MARMARIS CASTLE

According to historian Herodotusthere has been a castle in Marmaris since 3000 B.C. Long after this, during the Hellenistic Age, Alexander the Great invaded Caria and the castle was besieged. The 600 inhabitants of the town realized that they had no chance against the invading army and burned their valuables in the castle before escaping to the hills with their women and children.

The invaders realized the strategic value of the castle and repaired several of the destroyed sections to house a few hundred soldiers before the main army returned home. The 17th century writer Evliya Celebi mntions the castle, which was rebuilt by Kanuni Sultan Suleyman in 1522 when he invaded Rhodes. Since 1979 restoration work has been continuing at the castle in order to restore it near its original condition. Under the auspice of the Ministry of Culture the castle has been converted into a museum. There are 7 galleries, the largest of which is used as an exhibition hall and the courtyard is decorated with seasonal flowers. In addition to the permanent displays, cultural and artistic activities are offered.

For a visit of the Ottoman Marmaris remains start at the Caravanserai, an inn built in 1545, which includes seven small rooms and one large room. From Caravanserai walk up the stairs to the castle of Suleyman the Magnificent and visit the many galleries within, including a gallery of archeological findings. Enjoy Marmaris Bay views from one of the castle walls before making your way down the narrow winding streets of "Tepe Mahalesi" (Hill District) to view traditional local architecture