Bodrum's Hidden Gem: The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is a tomb constructed in the ancient city of Halicarnassus on behalf of King Mausolos by his wife and sister, Artemisia. This impressive tomb, which is widely regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, showcases a unique blend of Greek and Egyptian architecture, featuring columns and a pyramid-shaped roof. The mausoleum has had a lasting impact on the world of architecture, with all subsequent structures in this style now known as 'mausoleums'. Today, the Halicarnassus Mausoleum serves as an open-air museum, showcasing stunning architectural features that continue to captivate visitors from all over the world.
Information about the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus (The Tomb of King Mausollos)
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This building was built on behalf of King Mausolos by his wife and sister Artemisia. The structure, which resembles Greek architecture with its columns, also resembles Egyptian architecture with its pyramid-shaped roof. This tomb of very large dimensions also led the similar structures that came after it in terms of names.
The area of the mausoleum is organized as an open-air museum today. When entering, a basement-type house is seen on the right. On the left, there are reliefs related to the Mausoleum in the long structure, a model and some drawings and architectural pieces belonging to the structure.
Ancient authors record that the architect of the structure was Pytheos. The mausoleum was rising at the place where the pit seen today is located, as can be seen from the places where the bedrock was cut and the green stones. It is also mentioned in the historical records that the monument has been standing for 1500 years. The Halicarnassus Mausoleum, which was destroyed in an earthquake that took place in the fifteenth century, was found ruined by the knights of Saint Jean when they arrived in Bodrum.
The knights used the stones here in the construction of the Bodrum Castle. As a result, the remaining parts of the mausoleum were completely destroyed. When there is nothing left of this magnificent work to this day, this area has been organized as an open-air museum.
Where is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus? How to Get There?
The Halicarnassus Mausoleum is located in the Bodrum district of Muğla. This archaeological site, where the remains of the colossal Mausoleum of Mausolus from 350 BC are located, is located very close to the port. When you follow the beach from the center of Bodrum, the mausoleum will be located right in front of you.
You can access the location and address information of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus from below:
Address: Tepecik, Turgut Reis Cd. No:93, 48440 Bodrum /Muğla
Halicarnassus Mausoleum Visiting Hours and Entrance Fees
Visiting Hours
Opening Time: 09:00
Closing Time: 19:00
Box Office Closing Time: 18:30
Closed days: Open every day (May vary on public holidays and holidays.)
Entrance Fees
Entrance Fee: 25 TL
Museum Card: Valid
NOTE: Please make sure to contact us in advance as entrance fees and visiting hours may change.
Phone: 0252 316 1219
Website: https://muze.gov.tr/muze-detay?SectionId=MAU01&DistId=MRK
Architecture of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, which has not fully reached the present day, is a seemingly simple mausoleum, but this place is decorated with a serious architecture. For this reason, it is considered by many scientists as a work worth studying.
There are interesting tunnels in the Halicarnassus Mausoleum, which also attracts attention with its internal structure. It is said that these tunnels go all the way to the Temple of Artemis and the Amphitheater. The fact that it is so mysterious has also attracted the attention of historical artifact smugglers. For this reason, it has been damaged many times in the past.
The mausoleum is currently under protection. Therefore, there is no destruction. The remaining parts are also protected. Bishop Eustathios, who saw the monument standing for the last time. This shows that the original structure has been standing for about 1500 years. Currently, the museum building consists of two parts. These are in a closed and semi-open state. The topographic map and model in the closed section introduce the structure and the city better to those who visit here.
Halicarnassus Mausoleum Traveler Reviews
'I definitely recommend you visit the mausoleum! It's a place that affects people, a small exhibition room has been opened on the side, there's a model of the mausoleum on the map, pieces of sculptures, embroideries and stuns unearthed during the excavations, as well as a beautiful documentary is playing.'
'I'm surprised at the people who come to Bodrum every year and don't come here. Yes, although there is not much left, although what remains is not an Ephesus, after all, it is a place of legends for thousands of years. It should definitely be visited at least once. They are decorated with very beautiful roses and flowers.'
'It's a beautiful monument. There is no entrance to the burial chambers, but you can see around it quite clearly. Entries can be made with a museum card. The exhibition section can be improved a little more.'
Places You Can Visit When You Come to the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
While you are at the Halicarnassus Mausoleum located in Bodrum, we recommend you to visit other tourist and historical points. A few of them are as follows:
Bodrum Castle and Underwater Archaeology Museum
Zeki Müren Art Museum
Gumbet Coast
Myndos Gate
Bodrum Beach
Send Comment