The Castle of St. Peter is the most famous land-mark of Bodrum and it strikes you instantly upon your arrival whether that is by land or sea. This magnificent feature on the landscape is one of the worlds best preserved medieval castle’s, and proudly stands as a statement claiming that the area of Bodrum is a place worth protecting.

The Castle dates back to the early 15th century when the Knights of St. John, a group of expatriates who came from across Europe, invaded the region and began constructing the fortress. The building of this splendid castle was fairly easy, as just across the bay were the ruins of the magnificent Mausoleum and the knights were able to use many of its materials.

The Knights of St. John came from many different countries including France, Germany, Italy and England, and they personally undertook work and it’s financing. Today, the towers are named after the countries that helped in its construction: English Tower, German Tower, French Tower and so on.

The castle is steeped in history but stood empty for around 40 years from 1921 until it was decided by the Turkish government to use it as a place to store the underwater findings from the many shipwrecks in the area. It wasn’t long before the government then decided that these artefacts were worthy of a separate museum for all to see, and where better than to house the museum in the castle itself.
Underwater excavations in the Bodrum area still continue today which are mainly funded and operated by an American based archaeological group. It is also used as a learning centre for students from around the world to come here and be taught the particulars of underwater excavation and preservation. There is work currently being undertaken on a restoration project of an 11th Century shipwreck which will probably not be on display until around 2009.

Currently in the high season the museum receives around 1,000 visitors a day but this number is expected to grow dramatically with the arrival of new attractions at the castle which will include the opening of a dungeon used by the Knights and a fully functional Turkish bath.