Bodrum Castle, Bodrum

Perched on the edge of Turkey's picturesque Aegean coast, Bodrum Castle stands as a sentinel over the harbor of the city of Bodrum. This historic fortress, also known as the Castle of St. Peter, is a museum that offers visitors a journey through time amidst its ancient walls and towers.

Constructed in the 15th century by the Knights of St. John, Bodrum Castle is a prime example of medieval architecture. It was built using stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which once stood nearby. The castle's strategic location has allowed it to serve as a military fortification, a place of refuge, and even a prison throughout its storied past.

Today, Bodrum Castle is recognized for its cultural significance and is a major draw for tourists visiting the region. Within its robust and well-preserved walls, the castle hosts the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, one of the most important of its kind in the world. The museum showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts recovered from shipwrecks in the Aegean Sea, including ancient glassware, pottery, bronze items, and a shipwreck believed to be the oldest ever discovered.

Visitors to the castle can explore its various towers, each with its own history and exhibits. The view from the battlements offers a breathtaking panorama of Bodrum, the marina, and the blue waters of the Aegean. The castle's lush gardens provide a tranquil respite from the bustling city and are home to local peacocks that add to the charm of the site.

Bodrum Castle is more than a museum; it's a historical monument that encapsulates the rich tapestry of the region's past. It remains one of the best-preserved examples of Crusader architecture in the eastern Mediterranean and is a testament to the enduring legacy of the knights who once walked its ramparts.