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The biggest attraction in Bodrum is Bodrum Castle. This huge walled structure sits at the entrance to the harbor in the center of the city.

Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Bodrum Castle

 

Introduction to Bodrum Castle

The castle was built as the Castle of Saint Peter starting in 1404 by the Order of the Knights of Saint John. It was the second most important Crusader castle, fortified using bricks from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. The castle was handed over to the Ottomans in 1523 as terms of the Knights’ surrender in Rhodes. It later served as a prison in 1895 and an Italian garrison from the end of World War I until 1921.

Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Bodrum Castle

Nowadays, different sections of the castle hold the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology (Bodrum Sualtı Arkeoloji Müzesi) which opened to the public in 1964. This museum highlights finds from shipwrecks in the Aegean Sea from the 14th century BC through the 16th century. There are several amphorae, pieces of jewelry, and cutaways of replica ships.  For several different virtual tours of the castle, click here.


 

Towers of Bodrum Castle

There are five main towers that make up the castle and each has its own unique features. Each langue of the Order of the Knights of Saint John was responsible for the construction, maintenance, and defense of their own tower. The towers were built in the different styles of their langues. The German, Spanish, French, and Italian Towers surround the 2nd Courtyard. The English Tower is in the 3rd Courtyard at the southeast corner of the castle.

In addition to the towers, Bodrum Castle contains over 250 coats of arms placed by the Knights of Saint John throughout their time there.

 

Visiting Bodrum Castle

Admission to the castle and the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is 450₺ (as of November 2023). It’s open daily and audioguides are available.

Entrance to Bodrum Castle
Entrance

 

Exterior of Bodrum Castle

First, before entering Bodrum Castle, you’ll notice the high walls as well as a small theatre. There’s also a bust of Herodotus, who was an ancient Greek historian born in Halicarnassus in 484 BC. He’s referred to as the “Father of History” for being the first historian to systematically arrange his materials.

Exterior walls at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Exterior walls
Theatre outside Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Theatre
Bust of Herodotus at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Bust of Herodotus


 

Entrance Ramp at Bodrum Castle

Once inside, you can follow a well-marked path that will allow you to visit the castle in its entirety. Along the way, you’ll notice etchings of prayers and the coat of arms of the Knights Hospitaller above doorways and passages as well as on the walls. The most important and interesting ones are labeled with information.

The first one I noticed was made between 1503 and 1512. It contains three coats of arms placed side by side on a rectangular marble slab. The one on the left belongs to the Order of the Knights of Saint John. In the center is the coat of arms of German knight Heinrich Schlegelholt, the architect of the castle, with a Maltese cross above it. To the right is the coat of arms of Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller Emery d’Amboise (1434-1512).

Coats of arms of the Order of the Knights of St. John (left); Heinrich Schlegelholt (center); and Emery d'Amboise (right) at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Coats of arms of the Order of the Knights of St. John (left); Heinrich Schlegelholt (center); and Emery d’Amboise (right)

Further along is another coat of arms of Heinrich Schlegelholt sitting above a tunnel to another ramp. The ramp on the other side contains a few fragments including an etching of Saint Nicholas.

Tunnel at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Tunnel
Coat of arms of Heinrich Schlegelholt
Coat of arms of Heinrich Schlegelholt
Entrance ramp at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Entrance ramp
Etching of St. Nicholas
Etching of St. Nicholas

At the end of this ramp is an exhibition of cannons as well as some great views of boats in the harbor. You’ll also notice more coats of arms placed into the castle walls.

Cannon exhibition at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Cannon exhibition
Looking back down the ramp at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Looking back down the ramp
Boats in Bodrum Harbor
Boats in the harbor
View of the Aegean at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
View of the Aegean
Coat of arms at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Coat of arms

 

Gateway Tower

Another ramp connects the entrance ramp to the Gateway Tower, which is the official entrance to Bodrum Castle. Above the entrance to the tower is the tughra of an Ottoman sultan.

Gateway Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Gateway Tower
Gateway Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Gateway Tower
Ottoman tughra on Gateway Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Ottoman tughra

Inside the tower above another doorway is another coat of arms. It was made in 1454 or 1455 and contains three coats of arms placed side by side on a rectangular marble slab. The one on the left belongs to Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller Jacques de Milly (d. 1461). In the middle is the coat of arms of the Order of the Knights of Saint John. On the right is the coat of arms of castle commander Giacomo Geltru.

