Bodrum Castle, a magnificent stronghold rising from the coastal city of Bodrum, Turkey, is a testament to medieval fortification and maritime history. Constructed in 1402 by the Knights of St. John, it was originally named the Castle of St. Peter. The location was strategic—close to the existing fortress on the island of Kos—providing a crucial defense against the expanding Ottoman Empire. The site itself had historical precedence, built atop Dorian ruins and an 11th-century Seljuk fortress, making it a palimpsest of military architecture.

The construction was a multinational endeavor, reflecting the composition of the Knights of St. John, with sections erected by Italian, French, German, and English forces. The chapel was completed in 1406, the English Tower in 1413, and the first formidable walls in 1437. Despite repeated Ottoman assaults throughout the 15th century, the castle remained resilient. Notably, Prince Cem Sultan sought refuge here following an unsuccessful coup against his brother, Sultan Bayezid II.

In 1523, the castle succumbed to Ottoman control after the Siege of Rhodes, leading to structural modifications, including the conversion of the chapel into the Süleymaniye Mosque and the addition of a minaret. During the 400-year Ottoman period, the castle gradually lost military significance, serving intermittently as a prison and garrison. By the 19th century, many artifacts from the site were transported to the British Museum.

World War I brought further turmoil, with the minaret destroyed and sections of the castle damaged by French naval bombardment. Briefly occupied by Italian forces in 1921, the castle was abandoned for decades before its transformation into the Museum of Underwater Archaeology in 1960.

Perched on a rocky peninsula between two harbors, Bodrum Castle’s natural defenses were further augmented by its robust architectural design. Once an island, the site became a peninsula over time, adding another layer of strategic advantage. The fortress measures 180 x 185 meters and is structured around five towers, each named after the national factions that contributed to its construction: the French Tower (the tallest at 47.5 meters above sea level), the English Tower, the Italian Tower, the German Tower, and the Serpent (Spanish) Tower.

A complex system of fortifications, including double walls on all but the eastern side, enhances the castle’s defensive capabilities. Entry into the inner sanctum requires passage through seven gates, each adorned with heraldic insignias—symbols of medieval chivalry and knightly order. Inside, 14 cisterns, including one beneath the chapel, ensure a steady water supply. Other significant features include the blockhouse, the water moat between the dual walls, a suspension bridge, and the tughra (insignia) of Sultan Mahmud II.

During the late Ottoman period, the castle saw the addition of a Turkish bath, an architectural imprint signifying its adaptive reuse across centuries.

Today, Bodrum Castle serves as the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, an institution that curates maritime history through its extensive collections. Visitors can explore exhibits in various sections, including the Turkish Bath, the Amphora Exhibition, the East Roman Ship, the Glass Hall, the Uluburun Shipwreck, the Coin and Jewelry Hall, and the Carian Princess Hall. Open-air displays further enrich the museum’s narrative, showcasing artifacts retrieved from the depths of the Aegean Sea.

The museum gained international recognition, receiving the Special Commendation award in the European Museum of the Year Competition in 1995. It remains a globally significant repository of underwater discoveries.

Bodrum Castle embodies the military ingenuity of the 15th century, seamlessly integrating Gothic architectural principles with the rugged natural landscape. The fortress, perched on a rocky outcrop reaching 30 meters in height, exhibits remarkable engineering adaptations, including a north moat that ingeniously utilizes the sea as a defensive barrier.

The castle’s historical footprint extends beyond its medieval incarnation. Excavations within its inner sanctum revealed base blocks of green stone dating back to the 4th century B.C., likely remnants of King Maussollos’ palace from ancient Halicarnassos. This juxtaposition of medieval and ancient elements solidifies Bodrum Castle’s place in the continuum of Anatolian history.

Bodrum Castle shares historical ties with the Medieval City of Rhodes, also built by the Knights of St. John, which is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. While Rhodes represents an urban Gothic ensemble, Bodrum Castle is a singular fortress, uniquely preserving elements from antiquity through the Ottoman period.

Comparable sites include Valetta, Malta—another fortified settlement shaped by the Order of St. John—and Crac des Chevaliers in Syria, a Crusader stronghold inscribed for its exemplary military architecture. However, Bodrum Castle stands apart due to its integration of Hellenistic ruins, its adaptation to a maritime setting, and its enduring visual harmony with the surrounding landscape.

Visitor Information

• Location: Central Bodrum, adjacent to the marina
• Opening Hours:
  • April to October: 08:30 – 18:30
  • November to March: 08:30 – 16:30 (last entry 30 minutes before closing)
• Entrance Fee:
  • As of October 2024: 23 EUR (includes entrance to the castle, an audio guide, and museum admission)
  • Free with an Aegean MuseumPass

Facilities and Travel Tips

• Amenities: Restrooms, cafes, and a gift shop are available on-site.
• Best Visiting Time: Morning hours are ideal for avoiding the heat and crowds.
• Footwear: Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended due to steep and uneven surfaces.
• Sun Protection: Hats, sunscreen, and ample water are essential for a comfortable visit.
• Estimated Duration: 1-4 hours, depending on exploration pace and interest in exhibits.

