Historical places in Muğla
Ruled by the Lycian and Carian empires in antiquity, Muğla offers numerous historical sites. Keep reading to find out more about Muğla’s ancient cities, castles and remarkable architectural structures.
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is the tomb of Mausolos, a Carian king. Allegedly Mausolos commissioned Pytheos, the architect of the Temple of Athena Polias (Priene), to design his mausoleum. The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is in Bodrum’s Yeniköy neighborhood, although some of its sculptures and reliefs are currently displayed at the British Museum.
Firuz Bey Mosque and Madrasah
Erected by Firuz Bey, the governor of Menteşe, the Firuz Bey Mosque and Madrasah are in the Milas district. The mosque’s opulent architectural style, while reminiscent of the principalities era, is described by some academics as belonging to the early Ottoman period as it was constructed during the first years of Ottoman Empire rule.
Yağcılar Han
Built in 1493, the Yağcılar Han (Inn) was an Ottoman-era complex in the Muğla center. Used as accommodation for traders and travelers, the structure now features shops frequented by domestic and international visitors.
Yediler Monastery (also known as the Monastery of the Seven Brothers)
Believed to date from the 7th century, the Yediler Monastery in Milas is a significant structure set on the slopes of the Beşparmak (Latmos) mountain. While it is a bit of hike to reach the monastery, its frescoes are worth the effort.
Çöllüoğlu Han
The Çöllüoğlu Han (Inn), located in the Hisarbaş neighborhood of Milas, is a historical structure dating to the 8th century. The 1,000-square-meter structure, including a courtyard, functioned as the administrative hub for the Milas district throughout its history. Renovated in 2010 with the cooperation of Milas Municipality and Muğla Governorship, it is now one of Muğla’s most noteworthy addresses.
Bodrum Windmills
The windmills in Bodrum are undoubtedly the most emblematic of Muğla’s historical sites. Built in the mid-1800s, these hilltop windmills in Yalıkavak offer stunning views of the sea and surrounding countryside.
Museums in Muğla
Bodrum Castle and Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology
Built by the Knights Hospitaller at the beginning of the 15th century, the famed Bodrum Castle is on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its long history includes serving as a garrison during the Ottoman period and then as a prison. The 47.5-meter-high French Tower is the tallest of the towers inside the inner fortress, accessed by seven gates and bearing the names of several nations. Bodrum Castle is now home to the acclaimed Bodrum Underwater Archeology Museum, awarded “Special Praise” in the 1995 European Museum of the Year Competition.
Fethiye Museum
The Fethiye Museum in Fethiye, the westernmost point of Ancient Lycia, opened in 1987. The museum’s collections feature artifacts displayed in chronological order from 3000 BC to the late Ottoman period.
Marmaris Castle and Archaeology Museum
Believed to date from around 3000 BC, Marmaris Castle is designated as a first-degree monumental structure and listed as a protected immovable cultural asset. The Castle and its gardens have served as an archaeology museum since 1991. The museum has four exhibition halls and displays works from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Republic periods.
Bodrum Maritime Museum
As one of Türkiye’s major nautical and boatbuilding centers, Bodrum, naturally, has a maritime museum. Founded in 2010, the Bodrum Maritime Museum’s exhibits include shell collections, boat models and historic photographs.
Bodrum Zeki Müren Arts Museum
Zeki Müren, the beloved Turkish singer, composer, actor and poet known in Türkiye as “The Sun of Art”, spent his last years in Bodrum. Documents pertaining to the artist’s life and works, including photograph and stage costumes are displayed at the artist’s former home, where he resided from 1980 to 1996, and which now houses the museum. The Bodrum Zeki Müren Arts Museum draws numerous visitors.
Muğla’s ancient cities
The rich Muğla province – with its coastline and fertile lands – was a desirable area even in antiquity, and the area hosts a total of 103 ancient cities. We’ve listed a few of the highlights below.
The Ancient City of Letoon
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Letoon was an important city of the Lycian Empire. Believed to have been established before the 5th century BC, the Ancient City of Letoon is on the Lycian Way, in the Kumluova area of Seydikemer.
Euromos Ancient City
Believed to date to the 5th century, Euromos, in the Selimiye neighborhood of Milas, is best known for its Roman-era Temple of Zeus, of which sixteen columns still stand. Also in the Ancient City of Euromos are an agora, a theatre, a bath, city walls and a chapel.
Labraunda Ancient City
Believed to have been established as the leading religious sanctuary for the Carians, Labraunda is fourteen kilometers from Milas. The hilltop site features Roman-era baths and Byzantine-era churches among other structures.
The Ancient City of Kaunos
On the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kaunos was an important commercial center and port city in antiquity; the city was eventually abandoned after the ports were filled with silt. The Ancient City of Kaunos is known for its distinctive rock-cut royal tombs.
Idyma Ancient City
It is believed that Idyma was established by the Carians; the ruins of the Idyma Ancient City, which extend from the Gulf of Gökova to the foothills of Kıran Mountain, suggest that the city was an important point offering access from the Gulf to further inland.
Other ancient cities in Muğla include (but are not limited to):
- Hydas Ancient City,
- Karyanda Ancient City,
- The Ancient City of Bybassos,
- Kedrai Ancient City,
- Knidos Ancient City,
- Amos Ancient City,
- The Ancient City of Stratonikeia
Places to visit in Muğla
Muğla’s natural beauties
Boğaziçi Bargilya Tuzla Wetland
In 2001, Boğaziçi Bargilya Tuzla Wetland, near Milas, was identified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). The 380-hectare region is home to approximately 250 bird species, including migratory birds.
Dalyan Special Environmental Protection Area
The Dalyan Special Environmental Protection Area in Köyceğiz is home to many of Muğla’s famed natural splendors, featuring a 4.5-kilometer shoreline and thirteen bays, as well as four towns. Iztuzu Beach, in the Protection Area, is among the most important sea and Nile turtle breeding sites in the Mediterranean. In addition, the Lutra lutra otter breeds and lives in the Protection Area; 126 bird species and 282 marine species of fauna and flora have also been identified.
Sultaniye Hot Springs
On the outskirts of Ölemez Mountain, Köyceğiz Sultaniye Thermal Springs, where the water temperature reaches 39 degrees, has long been a place of healing for both its heated waters and its mud baths. The waters are slightly radioactive and rich in chloride, sodium, hydrogen sulphide and bromide.
Carian Trail
Considered the longest trekking route in Türkiye, the Carian Trail was selected by National Geographic as “one of the six top adventure routes in the world”’ in 2021. The Carian Trail passes through the peninsulas of Bozburun and Datça and along the Gulf of Gökova.
Azmak Creek
One of the most well-known locations in Muğla is Akyaka’s gorgeous Azmak Creek, which resembles a natural aquarium. The creek even made it on to the NASA Instagram account in April 2021 with the caption “Take in the beauty of Azmak Creek!”
Signature dishes of Muğla
Without further ado, here are the five most well-known Muğla dishes. Bon appetit!
- Çökertme kebab
- Bodrum dumplings
- Sea beans
- Milas meatballs
- Şambali (Turkish semolina cake with syrup)
Transportation in Muğla
Taxis, minibuses and municipal buses are the main modes of urban public transportation in Muğla. For bus timetables, just click here. For private vehicles, check out exclusive car rental offers from Turkish Airlines.
Airport transportation in Muğla
There are several options for getting to and from the airport in Muğla, including regular MUTTAŞ and HAVAŞ services, taxis, and car rentals.
Don’t forget to take lots of photos while visiting Muğla! Have a wonderful trip!