Inside the Gateway Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Inside the Gateway Tower
Coats of arms of Jacques de Milly (left); the Order of the Knights of St. John (center); and Giacomo Geltru (right)
Coats of arms of Jacques de Milly (left); the Order of the Knights of St. John (center); and Giacomo Geltru (right)


 

Ramp

Behind the tower is another ramp leading up into the castle. Yet another interesting coat of arms sits on the left wall. It was made in 1472 and features two coats of arms placed one atop the other. They’re each flanked by a figure on either side.

Ramp inside the Gateway Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Ramp inside the Gateway Tower

The one on top belongs to Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller Giambattista Orsini (d. 1503) united with the coat of arms of the Order of the Knights of Saint John, with the Virgin Mary to the left and Saint Peter to the right. The Virgin Mary is holding a haloed lamb and is touching the coat of arms while sitting in a throne. Saint Peter is holding a key in his left hand and touches the coat of arms with his right hand. The one on the bottom belongs to castle commander Francesco Boxolles united with the coat of arms of an unidentified knight. To the left is Saint Catherine and to the right is Mary Magdalene holding a bell.

Coats of arms of Giambattista Orsini (top) and Francesco Boxolles (bottom)
Coats of arms of Giambattista Orsini (top) and Francesco Boxolles (bottom)

 

Doorway with Coats of Arms

Further up the ramp is another doorway with one of the best preserved coats of arms at Bodrum Castle. It was made between 1508 and 1509 and features three coats of arms side by side on a rectangular marble slab.

Doorway with coats of arms above at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Doorway with coats of arms above

The one on the left belongs to castle commander Jacques Aylmer de La Chevalerie and has a cross above it. The one in the middle is the largest and represents the Order of the Knights of Saint John and Grand Master Emery d’Amboise. To the right is another coat of arms of Jacques Aylmer de La Chevalerie with a tree figure and beam of light on top. An inscription above the coats of arms reads “Lord protect us in our sleep, save us when we wake, without your protection nobody can protect us”.

Coats of arms of Jacques Aylmer de La Chevalerie (left and right) and the Order of the Knights of St. John and Emery d'Amboise (center)
Coats of arms of Jacques Aylmer de La Chevalerie (left and right) and the Order of the Knights of St. John and Emery d’Amboise (center)


 

Southern Terrace of Bodrum Castle

The doorway opens to the southern terrace of Bodrum Castle. It contains the entrance to the 1st Courtyard, an exhibition, and – you guessed it – more well-preserved coats of arms.

Southern terrace at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Southern terrace

 

Coats of Arms

First, beyond the doorway are two more slabs with coats of arms. The first contains three coats of arms side by side on a rectangular marble slab. To the left is the coat of arms of the Order of the Knights of Saint John. The one in the middle belongs to Jacques Aylmer de La Chevalerie and features a fleur-de-lis. To the right is the coat of arms of Emery d’Amboise.

Coats of arms of the Order of the Knights of St. John (left); Jacques Aylmer de La Chevalerie (center); and Emery d'Amboise (right)
Coats of arms of the Order of the Knights of St. John (left); Jacques Aylmer de La Chevalerie (center); and Emery d’Amboise (right)

The other was made between 1521 and 1523 and contains two coats of arms placed side by side on a rectangular marble slab. To the left is the coat of arms of an unidentified knight. To the right is the coat of arms of Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller Philippe Villiers de L’Isle-Adam (1464-1534).

Coats of arms of an unidentified knight (left) and Philippe Villiers de L'Isle-Adam (right) at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Coats of arms of an unidentified knight (left) and Philippe Villiers de L’Isle-Adam (right)

On the south wall are coats of arms that were carved in 1496 and placed side by side on a rectangular marble slab. The ones to the left and right belong to Nicola da Incisa. The one in the middle belongs to Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller Pierre d’Aubusson (1423-1503) united with that of the Order of the Knights of Saint John.

Coats of arms of Nicola da Incisa (left and right) and Pierre d'Aubusson (center)
Coats of arms of Nicola da Incisa (left and right) and Pierre d’Aubusson (center)
Coats of arms of Nicola da Incisa (left and right) and Pierre d'Aubusson (center) at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Coats of arms of Nicola da Incisa (left and right) and Pierre d’Aubusson (center)

 

Amphora Depot Exhibition

Hidden down a stairway to a small storeroom is the Amphora Depot Exhibition. It contains amphorae found in the Bozburun shipwreck, which was excavated between 1995 and 1998 by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology under Fred Hocker. The storeroom itself was used to store amphorae for many years and was closed to the public until it was repurposed for this exhibition.

