Bodrum
An impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes guards the entrance to Bodrum's dazzling blue bay, in which the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas meet. Bodrum has gained the reputation as the center of the Turkish art community with its lively, friendly and Bohemian atmosphere and many small galleries.
This community has encouraged an informal day-time life style and a night-time of excitement. The evenings in Bodrum are for sitting idly in one of the many restaurants, dining on fresh seafood and other Aegean specialties. Afterwards night clubs (some with cabaret) and superb discos keep you going until dawn. The beautiful Bodrum Peninsula suits both holidaymakers interested in a subdued and relaxing atmosphere and history buffs. |
Places to visit: Castle of St. Peter, The Underwater Archeology Museum, The Antique Theater,
The Remains of Mausoleum.
Castle of St. Peter: The Crusader castle of Saint Peter, or Petronium dominates the town as a major survivor of its past. Standing on a promontory by the harbor which is bathed in surrealistic silver and gold floodlights at night, it was built by the Knights of St. John.
The Underwater Archeology Museum: Bodrum Museum of the Underwater Archeology is located inside the Bodrum (St. Peter) Castle. Opened in 1960, the museum is recognized as one of the finest of its kind in the world.
The Antique Theater: The date of the construction of this amphitheatre refers to the times of King Mausolous' reign. Later, during Roman period, the theater was restored and some details were added: for example, a special barrier was raised in order to limit the area for barbarian battles, which was a popular entertainment at those times. It was calculated that the theatre had 13 000 seats, and on the best ones the names of those for whom the seats were reserved were engraved.
The Remains of Mausoleum: King Mausolous' Tomb (4th century B.C.), or the Mausoleum, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Constructed to the memory of the ambitious king, who ruled Haikarnassus and was awarded the Persian title of satrap, it was built by his widow after his death.
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