Bodrum stands on the site of a Carian city known in antiquity as Halicarnassus. Famous today for its white houses and marina, the town has a past that left its mark on world history.
Halicarnassus
Halicarnassus flourished in the 4th century BC as the capital of the Carian satrap Mausolus. Herodotus, known as the 'father of history', was born here.
The Mausoleum
The monumental tomb built for Mausolus was counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the word 'mausoleum' comes from it. It was destroyed by earthquakes, and some of its stones were later used to build the castle. The site of the remains can be visited today.
Bodrum Castle
The castle in the middle of the harbour was begun in the early 15th century by the Knights of Rhodes as the Castle of St Peter. Its towers are named after the knights' homelands: among them are the English, French, German and Italian towers.
The Museum of Underwater Archaeology
Inside the castle, the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology displays finds from shipwrecks off the Turkish coast. Objects from the Uluburun and Serçe Limanı wrecks are its highlights.
The ancient theatre
On the hillside above town, the ancient theatre is worth a visit for its view over Bodrum bay. Concerts are sometimes held here in summer.
