort was used to protect their sea routes and as a bulwark against Toman advances.
After a long siege, the Ottomans captured the fort in 1522. They adapted it and included a mosque and a bathhouse. However, Castle of Bodrum continued to serve as an important fortress and military outpost for the Ottomans guarding the Aegean Sea.

Over the centuries surrounding the fort, it has seen many battles and stood the test of time. It was restored as a museum in the 20th century. Bodrum Castle is still a must-see in the region. Even today. You can visit its halls, towers and courtyards, learn about the Knights Hospitaller, the Ottomans and the maritime dimension of the entire region.

Why famous Castle of Bodrum

Castle of Bodrum is alternately known as St. Peter’s Castle. This place is steeped in a history that makes it completely different from Annan.

Gateway to the Crossroads of Civilization port: where the land of Hariklar Diari (Land of Legends) has a lot of history. The castle was built by the knights around the elements of an earlier Byzantine castle. However, when the Ottomans captured the fort in 1522, they rebuilt it. The space showcases the many architectural and cultural diversity that Bodrum Castle describes.

 Crusader Era Architectural Marvel: Castle of Bodrumis a great example of Gothic military architecture. The English, French, German and Italian towers remain today and testify to the skill of the Knight Hospitaller’s engineers. Its thick walls, loopholes and moats all made it a secure fortress, dominating the region for centuries.

Scenes of epic battles: The fort has seen some of the most consequential battles in history. The Knights Hospitaller established a stronghold here to protect its trade routes; At this time, the Ottoman Empire was expanding into the region and the knights resisted their advance. The fort was an important siege site in the region from 1522, when the Ottomans finally won.

Became a famous museum: In the 20th century Castle of Bodrum became a remarkable museum. After being saved from further deterioration, it was converted into the Bodrum Museum of Water Archaeology, which is still standing as the only museum in Turkey. The museum has an excellent collection of artefacts recovered from the Aegean seabed, an ancient trade route. Bodrum Castle offers insight into technology and even the lifestyle of ancient seafarers.

Citadel Rediscovered: Today, Bodrum Citadel is still one of Turkey’s top tourist attractions. Guests can wander through its courtyards, towers and halls. Learn about Ottoman life and the region’s colorful maritime history. Filled with shipwrecks, amphoras and ancient weapons, the museum’s collection includes much more.
Castle of Bodrum is a powerful symbol of the natural evolution of architecture and history and is famous for its transformation into an internationally acclaimed museum, and a testament to the region’s multi-layered history. To this day, it is one of the must-visit places for those who want to hear stories of war, empire and the timeless appeal of the sea.

Best Time To Visit Castle of Bodrum

The time of year when it is best to visit the Castle of Bodrum, is up to you! A breakdown of the good and bad timing:

Spring (from the middle of March till the middle of June)

Highlights: Spring weather, emptier castles, wildflowers in bloom around the castle.

Cons: The water would possibly still be too cold for swimming, there can be minority numbers of shops and restaurants open.

Mid-June to Mid-September (summer)

Pros: The hottest weather, you can swim and do other outdoor things (which is really all there is to do), shops and restaurants etc are all open.

Disadvantages: the busiest time to go, the prices of accommodation and flights will be the highest

Fall (from mid-September to mid-November)

Pros: Cool temps, not as many people as in summer, beautiful fall foliage.

Cons: A few of the shops and restaurants will start to close for the season, it may rain a bit (luckily we only had one rain shower), the weather can still be quite unpredictable.

Winter – Mid-November to Mid-March

Implications: Smallest of time to visit the place, cheapest of prices.

Cons: The castle is open all year round, however not all shops and restaurants are. The weather is usually cold with a bit of rain, and the sea is cold for swimming.

The ideal period to explore Castle of Bodrum is in the shoulder seasons, early spring (mid-March to mid-June) or late autumn (mid-September to mid-November). That way, you can enjoy great weather, few crowds, and still be able to shop and eat dine and everything is open.

Personal Review about Castle of Bodrum

Absolutely! Next, another tourist’s view, only a bit more subjective:

Castle of Bodrum : History on the Rocks

One of my favourite things to see on my trip in Bodrum was Bodrum Castle. The architecture is amazing — those great, looming walls, and ram- parts that seemed to have come from the pages of a medieval fairy tale. As I walked through the courtyards, I could almost hear the echo of armor clinking and soldiers drilling. The towers offered stunning views, as you can imagine the sky popped off in color during sunset.

