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    Visiting the Marmaris Castle & the Archaeology Museum + Tips

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    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

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