Bodrum Castle (Castle of St. Peter) is one of Turkey`s most famous landmarks, located on the coast of the Aegean Sea in the city of Bodrum. This majestic castle, built by the Knights Hospitaller, boasts a rich history, unique architecture, and today serves as the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
History of Bodrum Castle
The castle was constructed by the Knights of the Order of St. John (Hospitallers) between 1402 and 1437 on the site of the ancient city of Halicarnassus, where the Mausoleum—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—once stood.
Reasons for Construction:
• Defense against Turkish forces and pirates.
• Control over maritime routes in the Aegean Sea.
• Strengthening the Hospitallers` position after losing Smyrna (Izmir) in 1402.
• The castle was built using stones from the ruins of the Mausoleum, as well as marble columns and reliefs from ancient structures.
Architecture and Key Structures of the Bodrum Castle
The castle has a pentagonal shape and is divided into several inner courtyards. Its walls are reinforced with double fortifications, and it is surrounded by a moat.
Main Towers:
• English Tower – funded by English knights.
• French Tower – the tallest, featuring coats of arms of French knights.
• Italian Tower – decorated with lion heads.
• German Tower – with Gothic architectural elements.
• Snake Tower – named after a relief of a snake, symbolizing medicine (the Hospitallers originally served as a medical order).
Interior Sections:
• Chapel – contains preserved frescoes and Christian symbols.
• Throne Hall – a meeting place for the knights.
• Barracks and armories – where weapons were stored.
• Underground cisterns – for water storage during sieges.
Battles and Sieges
The castle withstood several sieges:
1480 – an unsuccessful siege by Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II (the conqueror of Constantinople).
1522 – after the fall of Rhodes (the Hospitallers` main stronghold), the castle surrendered to Suleiman the Magnificent without a fight.
After the Ottoman conquest, the fortress was turned into a prison and later used as a storage facility.
Current Status and What to Visit
Today, the castle houses the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, one of the most significant of its kind in the world.
What to See in the Bodrum Castle:
Ancient shipwrecks – reconstructions of sunken vessels, including the Uluburun Shipwreck (14th century BC).
• Treasures of the Karaburun Shipwreck – gold jewelry, amphorae.
• Glass Hall – a collection of ancient glass artifacts.
• Gardens and courtyards – offering panoramic views of Bodrum and the sea.
• Amphora exhibition – the largest in the world.
• The castle also hosts festivals and concerts.
Bodrum Castle is not only a magnificent example of medieval architecture but also an important historical monument bridging antiquity, the Middle Ages, and modern times. Today, it attracts visitors from around the world with its museums, breathtaking views, and the atmosphere of its knightly past.
