MARS TEMPLE
On an imposing terrace, Mars Temple was one of the great monuments of ancient Halicarnassus. The temple, built in the 4th century BC by the famous Pytheos, the Mausoleum architect, was renovated in the 2nd century AD. While trying to find the Mausoleum, British archeologist Sir Newton discovered the Mars Temple in the 19th century. Renowned architect Vitruvius mentioned the Mars Temple and the famous statue of the God of War located in the temple. He added that the renowned sculptor, Leohares, carved the statue. Although nothing is left of this famous statue, the Roman copies give some idea about the original sculpture, made of marble and wood. The head, arms, and legs were made of marble, while the rest of the body was made of wood. The temple and the God of War statue show the Carians’ warlike character. Unfortunately, the temple and its immense terrace have disappeared for centuries. The modern road cuts the terrace into two parts. Visitors can still see the terrace walls in the area, occupied by bus parking and tire companies.
CITY WALLS
When Mausolos moved the capital of Caria to Halicarnassus in 370 BC, he built impressive walls around his new capital. The city walls ran 7 kilometers around the city and had two major gates. Located On the city’s west side, Myndos Gate faces the ancient town of Myndus and is named after it. On the city’s east side, Mylasa gate faced Mylasa, the Caria region’s former capital. Unfortunately, no remains of Mylasa Gate is preserved.
Before the attack of Alexander the Great, the Persians strengthened. The city walls of Halicarnassus against the new weapons such as siege towers, catapult attacks were a new threat to the city. The trenches were dug before the city walls to prevent the siege engines from approaching the city. These were effective new measures and weapons to protect the city.
THE MAUSOLOS PALACE
Mentioned by ancient writers such as Plinius, Arianus, Strabon, Vitruvius, and Skylax, the Palace of King Mausolos was located on the former Zepyria Island, where the Bodrum castle is located today. According to Vitruvius, the palace was built following the plan designed by Mausolos. The marble from Marmara Island and sun-dried bricks were used in the palace. This former rocky island, reaching the height of 25 meters above sea level, was fortified impressively, creating a fort palace. The Danish archeologist’s excavations in the castle area gave exciting results. They reached the remains of the Mausolos Palace at the various trenches and discovered some Mycenaean pottery dating to the 14th century BC, indicating the castle area’s early history. The palace was built of marble and bricks, and its walls had a beautiful coating. According to ancient writers, Mausolos could see the city’s great monuments from his palace. He could even see the secret harbor and reached it using steps. The research and excavations at the castle gave some ideas about this beautiful palace. Visitors can enjoy one of the impressive terrace walls near the Spanish Chapel and the remains of the palace walls in the trenches opened by Danish archeologists.
THE APOLLO TEMPLE
According to ancient writers, a temple was built And dedicated to Apollo in the palace area. A significant number of architectural pieces discovered in the walls of the Italian Tower and two inscriptions mentioning the Apollo temple are strong evidence for the existence of the Apollo temple. This temple with Ionic Style was built with fine quality marble. One of the temple inscriptions dating to the Hellenistic Period warns people not to go up to the temple area. The second inscription on a statue base mentions a fine altar of the temple and speaks of a beautiful courtyard of the temple.
SALMAKIS
Salmakis Bay, located west of Bodrum harbor, is famous because of the legend of Hermaphrodite. According to this well-known legend, Hermaphrodite, the son of Hermes (the God of trade) and Aphrodite (the goddess of love and beauty), came to Salmakis. He wanted to swim at Salmakis Lake. But the nymph of the lake “Salmakis “fell in love with this handsome young man. Not having any response to her love, Salmakis got angry and swam toward Hermaphrodite, embraced him firmly, and prayed to the gods not to separate them anymore. Salmakis and Hermaphrodite became one single body with both sexes’ features.
DISCOVERY OF SALMAKIS INSCRIPTION
Salmakis and its famous fountain are mentioned by ancient writers such as Vitruvius, Strabon, and Ovid. But the discovery of an inscription at the site confirmed all the information the ancient writers gave.
BODRUM TURKISH MONUMENTS
ADLIYE CAMII
Adliye Cami was located at Republic Square and Kale Street meeting point. Being the latest constructed main mosque in Bodrum, the Adliye Cami is known as the New Mosque in Bodrum. Built in 1901-1902, the mosque has a squarish plan covered with a wooden roof.
ADLIYE Cami was possibly built during the time of the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamit Han, who had many mosques built in honor of the 25th Anniversary of his reign. The mosque has shops located underneath, supplying income for the up-keeping of the building.
TEPECIK CAMI
TEPECIK CAMI was built in 1735 by Cafer Pasa, the son of Mustafa Pasha. Built in the Yalı style, the mosque was located on a small island and was reached by a bridge. The mosque, which also had a pier for boats, was partially destroyed during the naval attack in 1915. During the construction, ancient stones from the Mausoleum were used in the mosque’s forecourt. The mosque has unique decorations And a women’s section reached by the wooden stairs. The stone mihrab of the Tepecik Cami also has fine workmanship.
KIZIKHISARLI MUSTAFA PASA CAMI
Located on the Iskele Square, Mustafa Pasa Mosque was built in 1723 by Kızılhisarlı Mustafa Pasha. Known as “The Old Mosque,” the Mustafa Pasha CAMI has its dedicatory inscription over its main entry. The mosque was Constructed during Ottoman Sultan Ahmet III’s rule and had a rectangular plan. The mosque has a flat roof, carried by two rows of columns parallel to the mihrab. Ruined by several natural disasters, the mosque lost its original plan.
TÜRK KUYUSU CAMİ
Built in 1771, the mosque has a rectangular plan constructed with cut stones. Türkkuyusu Camii, which has a pitched tile roof, also has a round minaret, rising on a stone podium. Plenty of ancient materials from antiquity monuments were reused during the mosque’s construction. Ancient columns and architectural pieces can be seen in the nearby park and around the mosque.
HAN
TERSANE
OTTOMAN SHIPYARDS
Although the Carians were famous boat builders, we see the boat building revival in the Ottoman Period. Our first knowledge of Ottoman shipyards is given by the deed of trust of Kızılhisarlı Mustafa Pasa, who had a galleon (great boat with sails and oars) built in Bodrum. The oldest Ottoman document related to boat building in Bodrum, dated 1715, details the galleon building expenses. After the Russian naval attack in Cesme and the Ottoman Fleet’s destruction in 1775, the frigates and galleons of various sizes were built in Bodrum shipyards for Ottoman Navy.

OTTOMAN CEMETERY
The Ottoman cemetery near the old Shipyards was the burial place for famous seaman and the Ottoman elite. Here, visitors see the Turbe of Kizilhisarli Mustafa Pasha and the tomb of his son, Cafer Pasa, and their family members. Mustafa Pasa, governor of Rhodes, was a successful figure for boat building and chasing the Pirates of his time. He also had a mosque and a school built in Bodrum. In this Ottoman Cemetery is also the tomb of Cafer Pasa, son of Mustafa Pasa, who served as the Captain of the Sea of the Ottoman Empire. After serving for three months, he also became governor of Rhodes. Cafer Paşa had also a galleon built in Bodrum Shipyards. He also a medrese and bath constructed in Bodrum.