Amphora Depot Exhibition
Amphora Depot Exhibition

The ship carried at least 974 amphorae, with 928 carrying wine. The others most likely carried provisions for the crew. The jugs date back to the Byzantine era. 35% of the ship survived and was recovered for inclusion in another room of the castle.

Amphora Depot Exhibition at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Amphora Depot Exhibition

 

Commander’s Tower

The Commander’s Tower connects the Southern Terrace with the 1st Courtyard. Above the gate is a collection of three coats of arms made between 1470 and 1472. They’re placed in a “T” shape on a rectangular marble slab.

Gate to the 1st Courtyard at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Gate to the 1st Courtyard

The one of the top left represents the Order of the Knights of Saint John. The one on the top right belongs to Giambattista Orsini. On the bottom is the coat of arms of Francesco Boxolles.

Coats of arms of the Order of the Knights of Saint John (top left); Giambattista Orsini (top right); and Francesco Boxolles (bottom)
Coats of arms of the Order of the Knights of Saint John (top left); Giambattista Orsini (top right); and Francesco Boxolles (bottom)

The Commander’s Tower, which sits above the gate, was rebuilt in 1999 after being destroyed during World War I. It was closed to the public during my later visits to the castle. On my first visit, it displayed the personal effects of İbrahim Nezihi, the last Ottoman commander who lived in the tower.

Commander’s Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Commander’s Tower


 

1st Courtyard of Bodrum Castle

Once inside the 1st Courtyard, there’s an exhibition of a few amphorae as well as several different types of cylindrical altars. The altars date back to the Hellenistic period. Behind the altars is a small café selling drinks and snacks to visitors.

1st Courtyard at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
1st Courtyard
Amphorae in the 1st Courtyard at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Amphorae
Altars in the 1st Courtyard at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Altars

 

Chapel/Mosque

Immediately to the right is a small chapel that was later converted to a mosque. The chapel was originally built in 1406 and rebuilt by Spanish knights between 1519 and 1520 in the Gothic style. Building materials recycled from ancient Hellenistic buildings, including the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, were used in its construction. The chapel consists of a vaulted nave and apse.

Chapel/Mosque at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Chapel/Mosque
Chapel/Mosque at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Chapel/Mosque

The Ottomans converted it to a mosque in 1523 after the knights surrendered Bodrum Castle. The mosque was known as the Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii). On May 26, 1915, the minaret was destroyed by French naval shelling during World War I. It was rebuilt in 1997.

Chapel/Mosque at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Chapel/Mosque
Prayer niche in the Chapel/Mosque at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Prayer niche

On the cornerstone of the north wall is an inscription in Arabic belonging to a small mosque destroyed by the Venetians in 1472. There are also inscriptions belonging to Spanish knights made in 1519 and 1520.

Inscriptions on the Chapel/Mosque at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Inscriptions

Inside the chapel is a glass floor looking down on ancient Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine foundations. They date back to the 4th century BC. The foundations were discovered in 1994 and excavated again in 2019. There were also three tombs containing several burials typical of the Byzantine style.

Hellenistic and Byzantine foundations in the Chapel/Mosque at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Hellenistic and Byzantine foundations
Byzantine burial in the Chapel/Mosque at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Byzantine burial


 

Serçe Harbor Glass Wreck Exhibition

Walking up towards the 2nd Courtyard are two museum galleries. The lower gallery to the left side is the Serçe Harbor Glass Wreck Exhibition (Serçe Limanı Cam Batığı Sergisi). It contains the remains of a Byzantine ship that sunk in 1026. Admission costs an extra is 130₺ (as of November 2023) in addition to the castle entrance.

Serçe Harbor Glass Wreck Exhibition
Serçe Harbor Glass Wreck Exhibition
Remains of the ship at the Serçe Harbor Glass Wreck Exhibition
Remains of the ship

The ship sunk to a depth of 33 meters due to an anchor failure. Mehmet Aşkın, a sponge diver from Bodrum, discovered the ship. It was excavated by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology between 1977 and 1979. Several important artifacts, including amphorae, glass items, and weapons were recovered.

