One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, was constructed near what is now the Aegean Sea resort town of Bodrum.
A large portion of the exquisite sculpture eventually made its way to the British Museum. The Knights Hospitaller utilized marble and polished stone from that enormous monument for a castle during the Middle Ages.
All over the town, including at the theatre, Myndos Gate, and the location of that mausoleum, are hints pointing to the city of Halicarnassus.
Bodrum is located on a jagged peninsula protected between headlands by coves with dazzling, clean waters.
Best Things To Do in Bodrum
1. Bodrum Castle (Castle of St Peter)
The Knights Hospitaller constructed Bodrum Castle at the start of the 15th century on a promontory to the east of the city's harbor.
The palace of Mausolus from the fourth century BCE is most likely located here, as it has been protected for over 3,000 years.
This building's reuse of stones from the Halicarnassus Mausoleum for its walls—either crushed and repurposed or transformed into lime dust—is just one of its many fascinating features.
With four towers—German, Italian, French, and English—named for the countries in which they were constructed, the castle was an international undertaking.
In 1693, Suleiman the Magnificent took control of the castle, which was converted into a jail in 1895.
2. Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology
A remarkable museum including undersea discoveries from Ancient, Medieval, and Early Modern shipwreck sites around the Turkish Aegean has been housed within the castle since the 1960s.
The largest museum in Turkey dedicated to this subject, it features an amazing collection of ancient Egyptian seals, Roman amphorae, royal Carian jewelry, medieval Islamic glassware, a 16th-century Spanish four-real piece, and much more.
These items are arranged around the old interior of the castle and are complemented by fascinating anecdotes, such as a timeline of Amphorae's evolution.
3. Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
The splendid tomb for the Carian satrap Mausolus (d. 353 BCE) in Halicarnassus is credited with coining the name "mausoleum." Positioned on an enormous platform, this monument possessed remarkable magnificence, standing 45 meters tall, and featuring reliefs on every facet crafted by renowned Greek sculptors from the 4th century BCE, including Bryaxis, Leochares, Scopas of Paros, and Timotheus.
It was the last of the six ancient marvels to be destroyed when earthquakes upended it between 1100 and 1400.
The majority of the polished stone and marble blocks were turned into spolia for Bodrum Castle, yet despite its modesty, the mausoleum's original location is a humble spot due to its significance.
The British Museum now houses many of the better sculptures that were taken out in the 19th century. Until those sculptures are restored, the remaining reliefs, fluted columns, and a stairway offer an enticing look at what was formerly there.
A brief exhibition featuring a video that breaks down the history of the tomb, amphitheater, and castle is also located here.
4. Theatre of Halicarnassus
The Greek-style theatre, built in the 4th century BCE under Mausolus and later expanded by the Romans in the 2nd century CE, is located a few blocks up from the mausoleum site.
The theater's breathtaking view of the Aegean from its cave is evidence that its builder had an eye for the extraordinary.
This amphitheater once held 13,000 spectators, and enough remains today that it can be used as a stage for cultural events during the busiest times of the year.
5. Zeki Müren Arts Museum
Zeki Müren (1931-1996), a well-groomed singer and actor, was a major character in Turkish popular culture and lived much of his life in Bodrum, particularly the last few years of it.
Müren made almost thirty albums and featured in numerous films; his impact is difficult to quantify.
His house in Bodrum on his named street was converted into a museum after his passing.
Although there are many stage costumes and pictures to support Müren's flamboyant taste, which was reminiscent of Liberace, the home itself is modest and conveys a moving image of a man looking for a calm existence.
There is a plethora of jewelry, record players, and paintings by Müren among the souvenirs, and an English introduction at the door will get you up to date on his career.
6. Bodrum Deniz Müzesi (Maritime Museum)
Bodrum has been a shipbuilding hub since ancient times, and the Ottoman warships that were launched here in the early 1800s helped to propel the sector forward.
This shipbuilding expertise was applied to the construction of three-masted gulets (schooners) for trading, fishing, and sponging when demand began to decline in the middle of the 19th century.
The Maritime Museum of Bodrum relocated to the former Bedesten, or bazaar, building near the castle in 2011. The museum houses numerous models of the different wooden boats that Bodrum has produced.
7. Bitez Beach
Although Bodrum's public beach is more than sufficient, if you're prepared to drive a little distance, you'll find several excellent beaches a short distance away.
A little distance to the west is the Blue Flag Bitez Beach, which is highly recommended for families with young children as one of the best on the entire peninsula.
Bitez Beach is a scallop-shaped bay with gravelly sand (bring flip-flops) and a large expanse of shallow, warm, translucent water that is protected from the east by a lengthy headland.
8. Ortakent-Yahşi Beach
One of the peninsula's longest beaches is located ten kilometers west of Bodrum town, where the two villages of Ortakent (to the east) and Yahşi (to the west) have united to form a single municipality.
The two extremities of the beach have different personalities: Ortakent, which is more tranquil and has hotels and vacation rentals behind it, is situated over the Uludere River inlet, while Yahşi is more tourist-oriented and contains stores, restaurants, and a jetty for boat trips.
Every square inch of the crescent-shaped pebble beach will be blanketed in parasols and sun loungers during peak season.
FAQS
Q: where is Bodrum?
Situated on the Aegean Sea in southwest Turkey, Bodrum is a beach city. Belonging to the Muğla Province, it is well-known for its beaches, rich history, and thriving tourism industry.
Q: What are the things to do in Bodrum with family?
Families can engage in a range of activities in Bodrum. Enjoy a day at the kid- and adult-friendly Bodrum Aquapark or go on a family-friendly boat cruise to explore the surrounding islands. Yahsi Beach is a serene location ideal for swimming and tanning. For some history and breathtaking vistas, head to Bodrum Castle. Alternatively, for an educational experience, check out the Bodrum Maritime Museum.
