Day Trip To Bodrum From Kos.

You have the opportunity to visit another country, another continent.
Bodrum is the ancient Halicarnassus, one of the most important cities of antiquity.
Herodotus, the Father of History, was born here.
Bodrum offers important and wonderful attractions such as the Windmills, the 13000-seat Ancient Greek Theatre, Myndos gate, Mausoleum and the Castle.

History

Info from the Bodrum Municipality Official page

With a rich history spanning 3,500 years, the Bodrum Peninsula stands out as a captivating destination in Turkey, boasting a cultural and artistic legacy inherited from ancient civilizations, breathtaking natural landscapes, authentic architecture, agricultural abundance, delectable gastronomy, pleasant climate, inviting seas, and splendid coves. Accommodation options cater to diverse guest needs, contributing to Bodrum’s status as one of Turkey’s picturesque destinations.

Bodrum, captivating humanity since ancient times, echoes the influences of various cultures and civilizations—from Lelegians, Carians, and Persians to Dorians, Hellenic, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Known as the “Land of Eternal Blues” by the renowned historian Homer, Halicarnassus, situated at the crossroads of Greek and Anatolian civilizations, tells a tale of a history spanning seven millennia, leaving behind traces of its remarkable past.

Dating back over 3,000 years, the adventure of mankind in Bodrum is deeply rooted in history. According to the historian Herodotos, the city was founded by the Dorians around 1,000 BC, situated on an island where the castle stands today. The Carian people, under the rule of the Lydians and later the Persians, witnessed the development of Halicarnassus into a prominent port city during the reign of Mausolos, who commissioned the construction of the renowned Mausoleion.

In 334 BC, Alexander the Great’s conquest led to the burning and destruction of Halicarnassus, altering its fate. Subsequently ruled by Alexander’s generals, the Ptolemaic dynasty, and Rhodes, Halicarnassus retained its independence. The Roman era, Turkish capture in the 11th century, and inclusion in the Ottoman Empire’s territory under Suleiman the Magnificent further shaped Bodrum’s history.

The name “Bodrum” originated from the Knights of St. Petronium, the founders of St. Peter Castle. Initially pronounced as “Petrium” by the Turks, it evolved into “Bodrum” with the establishment of the Republic. Beginning as a small port town relying on fishing, sponge diving, and agriculture, Bodrum experienced rapid development into a thriving tourism center since 1965, transforming into a hub that marries cultural and historical richness with its stunning geography. Today, Bodrum stands as a tourism gem, alluring visitors with its unique charm and attractions.

Port

The first image of the harbor will steal your heart. Amphitheatrically built white houses, dozens of sailboats and yachts, plus one of the most imposing castles in the world make up your first impression.

Panoramic View Of The Port

The eastern half of the city has a long thin beach, which has been added in recent years, while the authorities are trying and largely succeeded in creating a good beach.

.Behind the beach are all the bars, restaurants and nightclubs typical of Mediterranean cities. This means open bars that start to come alive from 10am when everyone goes.
The other half of the city is the west side. This mainly extends around the marina and the Yacht Club. Here life is a bit calmer with shops catering mainly to those who have stepped out of their boats. Expensive supermarkets with good wine and olive oil. There are quite a few nice restaurants if you search enough and some good clothes shops. Like all resorts located right in front of the sea, they increase prices. In the evenings there is a wonderful atmosphere as locals and tourists stroll along the sea.

Castle

The Castle is well worth a visit and you must spend time at the Museum of underwater Archaeology there, where you can find the largest collection of amphorae in the world and impressive shipwrecks. Don’t miss any of the Castle’s four Towers, German, English, French and Gatineau, each one has something unique to offer you apart from the great view.

For more Info Visit The Website Of The Bodrum Municipality

Hystorical Statues Standing Outside Of The Castle

Statue 1: Herodotus was borned in 484 – 425 Before Christ in the ancient city of Halicarnassus. He is referred to as the father of history.
Statue 2: Mausolus was borned in 377 – 353 Before Christ in the ancient city of Caria. He was a king of Caria.
Statue 3: Artemisia II Of Caria was borned in 395 – 351 Before Christ in the ancient city of Caria. She was the queen of Caria.

Ancient Theater

At the southern foot of Göktepe mountain in the middle of Bodrum Peninsula, this theater is one of the oldest theaters in Anatolia. Having been restored by a group of Turks in the 1960s, the theater hosts many festival events. Tourists who come to see the theater do not realize how those pleasant hours pass while they sit there and watch the boats leaving and approaching the harbor.