Sponge diver's suit at the Serçe Harbor Glass Wreck Exhibition
Sponge diver’s suit
Remains of the ship at the Serçe Harbor Glass Wreck Exhibition
Remains of the ship
Amphorae at the Serçe Harbor Glass Wreck Exhibition
Amphorae

Several items found in the shipwreck are on display in a two-level exhibition gallery. The amphorae are on the upper level while the lower level contains glazed bowls, glass, and weapons.

Remains of the ship at the Serçe Harbor Glass Wreck Exhibition
Remains of the ship
Glazed bowls at the Serçe Harbor Glass Wreck Exhibition
Glazed bowls
Glass vessels at the Serçe Harbor Glass Wreck Exhibition
Glass vessels
Weapons at the Serçe Harbor Glass Wreck Exhibition
Weapons

 

Yassıada Shipwrecks Hall

A few steps further up the path is another exhibition housed in the former kitchen of Bodrum Castle. Above the entrance is a rectangular marble panel with three coats of arms placed side by side.

Entrance to the former kitchen at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Entrance to the former kitchen

They were made between 1503 and 1512. To the left is the coat of arms of Emery d’Amboise. The one in the middle belongs to the Order of the Knights of Saint John. To the right is the coat of arms of Heinrich Schlegelholt.

Coats of arms of Emery d'Amboise (left); the Order of the Knights of Saint John (center); and Heinrich Schlegelholt (right)
Coats of arms of Emery d’Amboise (left); the Order of the Knights of Saint John (center); and Heinrich Schlegelholt (right)

Inside are artifacts excavated from three shipwrecks off the island of Yassıada. One is a Late Roman period shipwreck found in waters between 36 and 42 meters deep. It dates to around 400 and was excavated between 1967 and 1969 and again in 1974 by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology under American archaeologist George Bass (1932-2021). It was 19 meters long and made mostly of cypress wood. Other shipwrecks are a 7th century Byzantine wreck and an Ottoman wreck.

Yassıada Shipwrecks Hall
Yassıada Shipwrecks Hall
Artifacts from a late Roman period shipwreck in the Yassıada Shipwrecks Hall
Artifacts from a late Roman period shipwreck


 

Gravestone Exhibition

To the right of the former kitchen is an exhibition of gravestones dating back to the Hellenistic period. These grave stelae were produced in various shapes and sizes with inscriptions about the lives and professions of the deceased. Some contained decorative elements including facial profiles.

Gravestone exhibition at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Gravestone exhibition
Gravestone at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Gravestone

 

Byzantine Mosaic

Finally, just before the entrance to the 2nd Courtyard of Bodrum Castle, you’ll find a small Byzantine mosaic dating back to the 5th century.

Byzantine mosaic at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Byzantine mosaic


 

2nd Courtyard of Bodrum Castle

The path up from the 1st Courtyard opens up to the 2nd Courtyard, which features an open area with broken statues and fragments of columns.

2nd Courtyard at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
2nd Courtyard

 

German Tower

The German Tower, one of the five main towers of Bodrum Castle, sits on the north side of the 2nd Courtyard. It was built between 1437 and 1440 on what was the main wall of the castle at the time. It has a semicircular plan with a domed roof and was also known as the Strong Tower. The outer wall of the castle was built in front of the tower between 1480 and 1522.

German Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
German Tower
German Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
German Tower

Inside the German Tower is an exhibition featuring items recovered from the Bozukkale shipwreck. The ship dates back to the Archaic period, near the end of the 7th century BC or the beginning of the 6th century BC. It was discovered in 2013 and excavated in 2017 by Dokuz Eylül University (Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi) of Izmir. 13 whole and broken sculptures, most likely originating from Cyprus, were found at the site along with amphorae from Cyprus, Chios, Phoenicia, and Miletus.

Entrance to the German Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Entrance to the German Tower
Bozukkale Shipwreck Exhibition in the German Tower
Bozukkale Shipwreck Exhibition

 

Spanish Tower

A few steps away is the circular Spanish Tower, which is also known as the Serpentine Tower for the carving of a snake at the lower entrance. The basement of the Spanish Tower dates back to the Byzantine period and was used by the knights as a hospital.

Spanish Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Spanish Tower
Snake carving on the Spanish Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Snake carving

Above the upper entrance are three coats of arms placed side by side. The one on the left belongs to Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller Philibert de Naillac (d. 1421). The one in the middle represents the Order of the Knights of Saint John. To the right is the coat of arms of Heinrich Schlegelholt.

