Bodrum Castle (the Castle of St. Peter) is a Crusader-era coastal fortress begun in the early 15th century by the Knights of St. John (Hospitaller), who were based on nearby Rhodes. It is famous for having been built partly from stones of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which once stood in the same town. Surrendered to the Ottomans in 1522, the castle has since the 1960s housed the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, one of the world's finest, whose treasures include the Bronze Age Uluburun shipwreck. As of 2026 both the fortress and its museum halls are open together, making it Bodrum's signature stop where you can wander the ramparts and explore maritime archaeology in a single visit.
The Uluburun Shipwreck Hall, showcasing a reconstructed 14th-century BC Bronze Age trading vessel — the museum's signature exhibit
The Serçe Limanı 'Glass Wreck' Hall and the Byzantine Yassıada shipwreck, part of a world-class collection of underwater finds
The 'Carian Princess' gallery, displaying skeletal remains, grave goods, and a facial reconstruction
The English, German, French, and Italian towers, each raised by a different nation, and hundreds of carved knightly coats of arms
Green volcanic stone and marble reused from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, plus the chapel, hamam (Turkish bath), and dungeon
Good to know
SafetyThe castle has uneven stone steps and steep climbs up the towers; the stone floors get slippery after rain. Wear flat, grippy shoes and take extra care with children and older travelers.
SeasonJuly and August in Bodrum are very hot with little shade inside the fortress. Visit early in the morning and bring water, a hat, and sunscreen; afternoons can bring a strong Aegean wind (meltemi).
RulesBuy tickets via the official Ministry of Culture site (muze.gov.tr) or at the box office. The Turkish MuseumPass (Müzekart) does not apply to foreign visitors, and summer night openings may carry a separate fee. Confirm current prices, hours, and any closed day before you go.
MannersThis is a museum and heritage site with a former chapel. Do not touch the artifacts, keep your voice down, and respect any no-photography or no-flash signs.
CautionAround the marina and old town, watch for unofficial 'guides' touting for business and taxis that skip the meter. Buy tickets only at official points and keep your bag in front of you in crowded lanes.
SafetySome tower viewpoints have low parapets and uneven footing. Don't lean or step too close to the edge when taking photos.
Practical info
Bodrum Castle sits right beside the town's central harbor (marina) in the Çarşı district (Kale Cad. 36), walkable from the bus terminal and ferry pier. In high season (April–October) it generally opens from around 08:30, and in low season closes near 16:30, with the ticket office shutting about 30 minutes before; check the official site for exact hours (including summer night openings), fees, and any closed day.
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