Marmaris, besides being one of the most popular holiday resorts in Turkey, is also a place rich in historical and cultural aspects. Among the historical places to visit in Marmaris, there are many options such as castles, museums, mosques, caravanserais, tombs and bridges. In this article, we will introduce the 10 most important historical places you can visit in Marmaris.
1. Marmaris Castle and Archaeological Museum
Marmaris Castle is one of the symbols of Marmaris. The castle, which is thought to have been built by the Ionians in 1044 BC, was later repaired by Alexander the Great and the Ottomans. The castle was restored in 1980 and turned into the Archaeological Museum. In the museum, artefacts found during excavations in and around Marmaris are exhibited. Among these artefacts are pieces from various periods such as glass, ceramics, coins, jewellery and sculptures. The entrance fee to the castle is 20 TL. The castle is located by the sea in the city centre and offers wonderful views around it.
2. Hafsa Sultan Caravanserai
Hafsa Sultan Caravanserai is the oldest building in Marmaris. It was built by Hafsa Sultan, the mother of Suleiman the Magnificent, in 1545. The caravanserai was used as an accommodation and resting place on trade routes during the Ottoman period. Today, there are souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants inside the caravanserai. In the courtyard of the caravanserai, various events are organised in the summer months.
3. Sariana Tomb
Sariana Tomb is one of the most mysterious historical places in Marmaris. The tomb belongs to a woman named Sariana, who is rumoured to be the lover of Suleiman the Magnificent. It is not known exactly who Sariana was and how she died. According to some rumours, Sariana participated in Kanuni's Rhodes expedition and died in Marmaris in the plague epidemic. According to some rumours, Sariana was poisoned by Hürrem Sultan, the wife of Kanuni. The mausoleum is located right next to Marmaris Castle.
4. Ibrahim Aga Mosque
İbrahim Aga Mosque is the largest mosque in Marmaris. The mosque was built in 1789 by a rich man named İbrahim Aga. The architecture of the mosque is in classical Ottoman style. There are beautiful decorations and woodwork inside the mosque. In the courtyard of the mosque, there is a clock tower and a fountain.
5. Grand Bazaar (Bedesten)
Grand Bazaar is one of the most lively spots in Marmaris. The bazaar was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. There are many shops, stalls and market places in the bazaar. Souvenirs, jewellery, spices, carpets, leather, textiles and many other products are sold in the bazaar. Do not forget to bargain in the bazaar.
6. Goodness Rocks Archaeological Park
Iyilik Kayalıkları Archaeological Park is a place that offers the natural and historical beauties of Marmaris together. The park is located 5 km from Marmaris centre. In the park, the huge rock formations called İyilik Rocks, located at a point overlooking Marmaris Bay, are worth seeing. On these rocks are the ruins of the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. These ruins include structures such as cisterns, walls, tombs and temples. There are also picnic areas and walking paths in the park.
7. Taşhan and Arched Bridge
Taşhan and Kemerli Bridge are two important buildings reflecting the historical texture of Marmaris. Taşhan is an inn built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. There is a mosque, a bath and a fountain inside the inn. Next to the inn is a bridge called Kemerli Köprü. The bridge was built by the Ottomans in the 17th century. The bridge is built on Marmaris Stream and has two arches on it.
8. Amos Ancient City
Amos Ancient City is one of the oldest historical sites of Marmaris. The city is located 25 km from Marmaris centre. The city was founded in the 6th century BC and belongs to the Carian civilisation. There are structures such as theatre, agora, temple, walls and tombs in the city. The city also offers a magnificent sea view.
9. Nimara Cave
Nimara Cave is one of the most interesting historical places in Marmaris. The cave is located on Paradise Island, 12 km from Marmaris centre. The cave is a place where people lived about 30 thousand years ago. Various animal bones and stone tools were found during excavations in the cave. The entrance of the cave was converted into a temple during the Hellenistic period.
10. Fethiye Kayakoy
Fethiye Kayaköy is a village in Fethiye district, located about 100 km from Marmaris. The village was abandoned as a result of the population exchange between Turkey and Greece in 1923. There are approximately 500 stone houses in the village. Most of these houses are in ruins, but some of them have been restored. There are also two churches in the village.