Coats of arms of Philibert de Naillac (left); the Order of the Knights of Saint John (center); and Heinrich Schlegelholt (right) on the Spanish Tower
Coats of arms of Philibert de Naillac (left); the Order of the Knights of Saint John (center); and Heinrich Schlegelholt (right)

Inside the upper level of the Spanish Tower is an exhibition featuring items recovered from the Tektaş Burnu shipwreck. It dates back to the 5th century BC during the Classical Greek period.

Tektaş Burnu Shipwreck Exhibition
Tektaş Burnu Shipwreck Exhibition

From the Spanish Tower, it’s possible to get a good look at the inner moat separating the German and Spanish Towers from the 2nd Courtyard as well as the outer walls and the town of Bodrum in the distance.

Inner moat from the Spanish Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Inner moat
Outer wall and Bodrum from the Spanish Tower
Outer wall and Bodrum


 

Prayer Niche

Finally, outside the entrance to the Italian and French Towers, which are covered in another entry, is a small prayer niche added by the Ottomans.

Prayer niche at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Prayer niche

 

Dungeon at Bodrum Castle

During my first visit to Bodrum Castle, it was possible to walk down from the 2nd Courtyard to the dungeon on the outer walls. Unfortunately, it was closed to the public on my most recent visit in November 2023.

Dungeon at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Dungeon

The dungeon was both the creepiest and cheesiest part of the castle at the same time. Visitors descended down a dark stairwell to be greeted by a ridiculous mannequin.

Dungeon at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Dungeon

 

Latrines at Bodrum Castle

Another attraction closed during my most recent visit includes the latrines, which were situated on a walkway near the 2nd Courtyard.

Latrines at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Latrines


 

Italian and French Towers

The Italian and French Towers occupy a structure at the highest point and the center of Bodrum Castle. You can access them from the 2nd and 3rd Courtyards.

Italian Tower (left) and French Tower (rear center) at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Italian Tower (left) and French Tower (rear center)

 

Italian Tower

The Italian Tower was completed in 1436 by Italian architect and castle commander Angelo Mascettola. It has two levels and several coats of arms placed on the walls. The Italian Tower was also known as the Relief Tower.

South façade of the Italian Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
South façade of the Italian Tower
West façade of the Italian Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
West façade of the Italian Tower
North façade of the Italian Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
North façade of the Italian Tower

On the north façade of the tower is a relief of Saint George slaying the dragon. It sits above three small coats of arms placed side by side. The coats of arms on the left and right belong to Angelo Mascettola, and the one in the center represents the Order of the Knights of Saint John.

Relief of Saint George with the coat of arms of Angelo Mascettola below on the Italian Tower
Relief of Saint George with the coat of arms of Angelo Mascettola below

On the east façade of the tower are two coats of arms belonging to Angelo Mascettola. They were made between 1431 and 1434. Both were carved on a fragment of an ancient column, and one has “Italia” inscribed above the coat of arms.

Coat of arms of Angelo Mascettola on the east façade of the Italian Tower
Coat of arms of Angelo Mascettola
Coat of arms of Angelo Mascettola with "Italia" inscribed above on the east façade of the Italian Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Coat of arms of Angelo Mascettola with “Italia” inscribed above

 

French Tower

The French Tower is thought to be the oldest tower at Bodrum Castle, dating back to the early 15th century. It sits just opposite the Italian Tower to the east and was also known as the Embroidery Tower.

French Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
French Tower
French Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
French Tower
South façade of the French Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
South façade of the French Tower
Turret on the French Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Turret

On the west façade of the French Tower are three coats of arms placed side by side. They were made between 1431 and 1434. The one on the left belongs to Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller Anton Flavian de Ripa (d. 1437). The one in the middle represents the Order of the Knights of Saint John. To the right is the coat of arms of Angelo Mascettola.

West façade of the French Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
West façade of the French Tower
Coats of arms of Anton Flavian de Ripa (right); the Order of the Knights of Saint John (center); and Angelo Mascettola (right)
Coats of arms of Anton Flavian de Ripa (right); the Order of the Knights of Saint John (center); and Angelo Mascettola (right)


 

Lower Level of the Italian and French Towers

The lower level of the Italian and French Towers are accessible via a doorway in the 2nd Courtyard. Above the doorway are three coats of arms placed in a “T” shape.

Doorway to the lower level of the French and Italian Towers at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Doorway to the lower level of the French and Italian Towers

On the top left is the coat of arms of the Order of the Knights of Saint John merged with that of Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller Fabrizio del Carretto (1455-1521). The one on the top right represents the Order of the Knights of Saint John. On the bottom is the coat of arms of Cornelius Hambroeck merged with that of Wallaim Berges, both castle commanders. Above the coats of arms is an eagle wearing a crown.

