Bodrum Castle

Written by admin on August 4, 2008 – 6:02 pm -

Bodrum’s primary landmark, Bodrum Castle, also known as Saint Peter’s Castle, is a well-preserved medieval stone fortress built by Crusaders in the 15th Century.

The castle was constructed using stones from the ruined *Mausoleum of Mausolus, once one of the *Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its builders were the Knights of St John, (also known as the Knights of Malta or the Knights Hospitaller) who controlled, and operated from, the Greek island of Rhodes.

This order was separated into different “tongues”, each one representing a different language, encompassing different regions of Italy, France, Germany and the British Isles. Each tongue was given its own distinctive tower in Bodrum Castle, each tongue paid for their own tower and were charged with its own defence.

With the rising threat of an ever-expanding Ottoman Empire and the brilliant campaigns of Suleiman the Magnificent, it was ordered that the castle’s defences be strengthened even further to prepare for an attack. Suleiman, however, had other plans. He instead laid siege to the order’s headquarters of Rhodes, eventually forcing their surrender but allowing them to go in peace. The Knights left Rhodes and were later gifted the island of Malta by the king of Spain. It is the island of Malta which we now most associate with the order today.

After the Knights’ capitulation the region came firmly under Ottoman control and the castle’s chapel was symbolically converted into a mosque.

During the First World War the castle was subjected to naval bombardment. The damage suffered, whilst significant, was hardly critical damage, and the castle remained intact when the Italian Army used it
as a base until Turkish Independence

Today the castle is open to the public. You can explore the various towers and the castle grounds, which have all been fully restored, then climb to the top to get a fantastic view of Bodrum Bay.

The castle grounds are also the location for the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, a showcase for the rich variety of artefacts which have been recovered from the surrounding seabed.

One of many peacocks found inside the castle walls

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Bodrum Gokova Yacht Cruises - What Can You Expect On Your Voyage?

Written by admin on July 23, 2008 – 12:58 am -

Bodrum Gokova yacht cruises are a favorite of tourists who vacation in the resort town of Bodrum, in Turkey. This highly popular Mediterranean resort is situated on the Gulf of Gokova’s northern coast. Since all Bodrum yacht cruises leave from this marvelous city, there’s no need to choose between the two.

The islands off Turkey’s coast are dotted all over the Gulf of Gokova, and a week will fly by as you try to explore all of them. The translucent water allows you to view the marine life beneath the water without difficulty. On Bodrum Gokova yacht cruises you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, or just basking in the sun with your favorite drink.

Hire an entire yacht for yourself or reserve a cabin on a passenger boat on Bodrum Gokova yacht cruises. Perfect for first-timers to sailing, Bodrum mini cruises are usually between three and five days. With shipmates from all sorts of different countries, you’ll enjoy the voyage even more.

Among the wonders Bodrum Gokova yacht cruises take you to are ruins of ancient civilizations and treasures of natural beauty. You might want to spend some time touring the ruins of ancient empires that remain underwater as well as the charming town of Karacasogut and the ancient cities of Caunos and Telmessos. Your itinerary will be based upon the particular cruise you select but anywhere you travel with Bodrum Gokova yacht cruises promises to be spectacular.

Sedir Island, filled with history and known as Cleopatra Island, is another favored stop on Bodrum Gokova yacht cruises. The island’s legendary beaches are said to be covered with sand filled with gold dust, which was brought from Egypt by Mark Anthony as a gift for Cleopatra. The ancient Roman amphitheatre located on the island definitely warrants a visit.

The typical day aboard Bodrum Gokova yacht cruises begins with a few hours of sailing followed by a stop for lunch in a charming locale. After lunch, entertainment can be found in the gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Gokova where you can swim, dive or snorkel. Or you might go on a shore excursion to a Turkish village, or visit an ancient site. Bodrum mini cruises have various itineraries, so if there is a place you really want to visit make sure you ask about it before booking your trip.

Both longer and shorter Bodrum yacht cruises guarantee you a wonderful vacation. The Bodrum Peninsula and the Gulf of Gokova are truly unique destinations. Bodrum Gokova yacht cruises give you the best opportunity to experience this paradise.

We hope that you enjoyed reading this article. If you are looking for additional information on Bodrum Gokova Yacht Cruises or Bodrum mini cruises, please be sure to check out our website.

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