Plizio Visual Lab

Bodrum Castle

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

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Bodrum Castle, officially known as the Castle of St. Peter, was constructed starting in 1402 by the Knights Hospitaller (Knights of St. John). The fortress stands on a rocky peninsula that was once the ancient island of Zephyria and was built partly using stones from the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The castle features five main towers: the English, French, German, Italian, and Snake towers, each assigned to the various 'tongues' or nationalities of the order. Following the Ottoman conquest by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1522, the castle was used as a military garrison and later as a prison. Since the 1960s, it has housed the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, exhibiting world-class finds from ancient shipwrecks in the Aegean Sea, making it a key historical and cultural destination.

Location: Turkey
Top sights: Almera Beach · WOW Beach · Bodrum Halk Plajı
Nearby: Gürece (9 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	12	13	14	17	21	25	28	28	25	21	18	14
Rain mm	152	109	63	43	24	6	2	2	20	49	95	150

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Bodrum Castle is open to the public and houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Most of the fortress, including courtyards and towers, can be explored.

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Typical hours

The museum is typically open daily from morning until late afternoon, with seasonal variations. Summer hours are longer; it's best to check online in advance.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the castle grounds and in most museum rooms. Flash may be prohibited in certain exhibition areas; look for signage.

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Time needed

Allow at least two to three hours for a thorough tour of the castle and museum. If you wish to see all towers and the underwater finds, budget even more time.

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Combine with

Combine the castle visit with a stroll along the harbor promenade and a visit to the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. The nearby amphitheater is also worth a stop.

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Getting there

The castle is located in central Bodrum, right at the harbor. It is easily reached on foot from the bus station and most hotels; parking is limited in the area.

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Insider tip

Visit the castle early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cool breeze. Take time to climb the lighthouse tower for a fantastic view over the bay.

Geography

Coordinates

37.03190, 27.42840

Facts

The castle covers a total area of approximately 30,000 square meters.
Construction was led by the German architect Heinrich Schlegelholt.
There are nearly 250 coats of arms of various knights and noble families embedded in the walls.
The museum houses the Uluburun shipwreck, the oldest known seagoing merchant ship in the world (14th century BC).
Following the Ottoman takeover in 1523, a mosque with a minaret was added to the complex.
Bodrum Castle was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2016.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bodrum<1 km · NEExplore →

Gürece9 km · WExplore →

Gölköy10 km · NWExplore →

Gündoğan13 km · NWExplore →

Küçükbük13 km · NWExplore →

Akyarlar14 km · SWExplore →

Yalıkavak15 km · NWExplore →

Koyunbaba17 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Bodrum Castle (3)

Almera Beach 🎡 recreation

Positioned near the iconic surroundings of Bodrum Castle, Almera Beach injects coastal charm into Turkey's historical landscape. The area thrives on a lively, touristic energy, first-rate for those wanting to sunbathe and swim with a view of ancient landmarks. Arriving early in the summer allows you to claim a prime spot before the lively crowds roll in.

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WOW Beach 🎡 recreation

Adding a splash of modernity near Bodrum Castle, WOW Beach is an energetic waterside destination in Turkey. Visitors flock here for a highly sociable atmosphere, driven by sunbathing, refreshing swims, and bustling coastal entertainment. Preparing for a lively afternoon out ensures you will thoroughly enjoy the dynamic spirit of this resort-style shoreline.

Bodrum Halk Plajı 🎡 recreation

Public beach at the foot of Bodrum Castle.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is inside the castle?

It houses the significant Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

How much time do I need for a visit?

About 2-3 hours are enough to see the castle and exhibitions.

Is the castle accessible?

No, there are many stairs and uneven paths in the complex.

When is it closed?

The castle is closed to visitors on Mondays.

Is there a nice view?

Yes, from the walls you have a magnificent view over the harbor of Bodrum.

Bodrum Castle: where is it located?

Bodrum Castle is located in Turkey.

Bodrum Castle: what is there to see?

Highlights include Almera Beach, WOW Beach, Bodrum Halk Plajı.

Bodrum Castle: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

Bodrum Castle: why is it worth visiting?

Bodrum Castle, officially known as the Castle of St.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →

Bodrum Castle

Best time to visit & climate