Coats of arms of the Order of the Knights of Saint John merged with that of Fabrizio del Carretto (top left); the Order of the Knights of Saint John (top right); and castle commanders Cornelius Hambroeck and Wallaim Berges (bottom)
Coats of arms of the Order of the Knights of Saint John merged with that of Fabrizio del Carretto (top left); the Order of the Knights of Saint John (top right); and castle commanders Cornelius Hambroeck and Wallaim Berges (bottom)

Once inside the doorway there’s a vaulted ceiling. The door to the right leads to the lower level of the Italian Tower, while the door to the left leads to the lower level of the French Tower.

Vaulted ceiling in the lower level of the French and Italian Towers at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Vaulted ceiling

 

Exhibitions at the Italian and French Towers

There are a handful of exhibitions housed in the rooms of the Italian and French Towers. Three are in the lower level of the towers, one is outside, and one is at the upper level.

 

Early Bronze Age Necropolis Exhibition

On the lower level of the Italian Tower is the Early Bronze Age Necropolis Exhibition (Erken Tunç Çağı Nekropolleri Sergisi). It displays finds from an Early Bronze Age necropolis in the area, including ceramics, jewelry, and human remains.

Early Bronze Age Necropolis Exhibition
Early Bronze Age Necropolis Exhibition
Early Bronze Age Necropolis Exhibition
Early Bronze Age Necropolis Exhibition


 

Müsgebi Necropolis Exhibition

Across the hall in the lower level of the French Tower is the Müsgebi Necropolis Exhibition (Müsgebi Nekropolü Sergisi). It includes finds from the Müsgebi Necropolis, which contains Mycenaean period tombs. The tombs contained family burials spanning several generations. The exhibition is displayed in two rooms and features ceramics, weapons, and more.

Müsgebi Necropolis Exhibition
Müsgebi Necropolis Exhibition
Müsgebi Necropolis Exhibition
Müsgebi Necropolis Exhibition
Example of a Mycenaean tomb in the Müsgebi Necropolis Exhibition
Example of a Mycenaean tomb

 

Carian Princess Hall

Back through the corridor and outside the other doorway is an opening that leads to another room that now functions as the Carian Princess Hall.

Carian Princess Hall
Carian Princess Hall

First, above the entrance are three coats of arms placed side by side on a rectangular marble slab. They were made between 1494 and 1501. The one on the left belongs to Pierre d’Aubusson. In the middle is the coat of arms of the Order of the Knights of Saint John. The one of the right belongs to Francesco Boxolles.

Coats of arms of Pierre d'Aubusson (left); the Order of the Knights of Saint John (center); Francesco Boxolles (right)
Coats of arms of Pierre d’Aubusson (left); the Order of the Knights of Saint John (center); Francesco Boxolles (right)

Inside the room are finds from a tomb of a Carian princess. The tomb was unearthed during the construction of a new building in Bodrum. It dates back to the middle of the 4th century BC and ancient Halicarnassus. The high-quality items found with the skeleton indicated a royal burial. They include precious jewelry including a gold leaf crown.

Carian Princess Hall
Carian Princess Hall
Jewelry in the Carian Princess Hall
Jewelry
Gold leaf crown in the Carian Princess Hall
Gold leaf crown

The sarcophagus of the Carian princess is included in the exhibit. It still holds her skeleton. There’s also a recreation of how she may have looked based on her bone structure.

Sarcophagus of the Carian princess in the Carian Princess Hall at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Sarcophagus of the Carian princess
Skeleton of the Carian princess in the Carian Princess Hall at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Skeleton of the Carian princess
Recreation of the Carian princess in the Carian Princess Hall at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Recreation of the Carian princess

 

Pedasa Antique City Exhibition

A stairway leads up to a terrace between the upper levels of the Italian and French Towers. In the upper level of the French Tower is the Pedasa Antique City Exhibition (Pedasa Antik Kenti Sergisi). It includes findings from the ancient city of Pedasa, which is near modern Bodrum.

Entrance to the upper level of the French Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Entrance to the upper level of the French Tower
Pedasa Antique City Exhibition
Pedasa Antique City Exhibition
Photos of the Pedasa archaeological site in the Pedasa Antique City Exhibition
Photos of the Pedasa archaeological site

The exhibition includes several impressive finds such as jewelry, statues, tools, weapons, and more.