Castle of Bodrum Museum of Underwater Antiquities (a hidden gem! The exhibits of shipwrecks were really interesting, like you could see what the people sailing on ancient boats actually lived like. Large as they were, these amphoras acted as time capsules filled with the very stories of commerce and travel. A tiny, unusually intricate statuette found in the remains of a sunken ship was my favourite — a reminder of the craftsmanship that blossomed in these lost times. With its history, it’s a must-go castle, also the breathtaking views, and its underwater adventures Bodrum Castle!

 Castle of BodrumVisitor review

Bodrum Castle: A Sea-View History Buffs Paradise!

The next stop was Bodrum Castle This was not just an ordinary castle. For somebody who enjoys history, it was a fascinating trip back in time. The architectural design is excellent. I imagined epic battles taking place among those towering structures, especially the French Tower. It was nice to climb up on the ramparts so that I could poke through the small shoot holes, feeling like a real lookout.

What a great surprise was the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Strolling the halls, history was all around — large amphorae loomed over me; shipwrecks whispered old stories of the sea. My favorite part? The reconstructed Byzantine ship displayed as a hologram — it was like seeing it reanimated! Well, it is a beautiful castle but the museum, that is the stuff makes it a prominent thing. Bodrum Obviously, if you are in Bodrum and a history buff, as well as an ocean lover, then you cannot miss going to the Bodrum Castle.

Go on the inside of Castle of Bodrum

So for those traveling to the Bodrum Castle I would provide them such suggestions.

Plan your visit. In tsummer, Bodrum Castle can get very crowded because it is one of the popular tourist sites. If you are looking to beat the crowds, plan to go during the shoulder seasons (typically spring or fall).

Wear comfortable shoes. Visit Castle of Bodrum requires a lot of walking so wear comfortable, walking-in-shoe that you can wear for a long period of time. The castle grounds also require going up stairs and walking up and down inclines.

Bring sun protection. As it can get very sunny in Bodrum please be sure to pack sunscreen and a hat if you are going to be walking around the outside courtyards of the Castle.

Bring water. You should stay hydrated especially if you are visiting during the hot summer months.

Take your camera. Bodrum Castle, lovely photo spot The sights are great to photograph from the castle to the sea coast which it overlooks.

Allow plenty of time. There is plenty to see and do at Bodrum Castle, so spend at least half a day visiting this landmark. The castle and the museum itself could take easily half a day or longer to investigate fully.

Consider a guided tour. A guided tour is the ideal method of finding out more about Bodrum Castle and Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

Bring cash. Some vendors may accept credit cards, but it is always in your best interest to have cash on hand for purchasing tickets or souvenirs.

Obey the laws of appropriate dressing Dress modestly Always remember Turkey is indeed a muslim country and at sacred sites its essential to dress appropriately. That means not wearing: revealing clothes (like shorts, skirts above the knee, or sleeveless shirts) Note, however, that there’s no particularly strict dress code at Bodrum Castle so you can (within reason) decide for yourself.

Memorize a couple of basic Turkish words and phrases. When you visit the Castle of Bodrum, a few simple Turkish phrases that will be useful to learn For instance, you may want to know how to say hello (merhaba), thank you (teşekkür ederim) and how much? (ne kadar).

We believe that anyone who follows these helpful tips won’t have a boring moment at Bodrum Castle.

Better That You Know Some Fact For Bodrum Castle Visitor

For Those Interested in Castle of Bodrum; The Castle with a Few Facts

History Buff:

Indeed, the castle was not always referred to simply as Bodrum Castle. Originally named Castle of St Peter, after their patron saint, the Knights Hospitallers built this castle in 1402.

Architecture Enthusiast:

T HE CASTLE WALLS Behold! Look well into the castle walls! On the side there are 249 escutcheons (coats of arms) (too numerous to know when one has been seen or not) carved into the rock. They used to belong to the Grand Masters of the Knights Hospitaller, regardless of which countries contributed to the construction of the castle, as well as to individual knights and religious figures.

