What Can You Do On Your Bodrum Holidays

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What Can You Do On Your Bodrum Holidays

Bodrum can be dated back to 1100 BC, proven during archaeological investigations carried out at the Castle of St Peter, making Bodrum a truly ancient town. During the time of the Ottoman Empire, under the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent, Bodrum has developed both culturally and in size and its history is dotted with many fascinating periods. Its stunning waterfront is surrounded by the numerous gulets, the beautiful wooden cruising boats of Bodrum, guarded over by the magnificent Castle. When evening falls the harbour takes on a magical feel with the Castle illuminated and numerous diners enjoying the fabulous quayside. Along with the Castle, the city centre is also host to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Tomb of King Mausolus.

Within the Castle of St Peter you will also find the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The Knights of the Crusades started constructions of the Castle around the 1400s using material from the tomb of King Mausolus and taking more than 100 years to finish. No visit to Bodrum would be complete with visiting the Castle and the award winning Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

Between 377 and 353 BC, King Mausolus ruled Caria which, although he did on behalf of the Persians, was largely independent. His Queen, Artemisia II of Caria, who also happened to be his sister, was devastated on his death in 353 BC and tasked 4 great sculptors; Bryaxis, Scopas, Leochares and Timotheus along with the Greek architects; Satyros and Pythis to build a great tomb / monument to Mausolus. The term Mausoleum was thus founded from what became one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The amphitheatre cut into the rocky hillside just outside Bodrum combines architecture from both the time of king Mausolus and later modifications added by the Romans. Having a seating capacity of around 13,000 and built during the Carian reign in the Hellenistic age of around 330 - 30 BC. It has the typical construction of most ancient amphitheatres which consists of the the stage (the Skene), the half-oval (the Orchestra) and the audience seating (the Cavea). Dating back to the time of Mausolus, this is one of the oldest theatres in Asia Minor. You'll even find names inscribed into the seats indicating the people who helped to pay for the theatre. You will find it on the main Bodrum to Gumbet road and is still in active use today as there are often shows and concerts still held today!

The ancient city of Ephesus (Turkish: Efes), located near the Aegean Sea in modern day Turkey, was one of the great cities of the Greeks in Asia Minor and home to the Temple of Artemis, another one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Today, the ruins of Ephesus are a major tourist attraction. Ephesus is also a sacred site for Christians due to its association with several biblical figures, including St. Paul, St. John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary.

Along the coast and heading west from Bodrum you will find Turgutreis. Quietly away from the hustle and bustle of Bodrum but close enough if you just fancy a day or night out. You'll still find that village atmosphere but now it also has the extremely smart marina with its beautiful shopping centre. Between Bodrum and Turgutreis is some excellent shopping with excellent furniture, electrical and hardware shops plus the exquisite Oasis shopping mall.

Bitez has something to offer almost everyone. It is a charming picturesque resort where holidaymakers can either relax on the beach or try out energetic water sports. Bitez lies on a bay, a few kilometres west from Bodrum, attracting an older, more upmarket crowd. The gently-sloping coarse-sand beach has wooden piers for swimming and is lined with whitewashed hotels and resort villas, whilst also playing host to a popular windsurfing and sailing school - its sheltered cove and shallow water are perfect for beginners. Bitez is known as the windsurfing capital of Turkey, which means there is very often a cooling breeze to counter the very hot temperatures experienced during July and August.

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Bodrum Holidays are the perfect blend of fun and relaxation. But if you're looking for somewhere to stay then you need look no further than our beautiful Turkey Holidays apartment which has stunning views over Lake Tuzla.