Pedasa Antique City Exhibition
Pedasa Antique City Exhibition
Jewelry in the Pedasa Antique City Exhibition
Jewelry
Statue in the Pedasa Antique City Exhibition
Statue
Bronze sword and bone hilt pieces (12th-11th century BC); bronze arrowheads (6th-5th century BC) in the Pedasa Antique City Exhibition at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Bronze sword and bone hilt pieces (12th-11th century BC); bronze arrowheads (6th-5th century BC)

One of the most interesting pieces is a pair of eyes dating back to the 4th or 5th century BC. They were found in the Sanctuary of Athena and probably left as an offering. The eyelids are made of bronze while the scleras are made of marbelite. Blue glass was used for the pupils and green glass for the irises.

Eyes in the Pedasa Antique City Exhibition at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Eyes

 

Views of Bodrum

Finally, back down the stairway there are great views of Bodrum from the platform. It’s a lovely scene with sailboats and it may even be possible to see a cruise ship.

View of Bodrum
View of Bodrum


 

3rd Courtyard of Bodrum Castle

The 3rd Courtyard of Bodrum Castle contains more exhibitions and views of Bodrum as well as another tower. It’s accessed via the 2nd Courtyard or the Italian and French Towers.

 

Coat of Arms

A doorway from the 2nd Courtyard leads directly to a building containing an exhibition (see below). On the building is a coat of arms on a rectangular marble slab. It was made in 1462 and depicts a haloed Saint Catherine holding the flag of the Order of the Knights of Saint John in her right hand. In her left hand is a nave. At the bottom left corner is the coat of arms of Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller Piero Raimondo Zacosta (1404-1467). At the bottom right corner is the coat of arms of castle commander Jean Cotet.

Relief of Saint Catherine above the coats of arms of Piero Raimondo Zacosta (bottom left) and Jean Cotet (bottom right)
Relief of Saint Catherine above the coats of arms of Piero Raimondo Zacosta (bottom left) and Jean Cotet (bottom right)

 

Late Bronze Age Shipwrecks Exhibition

The building houses the Late Bronze Age Shipwrecks Exhibition (Geç Tunç Çağı Batıkları Salonu). It features finds from two important shipwrecks, the Gelidonya shipwreck and the Uluburun shipwreck. The Gelidonya shipwreck occurred around 1200 BC at Cape Gelidonya at the western entrance to the bay of Antalya. It was the first ancient shipwreck to be excavated in its entirety on the sea floor. The Gelidonya shipwreck was excavated in 1960 by George Bass for the University of Pennsylvania. The ship is believed to have originated in the Near East.

Late Bronze Age Shipwrecks Exhibition at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Late Bronze Age Shipwrecks Exhibition
Copper artifacts in the Late Bronze Age Shipwrecks Exhibition at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Copper artifacts
Findings from the Gelidonya shipwreck in the Late Bronze Age Shipwrecks Exhibition
Findings from the Gelidonya shipwreck

The Uluburun shipwreck was discovered in 1982 by local sponge diver Mehmet Cakır at a depth of 44 to 61 meters. It was excavated between 1984 and 1994 by the Institute of Nautical Archaeology and Texas A&M University under George Bass and Cemal Pulak. Because divers were limited by the depth to dives of a maximum of 25 minutes, the excavation required more than 22,000 dives to complete. The Uluburun shipwreck is the oldest shipwreck ever to have been excavated, dating back to the end of the 14th century BC.

Replica shipwreck in the Late Bronze Age Shipwrecks Exhibition
Replica shipwreck
Replica shipwreck in the Late Bronze Age Shipwrecks Exhibition
Replica shipwreck
Artifacts in the Late Bronze Age Shipwrecks Exhibition
Artifacts


 

English Tower

The English Tower is one of the five main towers of Bodrum Castle. It sits at the southeast corner of the castle. It was built between 1399 and 1413 and stands three stories high. One door opens to the north into the castle and the other opens to the western ramparts. The English Tower is one of the most important and well-preserved medieval structures built by the English outside of England.

English Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
English Tower
North façade of the English Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
North façade of the English Tower

The western façade of the English Tower contains a carving of a lion dating to antiquity. This lion gives the tower its other name, the Lion Tower. Above the lion is the coat of arms of Henry IV.