Maritime History Fanatic:

Bodrum’s Palace to museum conversion as Museum of Underwater Archaeology is first in Turkey This is the largest museum in the country dedicated exclusively to discoveries from underwater archaeology!

Perfect for anyone who loves a good story;

Be sure to look for the Towers White while you are there! Another legend tells of a mistress trapped in a tower by a jealous lover – some say her ghost still roams the castle. (There appears to be no truth to this spooky tale!)

Questions and Answers About Bodrum Castle

Why is Bodrum Castle important?

Answer:> One of the best-preserved Crusader castles in the world, Castle of Bodrum rises above the harbor on the Bodrum peninsula. It boasts some remarkable architecture, including the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, and overlooks the beautiful waters of the Aegean Sea.

Bodrum Castle, Turkey

Answer:>Bodrum Castle was built on a tiny peninsula in the western Turkish city of Bodrum.

When was Bodrum Castle built?

Answer:>Bodrum Castle was built by the Knights Hospitaller from 1402.

What the the original name of the castle of Bodrum?

Answer:>The castle was originally called “The Castle of St. Peter”.

What is inside Bodrum Castle?

Answer:>For relics salvaged from the Aegean Sea, is the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology situated within the Bodrum Castle. This has courtyards, towers as well as evidence of its military history.

Is the castle in Bodrum worth visiting?

Answer:>Absolutely! One of the top tourist attractions in Bodrum, Bodrum Castle is a combination of history, architecture and natural beauty.

Entrance fee to the Bodrum Castle?

Answer:>A visit to The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology inside the castle costs an entrance ticket. Fares may differ due to seasonal and exchange rate variations so check the official website for more info.

Visit the Bodrum Castle Time Needed:

You should spend at least half a day going through the Bodrum Castle and museum thoroughly. If you are not specially interested in the expositions, and just want to have a good look, you will be able to spend more time.

When to visit Bodrum Castle?

Answer:>Spring and fall – Collectively known as the shoulder seasons, these bring the pleasant weather of summer, with less of the crowd. It can suffer from hot and crowded all summer, with winter bringing widely reduced hours and many shops closed.

Are tours offered for Bodrum Castle?

Answer:>Certainly by the museum, or even by local guides. The tours offer additional information on the history of the castle as well as the museum collection.

Tips for Visiting Bodrum Castle

What to Wear ** Good walking shoes ** Sunscreen ** Water – in hot month’s Remember to pack accordingly with loose clothing; though not a must, dress conservatively out of respect.

Fascinating Facts about Bodrum Castle

On the wall of the castle there are 249 individual coats of arms- all of them carved in the stone!

It had as its origin an island tht[that] was in process of being joined to the mainland.

TURKEY-ARI-Date:23.08.2016 The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is the largest of its kind in Turkey.

Is it possible to go up towers at Bodrum Castle?

Answer:>Of course, you can take the 4 top towers of the castle — English, French, German and Italian topical views of the harbor, and Bodrum town.

What to near Bodrum Castle

ÂJust down the road is the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, world wonder, well worth seeing. Also shopping hot spots, beaches and historical sites can be found in Bodrum.

Can people with disabilities visit Bodrum Castle?

Answer:>Historic uneven surfaces and steps in the Castle may restrict access The museum is open, but it’s a good idea to call ahead if accessibility is a concern.

The Best Restaurants near Bodrum Castle

Answer:>How in the world could you expect the small town of Bodrum to be named “one of the top 5 holiday villas with cooks in Turkey” when you already know there are so many eateries where you can enjoy authentic Turkish dinners and get a great international meal. The harbour area by the castle is well-served, with lots of options.

Are there any parking options around Bodrum Castle?

Answer:>There are only a few parking spaces near the castle, and especially during high season it can be busy. If desired, use public transportation, taxis, or other available parking further away from the venue.

Languages spoken: 6 languages including English

English: The road signs are English, but only the hotel staff and the go-to guides usually speak it. The signage may also include a version in another language.

Does Bodrum Castle allow you to take photos inside the castle?

Answer:>In general you are allowed to photograph in the castle and museum – flash photography may be banned in some areas. Look for specific instructions

BodrumCastle shopping returns and souvenirs

ÂIn the region surrounding the castle, there are souvenir stores, where you can find Turkish handicrafts, jewellery, carpets, as well as interesting miniatures of historical objects.