The unique combination of wonderful nature, a festive atmosphere and a bohemian lifestyle of the capital of the "azure coast" of Turkey has long made Bodrum a favorite vacation spot for many tourists. Here, a calm and active pastime in the afternoon smoothly merges into the turbulent whirlpool of night life. And the next day gives new impressions and knowledge about interesting and memorable places, which is greatly facilitated by the sights of Bodrum, which provide a unique opportunity to travel through its different eras.
Cradle of civilizations
Turkey is one of the popular tourist destinations. Magnificent landscapes are harmoniously combined with the impressive ruins of ancient civilizations and modern tourist infrastructure. It is hard to imagine how many monuments of history and architecture, legends and their heroes the world owes to the territory of this amazing country. Almost every city has a rich history dating back more than one century.
Traces of a glorious past in Turkish lands, presented in the form of temples and statues, pardoned by time, are now open to tourists and pilgrims. The sights of Bodrum have also become world cultural heritage . No wonder Turkey is called the cradle of many civilizations. Once upon a time, many ancient settlements flourished on its territory, among which Hierapolis, Troy, Perga, Miletus, Ephesus, Halicarnassus stand out. The ruins of ancient monuments of the latter can be seen today by visiting Bodrum.
Halicarnassus
Until 1402, Bodrum was known as Halicarnassus, located in the territory of Caria. In the VI century BC e., after the conquest of Asia Minor by the Persians, the city becomes the capital of the governor of the king of Persia. The entry of Halicarnassus into the empire led him to economic prosperity. It was one of the most magnificent cities on the coast of Asia Minor. Halicarnassus was known for its outlandish parks and gardens, beautiful temples and palaces, but the tomb of King Mavsol brought real glory to the city. It began to be erected during the life of the Karyan ruler, but the construction was so grandiose that its construction was completed only by the wife of Mavsol Artemisia III.
Halicarnassus Mausoleum
The mausoleum is one of the seven wonders of the world. Its construction was carried out by the Greek architects Satyr Parosky and Pifey, famous for the construction of the temple of Aphrodite in Ephesus, also included in the glorified list of attractions of world culture.
The interior of the tomb is frescoes depicting great battles, and the colossal statues were real masterpieces of art. Some of them can still be seen today as exhibits in the Istanbul and British museums.
The temple itself, which did not suffer from a strong earthquake, could not survive the conquest of the crusaders. It was dismantled for the construction of St. Peter's Castle. Now only the ruins of the once grandiose mausoleum have been preserved. During city tours, history buffs will definitely see them, as well as other Bodrum attractions: the amphitheater, the gates of Mindos, windmills and other monuments.
Amphitheater
The classical antique theater, towering above Bodrum on a hillside, was built during the reign of Mausoleum. The amphitheater with a stage in the center and places for the choir accommodated 13 thousand spectators. In 1973, at the end of archaeological excavations, it was open to tourists.
Gates of Mindos
The Mindos Gate is another legacy of the ancient Halicarnassus. The ancient sights of Bodrum are preserved in the form of picturesque ruins, but cause genuine interest among travelers who are interested in history.
The gate was the main entrance to the city and was built to increase its protection in 364 BC. e. The design was turned towards Mindos, in whose honor they decided to name them. Today you can see only their ruins and one of the three defensive towers.
Medieval Bodrum
During the conquest of Anatolia by Alexander the Great, Halicarnassus fell under the onslaught of a long siege and was burned and defeated. After the death of the emperor, the city passed into the power of Rhodes and Pergamum. However, he could not achieve former prosperity.
In 1402, the Order of the Knights Hospitallers, fortified on the island of Rhodes, a reliable fortress was laid here to confront the militant Seljuk Turks. The construction of the castle was led by the architect Heinrich Schlegelolt, and already by 1437 the walls of the fortress rose formidably above the sea, broadcasting the power of the Order.
At the time of the heyday of the Ottoman Empire, the fortress served as a prison; at present, the Museum of
Underwater Archeology is working here
. Its exhibits are unique and of great interest. This is a life-size model of the Uluburun (Phoenician) ship, the seal of Queen Nefertiti and many other outlandish objects that were found during dives in shipwrecks.
St. Peter's Castle is considered a symbol of the city. Interestingly, it was this fortress that gave the city its modern name. Bodrum in Turkish means “basement”, topographers traced the connection of this name with the word Petronium, meaning "Peter's castle". So the fortress should definitely be given special attention, considering the main attractions of Bodrum. The photo of the architectural complex, well preserved to our time, demonstrates the beauty of medieval architecture. The castle impresses with its power and grandeur today.
On a hill between the Gumbet and Bodrum bays, windmills are well preserved to this day. Most of them date back to the 18th century, but they were actively used almost until the end of the 20th century as flour mills.
These sights of Bodrum are quite popular among tourists, as they allow not only to see the ancient buildings, but also enjoy the magnificent panorama from the high hill to the bays of Bardakchi, Gumbet and the castle.
Windmills are open to visitors at any time of the day.
Modern face of Halicarnassus
Today Bodrum is one of the most famous resorts in Turkey. Tourists are attracted by picturesque landscapes, secluded lagoons, entertainment and attractions.
A kind of natural miracle is the Gulf of Bodrum, which is also called a paradise for fans of diving. When immersed, they are given a unique opportunity to explore coral reefs and their amazing inhabitants, caves and wrecks.
Bodrum is considered the center of
sailing in Turkey. Here you can rent a yacht and go on a small cruise, organize exciting fishing, exciting diving. Such legendary cities as Troy, Ephesus, a natural site of Pamukkale, are located near the port of Bodrum. Sights, excursions to ancient cities and walks along the coast open the incredible world of a glorious and majestic era.