Culture of Bodrum. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Bodrum is a picturesque city, the history of which started more than two thousand years ago. In the territory of the city you will find numerous unique prehistoric places of interest that never cease to attract curious travelers from around the world. The local mausoleum is a striking monument of antiquity. Here historians and archaeologists have found a great number of priceless artifacts, the collection of which is now exhibited in the British Museum. The Mausoleum has an honorable status of the oldest building in the city. This is a massive structure, which original design existed until the 16th century. A huge devastating earthquake was the reason for the destruction of the mausoleum. Later, the Crusaders used stones and fragments of its walls for construction of another important building - Bodrum Castle.

The castle is also called the Castle of St. Peter. Nowadays this is the most famous medieval building of the city. The castle is also home to two museums. Museum of Underwater Archaeology will tell its visitors about the most interesting discoveries of recent decades. Among the items exhibited here you will find many interesting items that belong yet to the Bronze Age. The territory of the castle is also the location of famous Turkish baths. The local amphitheater is a no less attractive destination for excursions. Located on a slope of a hill, the amphitheater is a massive structure consisting of three sections. In the 70s of the previous century the territory of the amphitheater became a site for archaeological excavations. Later the ancient monument was opened for public. Nowadays visitors are welcome to visit a huge scene of the amphitheater, well-preserved seats for audience and even a special place for an orchestra.

Myndos Gates are an important historical object. Many centuries ago the gates served as one of the entrances to the old town. Previously the gates were a part of a powerful fortification; today tourists can see only the ruins of ancient walls that once have protected the city from uninvited guests. The only conqueror, who had managed to overcome this strong fortification, was Alexander of Macedon. According to historical data, after the capturing of the ancient city Alexander ordered to destroy almost all buildings in it. Quays of Bodrum will definitely become a perfect place for an evening walk. The city’s embankment has already become a kind of a tourist attraction itself. This is the place where you can also see several interesting old buildings, enjoy a breathtaking sea view or make a ride on a yacht, observing the picturesque coast. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Driving along the road between the cities of Bodrum and Gumbet, you can stumble upon a “windmill road” built in the 18th century. This is a picturesque and colorful place, and the constructions themselves are a kind of wonderful reminders of the time when there were no plants that processed the flour, and all this action was laid on windmills. Some of the structures were badly damaged because of earthquakes, but on the whole, everything was preserved in excellent condition. Besides this, the area with mills is located on a hill, which means that you can find an excellent observation platform here.

If you go north of Bodrum, you can find the ruins of the ancient city of Pedas. At some point, there were such buildings as the Temple of Athena, the acropolis, thermae, baths, and of course, an amphitheater here, without which no antique city can be imagined. The Temple of Athena, located in the city of Pedas, is mentioned in the works of Herodotus. The archaeological findings from this place are dated back to the 7th century BC. The sanctuary of Athena is also mentioned in the “father of history”. It was a medium-sized building divided into 3-4 rooms. According to scientists, it was nothing more than the building of the executive power system.

An acropolis can also be found in the city – this is a fortification construction, without which it is also difficult to imagine any antique city. The building was decorated with two observation towers on the outer walls, and columns could be found at the main entrance. The ruins of the necropolis are of great value, as the ancient ancestors of the locals buried their dead on a high round drum. The crypts were mostly family ones; some of them were preserved in excellent condition. At the bottom you can come across the ruins of the crematorium. You will be glad to know that entrance to the complex is free, and also, that the complex is a venue for some festivals.

Of great interest are artifacts found in the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archeology. Among them you can find clay pots, the remains of ships, jewelry, and glass. History lovers would be delighted with visiting the museum. It is located next to the Castle of Bodrum. Interesting works of art can be discovered if you go to Enver Çamdal Güzel Sanatlar Atölyesi. Here the famous Turkish master Chamdal uses all his skills to display how beautifully you can decorate glass. You can also purchase here some of the works of the artist. Another interesting museum is called Zeki Müren Sanat Müzesi, dedicated to the most famous Turkish star Zeki Muren. In the house-museum you can find gift items from around the world and costumes of the artist, all of which are a kind of works of art.