Marmaris Castle sits on the hill above the harbor in the old town and houses the Marmaris Archeology Museum. Suleiman the Magnificent had the fortress rebuilt in 1522 as a base for his campaign against Rhodes. Inside, the museum shows amphorae, tombstones, figurines and oil lamps from local digs. The walls give wide views over the harbor, the marina and the bay, and the route up is a short walk through narrow streets.
From the Ionians to the Ottoman rebuild
The castle is believed to have been first built by the Ionians. The place was known as Physkos in antiquity and was part of Caria. The fortress that stands today mainly dates from 1522, when Suleiman the Magnificent had it rebuilt and enlarged. He used Marmaris as a base for the Ottoman navy during his campaign against Rhodes, which was held by the Knights of St John.
The Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi wrote about the castle in his Seyahatname. The walls took heavy damage in the First World War. Families lived inside the walls, with 18 residences until 1979. Restoration began in the late 1970s and continued through the 1980s.
Inside the museum
The museum uses several of the castle's seven indoor areas. Two are archaeology galleries and one is an ethnography gallery. The archaeology rooms hold amphorae, tombstones, figurines, oil lamps and other finds from digs in the region, including Knidos and Datça. Information boards are in English and Turkish, and QR codes link to more detail on many exhibits.
The vaulted rooms open onto a courtyard with fragments of broken statues and clay pots. These pieces date from early periods of the town's history, so take time with the labels to place them.
Walls, views and the walk up
Walking the walls gives the best overview of the harbor, the marina and the bay. From the top, you can see the boats moored below and the streets of the old town.
The route to the entrance begins through the bazaar behind the Atatürk statue. From there, follow the signs up the narrow streets to the castle gate. Inside, expect stairs.
Planning the visit
Most visitors arrive at Dalaman Airport. A transfer or shuttle bus takes about 1.5 hours to reach the town, depending on traffic. Buying tickets in advance is recommended.
The promenade below the castle runs to the Marina area, which is lined with restaurants and bars. Boats there range from day-trip boats to large yachts, and it is a good spot for watching people.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, there is an admission fee. The sources give different amounts, so check the current price at the entrance.
How long do you need?
Allow about two to three hours to see the museum thoroughly, including time on the walls.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Buying tickets in advance is recommended.
Is the castle wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, restroom and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. Inside the castle there are stairs, so plan your route with that in mind.
How do I get to Marmaris from Dalaman Airport?
A transfer or shuttle bus takes about 1.5 hours to reach the town, depending on traffic. The castle is a walk up from the old town.
