The Central and Southern Aegean Coast
We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Central and Southern Aegean Coast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Bodrum Castle and Museum of Underwater Archaeology
Built in the early 15th century by the Knights Hospitaller (Knights of St. John), the Petronion, better known as Bodrum Castle or the Castle of St. Peter, rises between Bodrum's twin harbors like an illustration from a fairy tale. With German knight-architect Heinrich Schlegelholt at the helm, the knightly builders plundered the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus for green volcanic stone, marble columns, and reliefs to create this showpiece of late-medieval architecture, whose walls are studded with 249 coats of arms, including the crests of the Plantagenets and d'Aubussons. The castle's towers and gardens are visible from many parts of town, and the name "Bodrum" itself likely derives from the word Petronion. Some of the castle's towers are named after the homelands of the knights who built them: France, Germany, Italy, and England (the English Tower, embellished with a relief of a lion, is known as the Lion Tower, and contains a replica of a medieval hall). The castle now houses the fascinating Museum of Underwater Archaeology, where displays include the world's oldest excavated shipwreck (Uluburun), the tomb of the so-called "Carian Princess," and the sunken cargoes of many ancient and medieval ships that sank off the treacherous Aegean coast.
Kale Cad., Bodrum, Mugla, 48400, Turkey252-214–1261Sight Details
Rate Includes: TL90; audio guide TL30 -
2. Çeşme Kalesi
Constructed during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II (ruled 1481–1512) to defend the port, this castle is very picturesque, with its stone walls often lined with sun-basking lizards and tortoises. The keep is often deep in wildflowers. The castle houses a small Archaeology Museum, displaying weaponry from the glory days of the Ottoman Empire, cannons from 18th-century sea skirmishes with the Russians, and a modest collection of ancient artifacts. Clamber around the towers for sweeping views of the sea and the city; keep close watch on kids around the less-than-secure railings.
Çesme, Izmir, 35930, TurkeySight Details
Rate Includes: TL25 -
3. Çandarlı Castle
Dominating a peninsula 16 km (10 miles) south of Dikili, the castle maintains its regal appearance after 700 years. Originally built by the Genoese and later strengthened by the Ottomans, the massive stone fortress impresses with its five towers and thick, crenellated walls. The interior, although restored, remains mostly open space, but strolls along the walls are possible and the views are excellent.
Bergama, Izmir, Turkey -
4. Güvercin Adası
There aren't many sights in Kuşadası proper, but the causeway just south of the harbor connects the town to an old Genoese castle on Güvercin Adası (Pigeon Island). Once home to three infamous Turkish pirate brothers in the 16th century, the fortress has been restored and opened to visitors, with its tree-studded grounds providing a lovely space for strolling, relaxing, and taking in the sea and city vistas. To the right of the castle entrance, there’s a swimming platform well-used by locals in summer (despite the proximity to the city center, the water appears quite clean) and a casual café serving reasonably priced snacks and drinks with a million-dollar view.
Off Güvercin Cad., Kusadasi, Aydin, TurkeySight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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