Night Museum Practice Started at Bodrum Castle, History Moved to the Night
The night museum application has started at Bodrum Castle. The historical structure and underwater artifacts on the UNESCO tentative list can now also be visited in the evening hours. Discover the details.
One of Bodrum's iconic structures, Bodrum Castle, now welcomes visitors after sunset. With the new regulation implemented under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's night museum application, the historic castle and the Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum within it can be visited in certain sections during the evening hours. Built by the Knights of St. John and hosting various civilizations for centuries, the structure aims to offer visitors a different experience during the summer season. The historical areas visible under night lighting add a new dimension to Bodrum’s cultural tourism.
What are the hours for the night museum practice at Bodrum Castle
Within the scope of the night museum practice, Bodrum Castle can be visited every day between 19:00 and 22:00. The ticket office closing time is set at 21:30. Thanks to this new application starting after daytime visits, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the historical atmosphere of the castle during the evening hours. The castle, which opens at 08:30 and closes at 18:45 during normal visiting hours, thus remains open for most of the day. Especially in the summer months, local and foreign tourists seeking to avoid daytime heat are expected to show interest in night visits.
Championship Promise from Hakan Safi in Bodrum The MuseumPass Kart remains valid for citizens of the Republic of Turkey, while MuseumPass holders who want to enter under the night museum practice can purchase a night visit ticket for an additional fee of 200 TRY besides their existing rights. Additionally, audio guide service is also provided in the museum.
The centuries-old history of Bodrum Castle draws attention
The foundations of Bodrum Castle were laid in 1406 by the Knights of St. John. The castle came under Ottoman rule in 1522 after Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent conquered Rhodes. Used as a garrison in the Ottoman period, the structure was converted into a prison in the late 19th century. The castle suffered serious damage during bombardments in World War I and was unused for a long time. Since 1964, it has served as a museum. Today, it is considered one of Turkey's most important cultural heritage sites, with both its architectural features and its archaeological collections. Spanning approximately 33.5 acres, the structure's strategic location between two harbors is noteworthy. The French, English, German, Italian, and Spanish (Snake) towers are among the most important parts that preserve the castle's multinational knightly past. The French Tower, located 47.5 meters above sea level, stands out as the highest point of the castle.
Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum offers unique collections
The Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum operating within Bodrum Castle is the only museum in Turkey focusing on underwater archaeology. The museum's collection includes numerous artifacts dating from the 16th century BC to the 16th century AD. One of the most remarkable sections of the museum is the exhibition area dedicated to the Uluburun Wreck, considered one of the world's most important underwater discoveries. This Late Bronze Age wreck reveals one of the earliest examples of international maritime trade. Exhibitions such as the Serçe Limanı Glass Wreck, Yassıada Wrecks, Tektaş Wreck, and Bozukkale Wreck provide visitors with comprehensive information about ancient maritime history. The museum also houses one of the world's largest amphora collections, shedding light on the commercial and cultural past of the region through hundreds of amphorae from different periods of Mediterranean trade. The Müsgebi Necropolis, the Carian Princess, and Pedasa halls, which display artifacts related to terrestrial archaeology, are also important stops for understanding the history of the Bodrum Peninsula.
Halikarnassos awaits visitors right next to the castle
One of the nearest historical stops for those visiting Bodrum Castle is the ancient city of Halikarnassos. Known as the birthplace of the historian Herodotus, Halikarnassos flourished during the rule of the Carian Satrap Mausollos. The Mausoleum, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was also built in this city. The knights used stones obtained from the Mausoleum ruins as construction materials during the building of Bodrum Castle. Therefore, it is possible to see traces of the ancient world in the castle's walls. Bodrum Castle, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, offers visitors a millennia-long historical journey in the same area along with Halikarnassos.
Bodrum Castle Visitor Information
Information Details Daytime Opening 08:30 Daytime Closing 18:45 Night Opening 19:00 Night Closing 22:00 Night Ticket Office Closing 21:30 No Closed Days MuseumPass Valid Night Museum Extra Fee 200 TRY Audio Guide Available
