BODRUM CASTLE AND TOWERS
The Knights of Rhodes started constructing this impressive castle after capturing Bodrum in 1402 AD. It is situated on a rocky island east of the main harbor and occupies 180 by 185 meters. Access to the castle is done through seven significant gates. A short ramp leads the visitors to the first gate, where an inscription warns people about spying. Nearly 250 coats of arms bear witness to the castle’s Christian occupation. Although the first walls were built by German architect Henrich Schelegelholt between 1415 and 1437, the castle was often renovated to keep up with the new ballistic weapons. During these renovations, the Knights of Rhodes used carvings, architectural pieces, and the Mausoleum columns destroyed by an earthquake. Architect Angelo Muscettola built the Italian Tower in 1436. The fosse began in 1476. John Candall built the British Tower in 1480. Pierre d’Abusson did the most recent alterations in the castle between 1476-1403

SPANISH CHAPEL
This small but beautiful church was constructed between 1402 and 1435 from ancient materials. It was restored in 1519 by the Spanish Knights, who altered the architecture into Gothic Style. After the Ottomans arrived in 1523, the chapel was turned into a mosque, and a minaret was added. During the First World War, a French battleship shelled the castle in 1915 and damaged the chapel.
Spanish Chapel houses the East Roman-Byzantine Wreck discovered at Yassıada island near Turgutreis.
Italian Tower
Italian Tower is centrally located (near the French Tower) and is one of the castle’s highest Towers. One of the interesting carvings on the Italian Tower is a reused Ionic Capital with an inscription with Italy’s name. This Ionic capital, which possibly originates from the Mausoleum, surrounds the arms of Angelo Muscetola, the first captain of the castle, and held the office from 1431 to 1434.
Another notable coat of arms on the Italian Tower shows wine leaves with grapes and a column. This was the coat of arms of the Italian Tomas Provena, the castle’s captain, in 1490 AD.
FRENCH TOWER
French Tower, one of the two impressive and highest towers, is situated just in the castle’s center. During the earliest construction period, since the master of the order was French Philibert Naillac, the French Tower was constructed as the most dominating Tower of the castle. Philibert Naillac’s coat of arms, accompanied by France and the Pope, is put on the Tower’s east wall. One can also see the reliefs depicting the nails used for Christ’s crucifixion and the keys of paradise.
BRITISH TOWER
English Tower, located at the southwest corner of the castle, was built with England’s contributions and originally had three floors. The gate on the second floor opens into a great vaulted room with three windows. The knights used this room as a refectory or as a dining room. Visitors see much graffiti engraved on the walls of this room. The flags of the Ottoman Navy and grandmasters’ flags are also displayed in this room. English Tower has several coats of Arms on its walls. English Tower, built during Henry IV’s rule, offers visitors the most amazing collection of British Coat of Arms: the king’s coats, members of the Royal Family, and 14 coats of arms representing the Knights of the Garter. Visitors see a lion figure from ancient Halicarnassus on the west wall and carvings depicting England’s coats.
GERMAN TOWER
German knights were the smallest in number among the Knights.
They used the German Tower as a dining place and refectory.
A surprising coat of arms depicts a double-headed eagle over the German Tower door.
It is also suggested that the German Tower was used as the hospital building during the Knights’ occupation.