Located in the historic center of Marmaris, Marmaris Castle is one of the top attractions in the city. Overlooking the harbor, it offers panoramic views and a deep dive into the town’s ancient past. Whether visited during the day or at night, it leaves a lasting impression on its visitors.
Marmaris Castle at a Glance: 7 Fascinating Facts
️ Historical Foundations Dating Back to 1040 BC
Although the current structure was rebuilt in 1522 during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the original foundations date as far back as the 11th century BC.
⚔️ Strategic Role During the Rhodes Campaign
The castle was reconstructed as a strategic stronghold in preparation for the Ottoman campaign against Rhodes, showcasing Marmaris’ military importance in Ottoman naval operations.
️ Used as a Military Zone Until the 1980s
For centuries, the site served military purposes. It was opened to the public only after the early 1980s, when restoration efforts began.
Functioning as a Museum Since 1983
In 1983, Marmaris Castle was officially turned into a museum, housing both archaeological and ethnographic artifacts from ancient settlements around the region.
Seven Exhibition Rooms and an Open Courtyard
The museum features seven indoor galleries and a central open-air courtyard, making it architecturally engaging and easy to explore.
Artifacts from Knidos, Burgaz, and Hisaronu
The museum’s collection includes ceramics, coins, glass, and bronze pieces uncovered from sites like Knidos, Amos, Burgaz, Physkos (ancient Marmaris), and Hisaronu.
Stunning Views of Marmaris Bay
One of the highlights of a visit is the view of Marmaris Bay. From the castle walls, you can enjoy one of the best vistas in the city—making it ideal for both history lovers and photography enthusiasts.
History of Marmaris Castle
Marmaris Castle is one of the rare fortresses along the Mediterranean coast that has survived to the present day. Historical sources trace its foundations back to the Ionian period, around the 11th century BC.
The structure as we see it today was rebuilt by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1522, during his campaign against Rhodes. The Ottoman Empire used Marmaris as a logistics base, reinforcing the castle to serve as both a military stronghold and coastal defense.
It was built using stones from local quarries and strategically positioned on a hill overlooking the sea, offering excellent surveillance over Marmaris Bay.
Until the Republican era, the castle housed military troops. After serving various defense functions, it was handed over to the Ministry of Culture in 1979, followed by a full restoration that concluded in 1983, when it was opened as a museum.
The surroundings and interior layout highlight Marmaris not only as a modern beach resort but also as a historically significant port for trade and naval defense.
What to See
Marmaris Castle combines historical architecture with curated exhibitions, allowing visitors to explore both history and panoramic views in one stop.
Archaeology Section
Artifacts in this area come from nearby ancient cities such as Knidos, Amos, Physkos, and Burgaz.
Displayed items include:
Ancient pottery
Glassware
Bronze ornaments
Coins
Miniature statues and grave steles
These pieces mostly date to the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
Ethnography Rooms
A few rooms are dedicated to Ottoman-era daily life, showcasing:
Traditional garments
Carpets
Manuscripts
Kitchenware
These exhibits reflect the local heritage and household life in Ottoman times.
Architecture of the Castle
7 exhibition halls
1 central courtyard
2 towers
Large stone relics, sarcophagus fragments, and column capitals are displayed in the courtyard. Walking along the castle walls reveals stunning views of Marmaris Harbor.
Viewpoints
Thanks to its elevated position, the castle offers panoramic views of the bay and town. It’s a favorite spot for sunset photography and quiet reflection.
Visitor Information
Marmaris Castle is centrally located and easily accessible by foot from the marina area.
Entrance
Museum Card is accepted
For the latest ticket prices and times, visit: muze.gov.tr
Opening Hours
Summer (Apr 1 – Oct 31): 08:30 – 19:00
Winter (Nov 1 – Mar 31): 08:30 – 17:00
Ticket booth closes 30 minutes before closing time
How to Get There
Located just behind Marmaris Marina, in the Historic Castle Streets area
Walking access is easy and scenic
For those driving, paid parking is available nearby
✅ Tips for Visiting
Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are stony and involve stairs
Bring water and a hat during warm hours
Don’t miss the upper ramparts for the best photo opportunities
For a peaceful experience, consider arriving early in the morning