Castle of St. Peter (Bodrum Castle)
The basics
Much of the Castle of St. Peter is accessible to the public, including its courtyard, the exterior of three towers, and its ramparts, which afford spectacular views over Bodrum’s side-by-side bays. Visitors pay a single admission fee to explore the designated castle area and enjoy access to the indoor exhibition halls of the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Those wanting to learn more about the castle’s history and wider Bodrum can join city sightseeing tours that explore the site with a guide and include stops at other Bodrum landmarks such as the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. It’s also possible to see the castle, and more city sights, on multi-day Turkey tours that include visits to destinations such as Istanbul, Ephesus, and Cappadocia. Other possibilities include multi-day Bodrum hotel-and-tour bundles that incorporate a castle visit.
Things to know before you go
- Wear sun protection: shade is limited around the castle.
- Be prepared for lots of steep steps to the ramparts.
- The castle is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly.
- On-site facilities include restrooms and two cafés.
How to get there
Most visitors reach the Castle of St. Peter on foot: following Mufti Yakup Ones Street (Mufti Yakup Ones Caddesi) from Neyzen Tevfik along Bodrum’s western bay. The closest main dolmus (public minibus) station is at Cevat Sakir Street (Cevat Sakir Caddesi), about a 10-minute walk away. Cabs drop you at the castle, but if you’re driving, it’s best to use the paid parking garages dotted around Bodrum.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The Castle of St. Peter is generally open daily, although the Museum of Underwater Archaeology is closed on Mondays. Both get busy during Bodrum’s peak June-to-September season. To avoid the crowds and midday heat, visit at the start or the end of the day—both happily coincide with the most atmospheric views over Bodrum’s bays.
Knightly Sights at the Castle of St. Peter
Built by the Knights of St. John in 1402, the walls of the Castle of St. Peter are adorned with 249 coats of arms that illustrate their family dynasties—look, in particular, for the crests of the Plantagenets and d’Aubussons. The towers are also named after the knights’ homelands, and include the French and English Tower—the latter boasts a relief of a lion and is nicknamed the “Lion Tower.”
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- Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology (Bodrum Sualti Arkeoloji Muzesi)
- Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (Tomb of Mausolus)
- Bodrum Amphitheater
- Myndos Gate (Myndos Kapisi)
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- Bodrum Peninsula (Bodrum Yarimada)
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- Limnionas Beach
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- Priene