Marmaris Castle was built by the Ions in 2000 BC. After having served civilizations for many years, it was renewed in the period of Suleiman the Magnificent (just before the conquest of Rhodes Island [1522]) and took its present shape.

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During WWI, in year 1913 a German ship escaped from French cruisers and took refuge in the port of Marmaris. Turkish soldiers who were in charge of the security of Marmaris Port, did not give the ship back to the French. The French warships laid mines in the Strait of Marmaris, in return of this behaviour. But the mines had been cleared by Turkish soldiers in one night time. Finally, the French cruisers fired with their guns, and seriously damaged part of the castle. Later on, some French troops landed in Marmaris, but soon they had to withdraw owing to the resistance of Turkish soldiers. [reference]

 

The castle was restored between 1980-90 and in 1991 it has started serving as both a castle and an archeology museum. The museum exhibits the artifacts found in nearby ruins such as Knidos, Burgazada and Hisarönü.

 

The castle and museum are open from April to October from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm, and from March to November from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The entrance fee is 8₺. Those who are interested in archeology and history would like to come and see the castle, but even if you are not interested, it is worth seeing just for the sight.

 

Click for the official website of Marmaris Castle.