Travel Tips

No visit to Bodrum is complete without a few hours at the magnificent Castle of St Peter, on the waterfront. The views from the top of the castle are superb and the castle itself is a lasting testament to the effect the Knights of St John had in this area of the Mediterranean/Aegean. They had their head quarters in Rhodes (which is only a ferry ride away) and in the 15th Century they invaded the Bodrum area.
Even if you have no interest in the subtle melding of Christian and Islamic art and architecture or are not slightly bothered by the well preserved state of the site, you cannot fail to be taken in by the views from all directions. The Castle is built from local stone and the archaeological clues in the masonry lead us to likely remains of the mausoleum (Look for marble and different stones (green coloured granite stones) which were harvested from the Mausoleum ruins).
Embedded in the walls are coats of arms (over 200 apparently). The Castle was built on a small island which was eventually joined to the mainland. The Castle defences are determined by the direction the walls face - the sea facing walls are much thinner than the ones on the Marina side. Why? The only possible threat to the Knights was the Ottoman and they were not sailors in wartime, they attacked by land. The Aegean was well controlled by the might of the Knights - a sea attack would have come to nothing.
It is a tiring climb to the top (it certainly doesn't look that high from the entrance!) but look at these photographs and see why it's worth it :-)
This picture is a view over the Marina and the harbour.

This mosaic is an original preserved section of flooring from the castle. It too is in surprisingly good condition considering it's age and the fact that it is exposed to the elements (sheltered only by a small awning.

Another view over the Marina side of the Castle with one of the Towers in the foreground. Just look at those mountains in the background.
Bodrum is built on a series of hills and you can really feel it after a bit of a walk around the town!!
There are a range of towers in the Castle and these are named after the nations that paid contributions towards the building work. The Knights of St John held their stronghold for many years and were never conquered, they left of their own volition after the Ottoman empire attacked and took control of Rhodes.

This alternate view shows the stunning blue Aegean just beyond the harbour enclosure, you can see the peninsula creeping around at the top of the picture and a yacht in the front - one of the many expensive boats that sail into Bodrum everyday and moor in the Marina.

Dodgy chapter title I think but...
This is the view from the far side of the Castle, overloking the Bar Street area. Again the hilly nature of Bodrum is really evident. You will note the dark sunglasses worn by Bob - not as eye protection from the sun but to preserve the eyes following severe alcoholic intake ;-(
Serious Note: Alcohol is bad for you!!

Bob is great sport for stupid shots to intermingle with my attempts to be intellectual and clever :-)
What can I say - Bob leaning far too close to the edge with a sheer drop to the rocky outcrop at the base of the Castle!
Serious Note: Keep an eye on little ones as there are parts of the walls that are easy to climb onto.

Bob was feeling the heat at this stage - we had been at the Castle for about 3 hours at this stage and it is a heat trap. Bob was getting a little bit sticky as you can see ;-)
Serious Note: wear cool clothes to the Castle as it gets so hot.

Back to the Castle again! There are some great exhibitions and remains stored at the Castle and this particular one is usually seen with human heads in the obvious gap - can't even tell you how long we had to wait for tourists to move their heads so that I couls actually picture the statue.
Bob was a great guard dog though to give me a minute to take the shot grrr!! On previous visits Bob would usually be the person hovering at the top of the statue but we have outgrown that childish behaviour...