By SailInTurkey Admin On January 29th, 2013 in Anchorages, News & Events
Although it is not certain when Marmaris was founded, in 6BC the site was known as Physkos & considered part of Caria. According to the historian Herodotus, the castle had been on the site since 3000 BC.
In 334 BC, Caria was invaded by Alexander the Great who besieged the castle. The 600 inhabitants of the town realised that they had no chance against the invading army. Before escaping to the hills with their women & children they burned their valuables in the castle
The invaders, were well aware of the strategic value of the castle with it’s natural harbour and well protected anchorages. They repaired the destroyed sections to house a few hundred soldiers before the main army returned home.
The town became known as Marmaris, derived from the Turkish word mermer & Greek màrmaron both meaning marble, which can be found in the region. This trade of marble Marmaris was the beginning of the Harbour’s historical connections with the sea & as a safe haven for yachts from far & wide.
The next important event regarding the history of Marmaris took place in the 15th century. The Ottoman Empire began to rise as a result of the efforts of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, who conquered & united the various tribes & kingdoms of Anatolia, the Balkans & Constantinople.
In 1522 the Castle was rebuilt by the Sultan Suleman the Magnificent as a base for his Naval assault on the Knights of St John who were based 25nm away on Rhodes Island.
In 1798 Lord Nelson with his fleet, enroute to Egypt in pursuit of Napoleon’s Armada, sheltered in the harbour of Marmaris. Nelson found Marmaris to be an excellent fleet anchorage: the entrance a narrow passage between 2 islands beyond which lays the huge landlocked bay. Today with Marinas & busy town quay Marmaris is the hub of Yacht charter & sailing holidays along the Aegean coast.
The castle is situated in the old quarter of the town, surrounded by winding cobbled streets. Behind this is the contrast of the modern Bazaar selling everything from Souvenirs, Carpets and traditional Turkish ceramics.
Harbour side restaurants and Cafe Bars offer visitors the perfect opportunity to unwind and relax after a great days sailing.
Marmaris MuseumMarmaris Museum is located in the Marmaris Castle in the old town. The castle was restored during 1980s & opened as a museum in 1991.
There is a large Courtyard Marmaris Castle & Museum & several indoor areas displaying amphoras belonging to the Helenistic, Roman & Byzantium era. Other exhibits include earthenware, glassware works, coins and ornaments from the diggings of Knidos, Hisaronu and Burgaz region. You can also see copper kitchen pieces, weapons and ornaments belonging to the Ottoman era.
Marmaris Castle & Museum is open Tues to Sunday 08.30-12.00 and 13.00-17.00 Entry 8Tl per person
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