Today a lively holiday town, Marmaris has a history going back thousands of years. Its sheltered bay has attracted sailors and traders throughout the ages.
Ancient Physkos
In antiquity, a harbour town called Physkos stood where Marmaris is today. Physkos was one of the important ports of Caria and was under the control of Rhodes for a long period. Its position on the trade route between Rhodes and Anatolia made it a valuable harbour.
Marmaris Castle
The castle on the hill of the old town largely owes its present form to the restoration carried out in 1522, during Suleiman the Magnificent's campaign against Rhodes. According to a popular story, Suleiman disliked the castle and ordered "Mimarı as!" ("Hang the architect!"), which is said to have given the town its name. Today the castle houses an archaeological museum.
The Hafsa Sultan Caravanserai
Just below the castle, the caravanserai was built in 1545. In Ottoman times it hosted travellers and merchants, and today it is one of the most charming historic corners of the old town.
The British fleet in the bay
In 1801 the British fleet anchored in the Bay of Marmaris to prepare for the landing at Abukir against the French army in Egypt. That the bay could shelter such a large fleet shows how well protected this natural harbour is.
Ancient cities nearby
The ruins of several ancient cities lie around Marmaris. Amos, near Turunç, is known for its theatre overlooking the sea. On Sedir Island in the Gulf of Gökova you can see the theatre and walls of ancient Kedrai, while Loryma, at the tip of the Bozburun Peninsula, was an important military harbour facing Rhodes.