Ancient Cities

Physkos
It is possible to see the ruins at Physkos, an important harbour city of the ancient Caria region, on the Asar hill north of Marmaris. The old city walls dating back to the Hellenistic period are still fairly intact.

Historical Places In Marmaris

Marmaris Museum 

Located within the Castle walls, and first opened to the public on 18 May 1991. Seven Galleries are found within its walls. The first Gallery holds awards and gifts bestowed to Kenan Evren, the 7th President of Turkey. The second Gallery holds archeological artifacts. The third Gallery has been ethnographically designed into the likeness of a traditional Turkish House. The fourth Gallery is the actual room of the Castles Commander in Chief. Together with an exisiting Exhibition Hall.

History

It is thought that the first settlement in Marmaris, whose history dates back to 3400 BC, began with the arrival of a tribe to the region, whose leader was called Kar. The area was then called Karla after him, and its location around the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas always made it an appealing region.

Suleyman the Magnificent assembled a force of 200,000 in 1522, whilst launching the siege of the Knights of St John’s base in Rhodes (Rodos). Soon afterwards, he made the city more powerful with the rebuilding of the tiny castle overlooking the town. Lord Nelson and his entire fleet sheltered in the harbour in 1798, en route to Egypt to defeat Napoleon’s armada at the Battle of Aboukir.

Marmaris therefore became a place where different civilisations reigned over time, and there is architectural and historical evidence of Egyptian, Asdur, Ion, Dor, Persian, Macedonian, Syrian, Roman, Byzantium, Seljuk and Ottoman presence.

General Information

Marmaris was a Carian city of which history goes back to the 3500 BC. It's ancient name was Physkos of which antique ruins can be seen at Asartepe (1.7kms north).

A wonder of nature in itself, in this wonderful country, is the town of Marmaris greeting the Aegean, as well as the Mediterranean, on a dreamlike bay. Here, where the pine-clad mountains form a beautiful backdrop to the beaches of clearest waters, the medley of green and blue tones are fascinating.

This land of lacy coastline is ideal for the sun-worshippers, and offers the most attractive coves and inlets for those who would like to swim, dive or fish. The sheltered bay is a favorite for a relaxing holiday, while also being amazingly excellent for a lively vacation of water sports and sailing.

Along the promenade, adorned with palm trees, the Marmaris marina is a busy yachting center and also a pretty sight. The "Yacht Charter Show" organized here every May, is an enjoyable event with captains and crews coming together to sail with nature-lovers, among the impressive southern coasts of Turkey.