Ancient Theater

Among the interesting characteristics of the theater we can collocate the altar where the victims were sacrificed for the sake of Dionysus. With a distance of 40 cm between each seat, the theatre has a capacity of 13.000. You can see the tombstones carved out of stone during a short climb to Göktepe Mountain. This carved tombstones from the Roman and Hellenistic Period still bears ancient time’s death symbols and various sarcophaguses (some remains are still exhibited in the Castle Museum). 

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus Then

Being one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, Mausoleum is the monumental tomb of the King Mausolos of Caria. Having been started to be built by the King Mausolos, the Satrap of Caria under Persian dominion during his lifetime, the construction of Mausoleum was continued after Mausolos’ death by his wife and sister Artemisia. Therefore it is named after King Mausolos.

Being one of the most significant rulers of his age, Mausolos decided to build this monumental tomb to immortalize himself through this venture. This monumental tomb in the heart of Halicarnassus , of which construction continued by his sister-wife Queen Artemisia II. for King Mausolos is a unique wonder structure of that time.The Structure survived for centuries; but much of the structure was destroyed by the Anatolia earthquake on August 8, 1304. Afterwards, the stones of what existed of the structure was taken away to build and fortify St Peter’s Castle (later Bodrum castle). Moreover in 1857,  the remaining relief sculptures and statues of the tomb were transported by British archaeologists to the British Museum.

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus Now

Having been considered as one of the seven wonders of the world, the Mausoleum was a gigantic tomb, which combined Greek architecture with its columns and Egyptian architecture with its pyramid-shaped roof. Because of this significance of the Mausoleum, all structures in the same architectural style that built after it were called mausoleums. This open-air museum is an important resource to understand the culture and life of those days.

Ancient writers wrote that the structure’s architecture was also the architect of the Temple of Athena, Pytheos. Vitrivius had said that the most important sculptors of their time such as Bryaxis, Timotheos, Leochares and Skopas had worked in the construction of this structure in 4. century B.C.. Being originally from Karya, Bryaxis had made the statues of Mausolos and Artemisia riding the four-horse chariot at the very top of the mausoleum. This work of art rested on a 21-level pyramid, which was 46 meters high and had a carriage symbolizing victory. They rested on 36 marble columns in Ionic style.

Myndos Gate

Myndos Gate is reputed to have been built in 360 BC. It is the one of the entrance gates of the city, located in the west of Halicarnassus. The Myndos Gate was built by the Carian Satrap Mausolos nearly as a shield on the city walls.Being one of two monumental gates of Halicarnassus, Myndos Gate consists of two monumental towers and behind these an inner courtyard where the gate to enter the city is located.

Myndos Gate

The first part of the renovation of the city walls and the towers located in the north side of this gate was completed in 1999. 
The ditches, which neutralized the attacks of Alexander the Great’s army on Halicarnassus in 334 BC.  were constructed in the 4th century.
n the area where historical remains are located, there are vaulted tombs from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, which are thought to belong to the 4th century.

Bodrum Town

If you are not a fan of antiquity, take a walk in the alleys of the city, get to know the local cuisine, drink a Turkish coffee or tea in a traditional cafe, try “kebabs” and other traditional “mezes” and if you want sweets, Kazandibi, one of the most popular, will delight you.

Bodrum Town Market

Bodrum town market is a vibrant hub of cultural exchange, offering a delightful array of traditional Turkish goods, from colorful textiles to handcrafted ceramics. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, bargaining for souvenirs, sampling local delicacies, and experiencing the rich tapestry of Bodrum’s cultural heritage

Turkish Bazaar

Every Tuesday and Friday you can experience a truly great bargain that awaits you if you like walking, crowds and bargaining for a better price. There you can find anything you can imagine, from all kinds of clothes and food. Experience intense smells and images at the perfume and spice counters. You will be hard pressed to resist the purchase, but beware of brand name clothes as they may look cheap but are not necessarily genuine. Many merchants accept Euros and almost everyone speaks English.

Turkish Bath – Hamam

After all that intense city wandering, you’ll need some relaxation. If you have time, an authentic oriental hammam awaits you for a complete package of relaxation, wellness and fun that includes sauna, scrub, hammam and body massage among others.