History of Bodrum Castle

Origins and Early Construction

Confronted with the burgeoning Ottoman Sultanate, the Knights Hospitaller sought to fortify their stronghold beyond the island of Rhodes. Grand Master Philibert de Naillac (1396–1421) identified a strategic site across from Kos, where a previous fortification had stood since Doric times (circa 1110 BC). The site, steeped in historical significance, had also been home to a Seljuk castle in the 11th century and was believed to be the location of the Palace of Mausolos, the renowned King of Caria. This assertion was reinforced by Charles Boileau Elliot, who, in his 1840 travel diary Travels in Asia Minor, described the structure with unwavering certainty.

Construction of St. Peter’s Castle commenced in 1404 under the meticulous supervision of German knight-architect Heinrich Schlegelholt. Workers toiled with an unusual incentive—a Papal Decree in 1409 guaranteed them a place in heaven. They employed squared green volcanic stone, marble columns, and reliefs salvaged from the nearby Mausoleum of Halicarnassus to bolster the castle’s defenses.

Architectural Advancements and Defensive Features

By 1437, the initial fortifications had taken form, with the chapel emerging as one of the earliest completed internal structures, likely in 1406. Originally simple in design, it was later reconstructed in the Gothic style by Spanish Knights of Malta in 1519–1520, with their names etched onto two cornerstone plaques. The castle boasted fourteen rainwater-collecting cisterns, ingeniously excavated into the bedrock. The skilled family responsible for this remarkable feat earned the honorary title “Burrows” for their exceptional tunneling prowess.

A distinctive feature of the fortress was its organization by langue—each regional group of the Order maintained its own tower in a unique architectural style. Every langue, led by a Bailiff, bore responsibility for manning and defending a designated portion of the castle. The fortress had seven gates leading inward, each designed with strategic complexity. The winding pathways ensured that invaders faced unrelenting fire from arrows, stones, and scorching projectiles without reprieve.

In a striking testament to the Knights’ heraldic traditions, the walls bore an array of 249 coats of arms, including those of grand masters, castle commanders, various nations, and individual knights. These embellishments transformed the fortress into a vibrant tapestry of medieval chivalry and allegiance.

The English Tower and Strategic Importance

The English Tower, a three-storied bastion, was completed in 1413. It featured two doors—one opening to the castle’s core and the other leading to the western rampart, accessible only via drawbridge. A striking relief of a lion adorned the western façade, earning it the alternate name “Lion Tower.” Above this emblem, the coat of arms of King Henry IV of England was prominently displayed.

For over a century, St. Peter’s Castle ranked as the second most vital stronghold of the Order, serving as a refuge for Christians in Asia Minor. However, as the Ottoman Empire expanded, it became a target for assault. Following the fall of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II laid siege to the fortress in 1480. The Knights successfully repelled the attack, only to later offer sanctuary to Prince Cem Sultan, son of Mehmed II, after his failed rebellion against his brother, Bayezid II, in 1482.

Strengthening the Fortress in the Face of Ottoman Aggression

Anticipating future hostilities, the Knights reinforced the castle in 1494, utilizing stones from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus once again. The land-facing walls were significantly thickened to withstand increasingly powerful artillery, while the sea-facing defenses remained relatively slender due to the Order’s formidable naval dominance. Grand Master Fabrizio del Carretto (1513–21) spearheaded additional fortifications, including the construction of a round bastion to bolster the landward defenses.

Between 1505 and 1507, the Knights integrated surviving sculptures from the Mausoleum into the castle, repurposing twelve slabs of the Amazonomachy (depicting battles between Greeks and Amazons), a fragment of the Centauromachy, and various lion and leopard statues.

The Siege of Rhodes and the Ottoman Takeover

As Sultan Suleiman prepared for an all-out offensive against the Knights, Grand Master Philippe Villiers de L’Isle-Adam ordered further fortifications. By 1522, the castle had absorbed nearly every remaining stone of the Mausoleum. That same year, Suleiman launched a massive siege on Rhodes with an army of 200,000 soldiers. By December, the Order capitulated, surrendering not only Rhodes but also their fortresses in Kos and St. Peter’s Castle in Bodrum.

Following the Ottoman conquest, the chapel was repurposed into a mosque, complete with a minaret, and was named the Süleymaniye Camii. The 17th-century traveler Evliya Chelebi recorded this transformation during his visit to Bodrum in 1671. However, in World War I, French naval bombardment in 1915 toppled the minaret, which was only restored in 1997.

19th Century and the Legacy of St. Peter’s Castle

In 1846, Lord Canning, then British Ambassador to Constantinople, secured permission to remove twelve marble reliefs from the castle, depicting battles between Greeks and Amazons. A decade later, Sir Charles Newton, affiliated with the British Museum, conducted extensive excavations, transporting several stone lions and a leopard to London, where they remain to this day.

Over the centuries, St. Peter’s Castle adapted to shifting political and military tides. It functioned as a military outpost for the Turkish Army during the Greek Revolt of 1824 and later underwent further modifications. A hamam (public bath) was added, and by 1895, the fortress had been repurposed as a prison.

