Perched on the hill behind the old town harbor, Marmaris Castle is the most prominent historical landmark in the city. A visit here offers not only an educational journey through antiquity but also the most spectacular panoramic views of the entire Marmaris Bay and marina.
History of Marmaris Castle
The castle's history dates back to 1044 BC, when the Ionians first fortified the hill. In 1522, the castle was completely rebuilt and expanded by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, who used it as a military base for his successful campaign to conquer the nearby island of Rhodes from the Knights of St. John.
The Archaeology Museum
Today, the castle houses the Marmaris Archaeology Museum. The museum exhibits are displayed within seven main indoor galleries and the scenic garden courtyard. The collections include:
- Ancient Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine amphorae retrieved from shipwrecks
- Ancient coins, glassware, and jewelry
- Weapons and household items from the Ottoman era
- Statues and funerary steles from regional excavations