Sultan's Castle in Marmaris (Marmaris Kalesi, Fiskos)– a great opportunity for tourists to diversify their beach holiday in Turkey and touch its ancient history. The landmark is located in the province of Mugla.
It is located in the central part of the ancient city of the same name (Marmaris), located between its Embankment and the popular Bar Street. The path to the fortress lies along cozy streets and through the local Grand Bazaar. The building occupies a small area on a hill and is an "open-air museum". In ancient times, it was an important strategic and defensive object. Today, it is a majestic historical architectural monument + an excellent observation deck with beautiful views of the town itself and Marmaris Bay.
History of Marmaris Kalesi Fortress
The fortress-castle "Marmaris Kalesi" has been documented since the 3rd century BC. It is a "successor" of the Ionian fortress, erected in ancient times on this site and served as the basis for the formation of the city of Physkos. Throughout its history, the fortress structure was a "tasty morsel" for all conquerors. It was subjected to numerous destructions, the last of which occurred in the 16th century and turned it into ruins. Thus, Alexander the Great managed to implement his plans to take control of Caria, for which the city itself was besieged. In protest, its residents set fire to the fortress with their own hands. After the capture, his warriors rebuilt the "remains" of the fortress building and, leaving a garrison in it, returned home.
During the conquest expedition of Suleiman the Magnificent to Rhodes (1522), Marmaris was reconstructed and reborn anew. There is a legend that upon seeing the renovated fortress, the sultan exclaimed indignantly: "Marmari as!" (translated as "Hang the architect"). It was this phrase that formed the basis for the future name of both Fiskos itself and its renovated castle. Situated right by the Mediterranean Sea, the rebuilt and fortified Marmaris Kalesi Fortress began to serve as a base for the Ottoman navy.
During the First World War (1912-1914) it suffered greatly from military actions. The Turkish authorities began to restore it only in 1979, but two years later (1991) the reconstruction work was completed and the complex opened its doors to visitors.
Sights of Marmaris Castle Museum
Today, the Turkish fortress of Marmaris is available all year round for excursions for adults and children. Its premises previously housed the Archaeological Museum (still in operation) with seven halls/galleries with finds (archaeological artifacts, ethnographic finds) from nearby ancient cities + an exhibition about Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Roxolana (moved to Mugla in 2012).
The special decorations of its architecture include a proud observation tower, powerful walls with a jagged "border", fragments of marble bas-reliefs at the main entrance, impressive cannons (some of them are not copies, but originals). Everyone is invited to view and get acquainted with the pre-history of ancient amphoras and vases, household items and ancient jewelry, works of modern painters and sculptors, many interesting exhibits. Pleasant emotions will be added by a view from a panoramic platform + a leisurely walk through the courtyard - a garden with bright flowers and lush greenery, ancient sculptures and inscriptions.
