Ancient
34 places
Bodrum-Halikarnassos
Bodrum's ancient name is Halikarnassos, one of the most important centers of Carian civilization. It once hosted the Mausoleion, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, and was also the birthplace of Herodotus. Today, this ancient city, still living within modern Bodrum, presents a unique open-air stage of history where past and present intertwine.
Mausoleion
Mausoleion is a monumental tomb built in the 4th century BCE by Artemisia for her husband Mausolos, Satrap of Caria. Recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this structure stands as one of the most impressive examples of architectural and sculptural artistry in history. Today, the word "mausoleum" itself takes its name from this monument.
Bodrum Ancient Theatre
The Bodrum Ancient Theatre is one of the best-preserved structures of ancient Halikarnassos. Dating back to the 4th century BC, this building had a capacity of approximately 13,000 people and was one of the era's most important public venues. Built on a hillside, the theatre uniquely combines views of both the stage and Bodrum's spectacular sea panorama. Today, this special place still hosts concerts and events, bringing past and present together on the same stage.
Myndos Gate
Myndos Gate was one of ancient Halikarnassos's main western entrances and a crucial part of the city's defensive system. During Alexander the Great's siege in 334 BCE, this gate witnessed fierce battles and stands as a powerful example of ancient military architecture with its walls, towers, and ditch system.
Ottoman Shipyard
The Ottoman Shipyard is an important production and maintenance center established in 18th-century Bodrum for maritime activities. Used for shipbuilding and repair, this shipyard reflects Bodrum's strategic naval power during the Ottoman period and remains a historical heritage site open to visitors today.
Pedasa Ancient City
Pedasa is one of the oldest settlements on the Bodrum Peninsula, founded by the Lelege people. Built atop a high hill, the city stands out for its fortification walls and a sacred sanctuary dedicated to Athena. With its harmonious blend with nature, Pedasa is an important archaeological site bearing traces of the region's earliest settlements.
Gümüşlük
Myndos was an important harbor city during the Carian period and is known today as Gümüşlük. This settlement, which stands out with its natural harbor and ancient ruins in the sea, has been a vital center of trade and maritime activity throughout history. Today, it is a special place where ancient heritage meets peaceful coastal living.
Hekatomnos Monument Tomb and Sacred Sanctuary (Uzunyuva)
The "discovery of the century," uncovered in 2010. The 4th-century BCE tomb of Karia Satrap Hekatomnos; predecessor to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. On UNESCO's Tentative List.
Gümüşkesen Monument
A 2nd century CE Roman monumental tomb standing 8.45 meters high; a gray and white marble masterpiece thought to be a smaller copy of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.
Baltalı Kapı
The northern gate of ancient Mylasa; the double-headed axe (Labrys) on the keystone is the sacred symbol of Caria. Built in the 1st century BCE.
Euromos Ancient City
One of Asia's best-preserved Zeus temples, with 16 columns still standing. An ancient city easily accessible among the olive groves.
Labraunda Ancient City
The national sacred sanctuary of Caria. A sacred complex hidden in the mountains, dedicated to Zeus Labraundos—the god of the double axe—and a masterpiece developed under Mausolos and Idrieus.
Iasos Ancient City
An ancient harbor town jutting out like a peninsula into the Gulf of Güllük. With its theater, agora, fishing heritage, and hilltop fortress, it's a small but richly layered ancient city.
Herakleia Ancient City (Latmos)
On the shore of Lake Bafa, nestled at the foot of the Beşparmak Mountains. With its Temple of Athena, agora, and monasteries, one of Turkey's most mystical ancient cities.
Lagina
A sacred sanctuary of Hekate; the sacred processional route of Karia once stretched from Stratonikeia to this place.
Kaunos
UNESCO tentative list; the ancient city of Kaunos with its famous rock tombs in Dalyan and the harbor that vanished.
Knidos
An ancient city with two harbors at the western tip of Caria; famous for astronomy and the cult of Aphrodite.
Alabanda
One of the major cities of inland Caria, with remains of a theatre, agora, and bathhouse.
Termera Ancient City (Asarlık)
An ancient Leleg-Carian city rising on Asarlık Hill in the southwestern part of the peninsula.
Müsgebi Miken Necropolis (Ortakent)
Near Ortakent-Yahşi, a necropolis of Mycenaean chamber tombs dating to the Late Bronze Age.
Tavşan Island and Myndos Ancient Harbor
A shallow-passage island stretching into the harbor of ancient Myndos, nestled along the Gümüşlük waterfront.
Salmakis Spring and the Legend of Hermaphroditos
An ancient spring on Cape Kaplan Kalesi with a famous mythological tale from Halikarnassos.
Gara Church (Rum Gara Chapel, Bitez Vineyards)
Early Christian church/chapel ruins nestled among Bitez's vineyards and olive groves, known for its dolphin mosaics.
Pedasa Ancient City (Lelegian Settlement, Gökçeler)
A walled ancient city founded by the Telegs and dedicated to Athena, nestled in forested hills above Konacık with its impressive temple ruins.
Madnasa Ancient City (Kaleyıkığı Tepesi)
Ruins of an important Lelegian city perched on a hilltop west of Türkbükü and Gölköy.
Peynir Çiçeği Cave
A karst cave formation surrounded by artifacts from the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age periods.
Gündoğan Rock Tombs
Hundreds of rock tombs attributed to the Leleg period, scattered across the Gündoğan hillsides.
Panormus (Panormos) Rock Tombs
Ancient rock tombs carved into the slopes overlooking the sea and Kızıl Ada at Küdür, attributed to the Lycian/Carian period.
Gümüşlük Ancient Stone Quarry (Koyunbaba / Myndos Quarry)
An open-air ancient stone quarry site where the building stones for the Myndos walls and the famous Mausoleum of Halicarnassus were extracted, freely accessible to visitors.
Kral Yolu (Underwater Ancient Passage to Tavşan Island)
A historic submerged stone pathway in Gümüşlük Bay that leads to Tavşan Island, where visitors can walk through shallow water across sunken stones from ancient Myndos.
Salih Island (Karyanda?) Harbor Ruins
On an island off Güvercinlik, Hellenistic fortification walls and traces of Byzantine-era harbor structures.
Theangela Ancient City (Kale Dağı)
A walled ancient Leleg city perched atop Kale Dağı at 538 meters elevation.
Dereköy Ancient Agricultural Terraces, Leleg Road and Balbal Stones
Carian agricultural terraces, the Leleg Road route, and balbal stones in the cemetery marking an early Yörük settlement.
Telmissos Ancient Settlement
A Hellenistic Leleg settlement on the hilltop above Gürece village, marked by tower ruins.