Historical Monuments and Museums in Bodrum

This was built in the centre of Halicarnassus for Mausolus who died in 353 B.C.,by his wife Artemisia II. Artemisia II. was also his sister. The Mausoleum was one of the seven wonders of the world. Today, the remains lie in a pit on the site. The monument’s base measured 32×38 meters and it was situated in the northeast corner of an area whose long side measured 105 m.

According to ancient sources, the Mausoleum was comprised of four sections. At the base was a tall podium exhibiting local and Anatolian architectural style. Upon this was a Grek temple-type colonnade having a total of 36 Ionic columns, 11 on the long sides, and 9 on the shorter sides. Above which was an Egytian – influenced pyramidal roof with 24 steps, and finally at the very top, statues of Artemisia and Mausoleum was not touched when Alexander the Great captured the city in M.Ö 334 B.C. This huge monument stood in the centre for 16 centuries.

The monument was severely damaged in the great Anatolian earthquake of 1304, and many of its stones were used by the Knights of St. John in building of St. Peter’s Castle ( Bodrum Castle). The original reliefs and staues of Artemis and Mausolus were taken to Britain in the 19th century. It is now on display in British Mueum. Replicas of the Artemisia and Mausolus statues may be seen in front of Bodrum Castle.

Up to the 16th century, word “mausoleum” was used only for this monument. But with the Renaissance it became a general term referring to all monumental tombs of this type.

Thus, the English word ” mausoleum”, the French “mausoléé” and Turkish “mozole” originate from the name of King Mausolos.

Although not in its former glory, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is still situated in the heart of Bodrum and continues to add its magic to the town.

The Ancient Theatre in Bodrum

The Bodrum theatre was the focal entertainment point for the people of Halicarnassus. The Ancient Theatre is an imposing structure situated to the north of the old city. It was built into the south side og Göktepe Hill, an area which was used as a necropolis (cemetery). The theatre incorporates all the characteristics of pre Roman Empire theatres. Built by King Mausolus in the 4th century B.C., it is one of the oldest theatres in Anatolia.

Still standing with most of its important parts intact, including the altar just in front of the stage dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine, the theatre has been renovated. And today hosts cultural and artistic events, and can seat an audience of 4000.

Imagining how the audiences of antiquity were able to view the harbour, the palace of Mausolus and the magnificent Mausoleum as they sat on the tiers of the theatre. We can get a sense of the prominence of art in their lives and their fine tastes. Today’s audiences enjoy a dreamlike experience during the summer concerts and stage performances held in this spectacular, atmospheric, historic venue.

The Ottoman Tower in Bodrum

The first shipyard in Bodrum and forerunner to those of today. The Ottoman shipyard and tower are located by the road at the west corner of Bodrum Marina. The watchtower at the shipyard entrance was erected to have forewarning against pirate attack and today serves as an art gallery. The shipyard was founded in 1775 to provide new ships for the Ottoman navy and the first ship’s keel was laid here in 1784.

Ancient Myndos

Myndos is the ancient city that lies awaiting further discovery beneath the ground in the village of Gümüşlük on the far west of the Bodrum peninsula. Renowned for its enchanting views of the sun setting over Tavşan Island at the entrance to the bay. Established by the Lelegians, Myndos was an important port during the Carian period. The stones of the ancient harbour mole now lie just beneath the water of the bay, linking Tavşan island to the mainland.

The mountain villages built by the inhabitants as refuges from the frequent pirate attacks of the 16th century have suffered less from the ravages of time. Gümüşlük was built on the remains of ancient Myndos. Hellenistic column capitals and other architectural remnants can be seen incorporated into the walls of many of the houses.

Myndos was one of 8 Lelegian settlements founded on the Halicarnassus peninsula around 1200 B.C. Remains in the city date to the 4th century B.C. Excavations begun in 2005 at the site of hillside dwellings, a Roman bath, temple, holy spring of the Greek Orthodox and similar places have revealed many movable and immovable artefacts. Later excavations on Tavşan island uncovered bases of temples, a basilica, necropolis, water cisterns and aqueducts. Gümüşlük of the magnificent sunsets continues to preserve the history of Myndos in its depths.