Bodrum in Turkey is the dreamland of those who answer as “yes” the question “Would you like to go on a holiday after work every day?”
Bodrum is an inviting, colorful crowd full of surprises, sometimes a humble wiseacre and a loose wise man, sometimes it is an alone crazy, it is freedom, love; Bodrum is sun, sea, and all it is history… In short Bodrum is everything and everybody. Because everybody has it is own Bodrum here. Some live a modest, peaceful and quiet life, some live crazily madly. Bodrum is a White that bears all colors and also internalizes them. It rains different here and also the sun rise different and sets completely different. Wind blows different, sea smells else. Bodrum is the naughtiest, the haughtiest, the most inert, the most beautiful, the most honest and the most frank child of Nature Mother.
Today, Bodrum is one of the most important centers of trade, art and entertainment as it has been since centuries ago… This coastal town in which traditional and modern life go along hand in hand in an excellent harmony opens it arms for those who want to be acquainted with her and live her.
Where to go in Bodrum?
Going to Bodrum is a passion that’s never out of fashion. Bodrum is a lifestyle. And whatever else is said about Bodrum, there’s no doubt it’s fast becoming one of the top destinations in Turkey, if not the world, with its increasing fan base and growing reputation.
The small peninsula has it all – the best in sea and scenery, the traditional and the modern, history and culture, entertainment and relaxation. Each forming a piece of the Bodrum jigsaw, Gümüşlük, Yalıkavak,Turgutreis, Torba, Ortakent, Gölköy, Türkbüküand Gündoğanall have their own character and unique charm, yet remain unmistakably part of Bodrum’s overall appeal.
Then, completing the picture, Mazı, KızılağaçYalıçiftlik, although not on the peninsula itself, complement the bustling and cosmopolitan centre with their unspoilt natural beauty and traditional way of life.
Bordum Castle
A visit to Bodrum Castle of St. Peter is definitely must-see in Bodrum, and many visitors are surprised to find such riveting blend of modern and ancient behind those imposing stone walls.
Whether viewed from the sea or the land, Bodrum’s famous castle is an impressive example of medieval architecture. Construction of the castle took years to complete and occupying some 30.000 square feet at its base. In its days, the castle was a monumental symbol of the unity of Christian Europe against the ascending power of the Ottoman Empire .
The castle is in excellent condition, it now houses a one of the world’s finest museums (with exhibits on underwater archaeology). Mostly stones used in the construction come from the tomb of king Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. Mausoleum’s massive construction survived for centuries until an earthquake brought it down in medieval times. The knights used the ruins as a stone quarry. In 1522, while reinforcing the castle, they even discovered the funerary chamber of the king, whose treasures were quickly looted. In the 15th century AD, the Knights of St John invaded the region ( whose headquarters were on Rhodes Island ) and began constructing the castle that we see today.
The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is not just a dusty collection of lifeless relics, it is an original, creative and also exiting experience. Here monuments, jewellery and seals from the Old Bronze Age, Archaic, Classic, Hellenistic Periods are displayed so it is a trip into a fascinating past through to life in exhibits that take you back in time into the worlds of ancient mariners who sailed to meet their destiny shipwrecked on Anatolian shores or to the medieval Age of Knights who built this castle from stones that once were part of one of the The Mausoleum of Halicarnasus.
Tuesday Market
At any time of the year markets are one of the greatest attractions and pleasures for locals as for tourists, with their bright colours and delicious mingled scents. Bodrum’s Tuesday market is famous for textile, with local fabrics from all over the region on sale.
The riot of patterns and colours appealing to all tastes gives the marketplace a fairground atmosphere. As well as fabrics, there are rugs, kilims, carpets, kitchen ware, and clothing of all description.
Ephesus
Ephesus is about 160 km ( 100 miles ) North of Bodrum and can be reached in approximately two and a half hours by car. A visit to Ephesus is definitely the most important archeological and historical trip not only in Turkey but also on the World. Ephesus is one of the highlights of Turkey. St. Paul lived in Ephesus in the 60’s AD, it was at it’s Roman golden age with a population around 250,000. Ephesus was a great ancient city and much of it has been preserved for visitors to see.
More than any other site, you can walk on marble streets, stand in the great theatre, wander in the library, see the ancient Roman toilets, brothel and baths, and feel that you are walking back into ancient history. When you join the tour to Ephesus you can visit The House of Virgin Mary, The church of St John, The Temple of Artemis which was one of the seven wonders of the world or Museum in the same day. The House of Virgin Mary is where it is believed St. Mary came to live to this house in the last years of her life. This house is declared as a pilgirimage place for Catholics. Today it is used as a church which has mass everyday. People believe that Virgin mary came to this area with St. John and also St. John spent his last days and buried here.
So what are you waiting for? Visit travelrecipes.co.uk now and book your holidays in this fantastic place from an affordable budget!