Attractions Bodrum. The Legacy of Halicarnassus

The unique combination of wonderful nature, festive atmosphere and bohemian lifestyle of the capital of the "azure coast" of Turkey has long made Bodrum a favorite holiday destination for many tourists. Here, a quiet and active pastime smoothly flows into the turbulent whirlpool of night life. And the next day gives new impressions and knowledge about interesting and memorable places, which many contribute to the attractions of Bodrum, providing a unique opportunity to travel through different eras.

The Cradle of Civilizations

Turkey is one of the popular tourist routes. Magnificent landscapes are harmoniously combined with the impressive ruins of ancient civilizations and modern tourist infrastructure. It is difficult 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 of the city has a rich history, which is more than one century old.

Traces of the glorious past on Turkish lands, presented in the form of temples and statues pardoned by time, are now open to tourists and pilgrims. The heritage of Bodrum became the property of world culture . Turkey is not without reason called the cradle of many civilizations. At one time, many ancient settlements flourished on its territory, including Hierapolis, Troy, Perga, Miletus, Ephesus, Halicarnassus. The ruins of the 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. After the conquest of Asia Minor by the Persians, the city becomes the capital of the viceroy of the king of Persia. The entry of Halicarnassus into an empire led him to economic prosperity. It was one of the most beautiful cities on the coast of Asia Minor. Halicarnassus was famous for its strange parks and gardens, beautiful temples and palaces, but the tomb of King Mausolus brought a real glory to the city. It began to be erected during the life of the Karian ruler, but the construction was so grandiose that its construction was completed only by the wife of Mausol Artemisia III.

Halicarnassus Mausoleum

The mausoleum is one of the seven wonders of the world. Its construction was carried out by Greek architects Satir Parosky and Pifei, famous for their erection in Ephesus of the temple of Aphrodite, also included in the famous list of world cultural attractions.

The interior of the tomb - frescoes depicting great battles, and the colossal statues were real masterpieces of art. Some of them can still be seen today as exhibits of the Istanbul and British museums.

The very temple, not affected by a strong earthquake, failed to survive the conquests of the Crusaders. It was dismantled for the construction of the castle of St. Peter. Now only the ruins of the once grandiose mausoleum have been preserved. During the excursions around the city, history lovers will surely see them, as well as other attractions of Bodrum: the amphitheater, Myndos gate, windmills and other monuments.

Amphitheater

The classical antique theater, towering over Bodrum on the hillside, was built during the reign of Mausolus. The amphitheater with a stage in the center and places for the choir accommodated 13 thousand spectators. In 1973, after the end of the archaeological excavations, it was open to tourists.

Myndos Gate

The Mindos Gate is another legacy of the ancient Halicarnassus. The ancient sights of Bodrum have been preserved in the form of picturesque ruins, but they arouse genuine interest among travelers interested in history.

The gate was the main entrance to the city and was built to enhance its protection in 364 BC. E. The design was turned towards Myndos, in honor of which they decided to name. Today you can only see their ruins and one of the three defensive towers.

Medieval Bodrum

At the time of the conquest of Anatolia by Alexander the Great, Halikarnas fell under the onslaught of a long siege and was burnt and defeated. After the death of the emperor, the city passed into the hands of Rhodes and Pergamum. However, the former prosperity was never achieved.

In 1402, the Order of Knights Hospitallers, fortified on the island of Rhodes, there was laid a reliable fortress to confront militant Turks-Seljuks. The construction of the castle was led by the architect Heinrich Schlegelolt, and by 1437 the walls of the fortress were threateningly rising above the sea, showing the power of the Order.

In the heyday of the Ottoman Empire, the fortress served as a prison, now there is the Museum of Underwater Archeology. His exhibits are unique and of great interest. It is a full-size model of the Uluburunian (Phoenician) ship, the seal of Queen Nefertiti and many other strange objects that were found during diving in shipwrecks.

St. Peter's Castle is considered Symbol of the city. It is interesting that this particular fortress gave the modern name to the city. Bodrum in Turkish means "basement", topographers Traced the connection of this denomination with the word Petronium, meaning "Peter's castle". So the fortress must definitely pay special attention, considering the main attractions of Bodrum. Photo of the architectural complex, well preserved to our time, demonstrates the beauty of medieval architecture. The castle impresses with its power and greatness today.

On the hill between the bays of Gümbet and Bodrum there are well-preserved windmills to the present day. Most of them belong to the XVIII century, but they were actively used almost till the end of the XX century as flour milling devices.

These attractions of Bodrum are quite popular among tourists, as they allow not only to view the old buildings, but also enjoy the magnificent panorama opening to the bays of Bardakchi, Gumbet and the castle opening from a high hill.

Windmills are open for visits at any time of the day.

The 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 Bodrum Gulf, which is also called a paradise for diving fans. 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, the natural object of Pamukkale, are located near the port of Bodrum. Attractions, excursions to ancient cities and walks along the coast open up an incredible world of a glorious and majestic era.