Coat of arms of Henry IV above the carving of a lion on the English Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Coat of arms of Henry IV above the carving of a lion

Above the entrance on the northern façade is a larger coat of arms belonging to Henry IV with a roaring lion standing above. The coats of arms of nobles who supported the construction of the tower run to the left and right for nearly the entire width of the building.

Coats of arms on the north façade of the English Tower
Coats of arms on the north façade
Coat of arms of Henry IV under a roaring lion
Coat of arms of Henry IV under a roaring lion
Coats of arms of English nobles on the north façade of the English Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Coats of arms of English nobles

 

Interior of the English Tower

Inside the English Tower is an exhibition on the history of the Order of the Knights of Saint John. It includes a suit of armor as well as the coats of arms of the Grand Masters of the Knights Hostpitaller who served at Bodrum Castle.

English Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
English Tower
English Tower
English Tower
Suit of armor in the English Tower
Suit of armor
Coats of arms of the Grand Masters of the Knights Hospitaller
Coats of arms of the Grand Masters of the Knights Hospitaller

Along the walls are graffiti left by knights as well as a few coats of arms. One group in particular was made between 1437 and 1454 and features two coats of arms placed side by side on a marble slab. The one on the left belongs to an unidentified knight while the one on the right belongs to Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller Jean de Lastic (d. 1454).

Graffiti in the English Tower
Graffiti
Graffiti at the English Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Graffiti
Coats of arms of an unidentified knight (left) and Jean de Lastic (right)
Coats of arms of an unidentified knight (left) and Jean de Lastic (right)

On my first visit to Bodrum Castle, the English Tower was decorated much differently. It contained several flags and a long table as well as weapons and a model ship.

Former decorations in the English Tower
Former decorations
Former decorations in the English Tower
Former decorations

 

Eastern Rampart of Bodrum Castle

Walking north from the English Tower is the eastern rampart of Bodrum Castle. It runs all the way north to where the walls turn west towards the German Tower and the 2nd Courtyard.

Eastern rampart looking north at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Eastern rampart looking north
Eastern rampart looking south at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Eastern rampart looking south
Looking towards the German Tower
Looking towards the German Tower

Along the walls, there are great views of Bodrum and the Aegean. It’s possible to see several sailboats in the harbor and even a cruise ship. To the south you can see Karaada.

View of Bodrum
View of Bodrum
Looking towards Karaada


 

Bodrum Castle Exit

Once you’ve visited all the towers and exhibitions at Bodrum Castle, you walk back down towards the entrance to find the exit ramp. On the way to the castle exit are coats of arms placed into a wall. It was made between 1470 and 1472 and placed in a “T” shape. To the top left is the coat of arms of the Order of the Knights of Saint John. The one on the top right belongs to Giambattista Orsini. The one on the bottom belongs to Francesco Boxolles.

Coats of arms of the Order of the Knights of Saint John (top left); Giambattista Orsini (top right); and Francesco Boxolles (bottom) at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Coats of arms of the Order of the Knights of Saint John (top left); Giambattista Orsini (top right); and Francesco Boxolles (bottom)

After passing through a doorway leading to a stairway down to ground level, if you turn around and look above the doorway you’ll see an impressive coat of arms. It was made between 1495 and 1499. The large coat of arms in the center belongs to Pierre d’Aubusson, with a cardinal’s cross placed above it. To the left is the coat of arms of the Order of the Garter, which is the third most prestigious order of knighthood in the British honor system. To the right is the coat of arms of castle commander Thomas Docwra (c. 1458-1527).

Coats of arms of the Order of the Garter (left); Pierre d'Aubusson (center); and Thomas Docwra (right)
Coats of arms of the Order of the Garter (left); Pierre d’Aubusson (center); and Thomas Docwra (right)
Coat of arms of Thomas Docwra at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Coat of arms of Thomas Docwra

Above a window to the right of the doorway is another unmarked coat of arms.

Coat of arms above a window at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Coat of arms above a window
Stairway at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Stairway

 

Courtyard at the Exit

Once at ground level, you’ll find yourself in a small courtyard surrounded by a couple towers and the exit to the Castle of Saint Peter to the west.

Walls near the exit at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Walls near the exit
Tower at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Tower
Exit at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Exit

All around the walls, it’s possible to spot several more coats of arms. Unfortunately, they weren’t labeled at the time of my visit.

Coats of arms at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Coats of arms
Coat of arms at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Coat of arms
Coats of arms at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Coats of arms
Coats of arms at Bodrum Castle in Turkey
Coats of arms

 

Map with Bodrum Castle

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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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