Description of the attraction
In the middle of the 15th century, on the site of the former Seljuk fortress, the knights-johannites built the castle of St. Petra from green granite. The fortress has double walls. The towers are named according to their belonging to the countries that were part of the Order of the Johannites: English, French, German and Italian. In addition, there is another tower - the Liman, or the Port Tower, which today serves as the main entrance to the castle. Another gate is the so-called "North entrance with a moat", overlooking the main square of Bodrum and serving as the entrance to the castle from the shore.
During its heyday, the castle was inhabited by perhaps 50 knights from seven different European countries and three times as many ordinary soldiers. Their main task was to defend the castle and its surroundings.
In 1453, the castle remained the only Christian fortress in Anatolia. At this time, it was reconstructed, fortified and built 14 tanks for storing water during the siege. However, in 1522 the castle surrendered and was soon abandoned. In the 19th century, the castle was turned into a prison, and the chapel at the castle was converted into a mosque.
Since 1960, the Museum of Underwater Archeology has been opened here, where underwater finds are kept: amphorae raised from the bottom of the sea, coins and weapons. On the open alley, old sarcophagi are exhibited, including a sarcophagus with the skeleton of Princess Ada, sister of the legendary Mavsol.