The castle endured yet another bombardment in World War I, suffering damage to its towers and losing its minaret. Following the war, Italian forces briefly occupied the site before vacating in 1921 when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk rose to power. For the next forty years, St. Peter’s Castle stood abandoned, a silent sentinel overlooking the Aegean.

Museum of Underwater Archaeology

The Transformation of Bodrum Castle

Bodrum Castle, situated along the scenic coastline of Bodrum, Turkey, has served for centuries as a guardian of maritime heritage. In 1962, the Turkish government transformed this medieval fortress into a museum focused on underwater archaeology, a significant initiative that would enhance the examination of ancient shipwrecks. Currently, the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is the preeminent institution of its type, providing insight into the submerged history of the Aegean Sea.

The Museum’s Extraordinary Collection

The museum’s extensive collection includes objects salvaged from historical shipwrecks, encompassing amphoras, glassware, and relics made of bronze, clay, and iron. Most of these objects were unearthed through underwater excavations conducted by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA) since the 1960s. Each discovery adds to a complex tale of maritime navigation, commerce, and cultural interchange over thousands of years.

Notable Shipwrecks and Their Discoveries

The museum houses remarkable artifacts from a series of meticulously excavated shipwrecks:

• Finike-Gelidonya Shipwreck (12th century BC): Unearthed between 1958 and 1959, this wreck was Turkey’s first underwater excavation, offering insights into early Bronze Age maritime trade.
• Bodrum-Yassiada Shipwreck (Byzantine, 7th century AD): Excavated from 1961 to 1964, this Roman merchant vessel was laden with 900 amphoras, providing a glimpse into Byzantine commerce.
• Bodrum-Yassiada Shipwreck (Late Roman, 4th century AD): Another significant wreck from the Yassiada site, shedding light on Late Antiquity maritime practices.
• Bodrum-Yassiada Shipwreck (Ottoman, 16th century AD): Identified by a silver four-real coin from Seville, this vessel represents the extensive reach of Ottoman trade.
• Ṣeytan Deresi Shipwreck (16th century BC): A rare find from the Late Bronze Age, further enriching the museum’s prehistoric maritime collection.
• Serçe Limanı Shipwreck (Glass, 11th century AD): Excavated in 1977, this site yielded an extraordinary collection of Islamic glassware.
• Marmaris-Serçe Harbour Shipwreck (Hellenistic, 3rd century BC): A well-preserved wreck from the Hellenistic period, offering valuable trade artifacts.
• Kaṣ-Uluburun Shipwreck (14th century BC): Excavated between 1982 and 1995, this Bronze Age shipwreck revealed a treasure trove: ten tons of Cypriot copper ingots, one ton of pure tin ingots, 150 glass ingots, Mycenaean pottery, Egyptian seals—including one bearing Queen Nefertiti’s name—and exquisite jewelry.
• Tektaṣ Burnu Classical Greek Shipwreck (5th century BC): Excavated between 1999 and 2001, this wreck highlights the Classical Greek influence on Mediterranean trade.

Specialized Exhibition Halls

The museum features several dedicated exhibition halls, each providing a unique perspective on maritime history:

• The Former Chapel: Showcasing Mycenaean vases and amphoras from the 14th to 12th centuries BC, as well as Bronze Age artifacts dating back to 2500 BC. The commercial amphoras illustrate the evolution of amphora design and their vital role in ancient trade networks.
• The Italian Tower: Home to an extensive numismatic and jewelry collection, this exhibit spans multiple civilizations, reflecting the artistry and economic exchanges of ancient societies.
• The Carian Princess Hall: A chamber dedicated to the tomb of a Carian princess, who lived between 360 and 325 BC. Her burial artifacts provide insight into Carian nobility and funerary customs.
• The Glass Hall: Housing one of the world’s four largest collections of ancient glass objects, this exhibit underscores the craftsmanship and aesthetic sophistication of ancient glassmakers.

Reconstructed Ancient Shipwrecks

The museum takes its commitment to maritime history a step further by reconstructing two ancient shipwrecks:

• The Fatımi Ship: This vessel, which sank in 1077 AD, has been painstakingly recreated to illustrate the seafaring advancements of the medieval Islamic world.
• The Uluburun Shipwreck: One of the most significant Bronze Age shipwrecks ever discovered, this 14th-century BC vessel has been reconstructed to showcase its original cargo and design.

The Castle’s Mediterranean Garden

Nestled within the castle walls, the museum’s lush garden serves as a living exhibit of Mediterranean flora. Nearly every species indigenous to the region is represented, from the fragrant myrtle to the stately plane tree. The vibrant landscape is further enlivened by peacocks with iridescent plumage strutting beneath flowering canopies, creating an atmosphere of serene grandeur.

A Panoramic View of Bodrum

From the castle’s towering ramparts, visitors are rewarded with sweeping views of Bodrum’s sun-drenched coastline and the azure waters of the Aegean. The sightlines extend to neighboring bays, offering a breathtaking perspective that ties the museum’s ancient maritime past to the present.