FIRST COURT AND SPANISH CHAPEL

The visit to the castle begins with a Gate leading to the western moat, where visitors see Various coats of arms of the Grand Masters and castle commanders. During the last restoration made in the castle, the connection of the west ditch with the sea was reclaimed.

Stairs and the ramp in the west ditch lead visitors to the inner castle and the halls of the Underwater ARCHEOLOGY Museum. Visitors see many coats of arms and a Tugra belonging to Ottoman Sultan Mahmut II.

Some important Architectural pieces, altars, and ancient anchors found in the ancient Caria region are exhibited in the first courtyard of Bodrum castle. Visitors also see the terrace wall of the palace built by satrap Mausolos, and The Sphinx discovered in Labranda, the most important sanctuary of Caria.

In the first courtyard, a small chapel welcomes visitors. Although it was one of the first structures built in the castle, it was known as the Spanish Chapel because of the Spanish Knight’s restoration. The chapel was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Period by adding a minaret. During excavations, tombs belonging to the knights and the walls of the Mausolos Period were found Underneath the chapel. The tombs and walls can be seen under the glass floor inside the church.