Once a marvel towering over ancient Halicarnassus, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus stood as a symbol of love, power, and architectural genius. Commissioned by Mausolus, the Persian satrap of Caria, and completed by his devoted wife and sister Artemisia II after his death around 353 BC, this monumental tomb was so grand that it gave its name to all monumental tombs: “mausoleums.”

Designed by the finest Greek architects and adorned with sculptures by the best artists of the era, the Mausoleum featured a massive rectangular base, rising into a stepped pyramid crowned with a four-horse chariot sculpture. For nearly 1,900 years, it stood resilient, surviving countless invasions and natural disasters, until the Crusaders of the Knights Hospitaller dismantled much of it in the 15th century to fortify the nearby Castle of St. Peter.

Today, though only fragments of its former grandeur remain—column drums, stairways, and parts of the drainage system—the site continues to captivate visitors. Walking through the peaceful gardens of the Mausoleum Site on Turgutreis Caddesi, you can trace the outlines of what was once hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Inside the covered arcade, you’ll find models, architectural reconstructions, and copies of the intricate friezes, some originals of which now reside in the British Museum. Exhibits also include a detailed model of ancient Halicarnassus during Mausolus’ reign, offering a glimpse into the city’s lost splendor.

Modern archaeological findings suggest that much of the Mausoleum had already been destroyed by earthquakes before the Crusaders arrived. Yet the legends—of pirates looting treasures or knights admiring its beauty by torchlight—still linger, adding mystery to your visit.

A journey to the Mausoleum is more than seeing ancient stones—it’s stepping into a chapter of history where love, ambition, and artistry combined to create a timeless masterpiece.

How to Get There:

• From Bodrum Castle: A short 10-minute walk inland. Turn right near Tepecik Mosque, follow Hamam Street to Turgutreis Caddesi, and follow the signs.

• By Car: Parking is available nearby.

• Public Transport: Local dolmuş routes pass close to the site.