Bodrum Castle (Castle of St. Peter)

Where it is & how to get there

• On foot: The castle stands on the peninsula between the two bays, 5–10 minutes from the bus station and the marina.
• From the airport: Milas–Bodrum airport is about 35–45 minutes by shuttle bus or taxi.
• By boat: Ferries and day boats dock right below the castle walls.

The story of Bodrum Castle

Bodrum is ancient Halicarnassus, home of the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the early 15th century the Knights Hospitaller of St John built the Castle of St. Peter here, reusing many stones from the ruined Mausoleum.

Each tower was built by knights from a different nation, so there are English, French, German and Italian towers. Today the castle holds the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, with ancient shipwrecks and treasures recovered from the seabed of the Aegean.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Climb the towers for views over both bays.
• Wear good shoes: there are many steps and uneven stones.
• Look out for the Uluburun shipwreck, one of the oldest known shipwrecks in the world.

What's around Bodrum Castle

• Bodrum MarinaYachts and waterfront cafés beside the castle.
• Mausoleum of HalicarnassusThe site of the ancient wonder, 10 minutes away.
• Ancient theatreA Greek theatre on the hill with views of the castle.
• Bodrum bazaarShops and restaurants in the old town lanes.

Questions travellers ask