12 Temmuz 2010 Pazartesi

Crossing the Turkish boarder

Entry
The most common point of entry (and exit) for a tourist is one of the many Airports in Turkey.
Formalities are not too unusual for a seasoned traveler, but depending on the time of your arrival (and through which Port of Entry) delays and queues can be experienced.
One thing you should check before you arrive is the Turkish Visa Requirements relating to your Nationality. In most cases you are able to purchase a Tourist Visa in country - this is not 100% rule though so check before arrival.
At the Time of writing the Turkish Ministry of Foreign affairs posts Entry Visa information on their website here
http://www.mfa.gov.tr/MFA/ConsularInformation/ForForeigners/ VisaInformation/visafees.htm
A few things are noteworthy here:
If you intend to purchase your visa at the Turkish boarder, first look for the Visa issuing desk before you get into the queue for passport control. It can be quite frustrating having waited in line for some time only to be redirected back to the Visa Desk to buy your Visa.
Next check out the Visa prices and currencies, for Example a UK National is able to purchase a Tourist Visa at the boarder in Sterling, Euros or US Dollars, so if you are traveling as a family or in a large group, you may be able to save a little on currency cross exchange rates.
Finally make sure that you have reasonably new currency notes, in good condition, to the value of the Visa you intend to purchase. Coins are not normally accepted, old issue or torn tattered bank notes may be refused and the Visa Agent may not be able to give you change large value Bank notes.
Attention to these small details can speed up your entry quite significantly.
One other thing, which may enhance your visit, is to purchase your Duty Free goodies as you arrive in Turkey rather than in your county of departure. Tobacco and Alcohol goods can be significantly cheaper and it saves a lot of room on the overhead lockers on the plane. Locations of the Duty Free shops vary according to your point of entry; in some cases they are located before the Passport Control desk, in others in the baggage arrival hall, in all cases though the Duty Free Shops are very easy to find and they are always located before Turkish Customs Control.
A useful link here regarding Turkish duty free allowances (and other information)
http://www.turkishembassy.org/traveltourism/tips.htm
Having got through passport control, possibly having acquired your Duty Free Goods and gathered up your luggage, your final barrier to entry is Customs Control. In most cases this is not a problem but remember these guys have a very serious job to do. In my experience if you are patient and polite this is always reciprocated by the Customs officials and you will encounter few problems entering the country.
Departure
As with entering Turkey, leaving Turkey will present few surprises to a seasoned traveler. However always bear in mind the security issues related to international travel and leave enough time prior to departure to complete these formalities, the official recommendation is currently 2 hours prior to scheduled departure. More will cause you few problems, less can stress you out.
Again the process varies a little depending on the departure port, but you should be prepared for a minimum of 2 security checks, the First on Entering the Airport, checking your entire luggage, the second at the departure gate checking your carry on hand luggage, there can be intermediate checks too.
Hand luggage should not contain any sharp "weapon like" objects or hand tools (Manicure sets, Swiss Army Knives, leather-men and screwdrivers +etc) should you intend to travel with these or similar items it is advisable to pack them in your "Checked in" baggage. In some cases you will be asked to surrender "suspect" items to the Security Police for retrieval at the end of your journey.
You should also be prepared to turn on computers, hand held games, walkmans and any other battery operated equipment, irrespective of it being hand or checked in baggage. The watchword here as always is patience and courtesy, try to remember these guys are not "picking" on you, they are actually trying to "protect" you.
After checking in, getting your boarding pass it's on through Passport control and Customs Export Control. Note this link also has information about what you are allowed or not allowed to take out of the country.
http://www.turkishembassy.org/traveltourism/tips.htm
Finally you will find yourself in the departure lounge for some final Duty Free shopping and onto the Departure Gate. A word of caution, the inspection equipment at the departure gate is particularly sensitive, often requiring the removal of belts, shoes; any and all metal objects, to allow you to pass through the check without a "beep" It is advisable to be prepared for this by placing all of your metal objects on the inspection belt, this will greatly speed up the queue through the check and save a lot of frustration for yourself and fellow travelers.
Now onto the final "final"
Be aware that on some flights you will be asked to identify your checked in luggage before you board the flight. From experience this is a random requirement and only worthy of note in that should you fail to identify your baggage the flight will be held up and you will be called off the plane to do so, thereby suffering the contempt of your fellow passengers and a great deal of personal embarrassment.
Bon Voyage

TURKISH BATH

No vacation to Turkey is complete without going to a Turkish Bath. The Hamam is the place where you can totally relax both body and mind, do not try to rush though, allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy and revitalize both your body and mind.
Every Turkish town will usually have a “Hamam” and in the Cities you will find many. The public bath in Çesme is close to the caravansary and many of the larger hotels also have private baths. However note that most public baths segregate the sexes, although in many of the larger hotels mixed sessions are normal. Either way you should check before you visit.
The origin of the Turkish bath is Roman and was later refined by the Ottomans and normally has 3 rooms for you to experience.
  1. A steamy hot room, for a warm up and a scrubbing. Taking away any ingrained dirt and any layers of dead skin from your body.
  2. A warm room, for soaping, washing and perhaps a massage.
  3. A cool room, for resting, recuperating or just glowing.
As you first enter the Hamam you will be given a pair of wooden sandals (Takunya) and a linen towel (Pestemal) which you should fashion into a sarong to cover your modesty. After changing into the sarong and learning to balance on the sandals, you can enter the steam room. The idea here is to warm yourself up, open the pours of your body and begin the cleansing process so just sit and relax by one of the marble basins and pour warm water over 

yourself and gently raise your body temperature.
The next phase is the soaping and scrubbing with a "kese" a rough 
cloth mitten which removes loose or dead skin and any ingrained dirt. A word of caution – the “scrubbing” process can be somewhat vigorous so avoid going to the Hamam if you are a little “tender” after too much sunbathing.
Having got yourself thoroughly clean and relaxed you may wish to take a massage, experiences vary 
 here, but it is fair to say that after a good massage all your body will be totally relaxed, so much so you may have difficulty walking. So simply sit down again by the basins and recover for a little while.
Finally you can move into the “cool room” where you can sit down, have a nap or a snooze and relax with a snack over a glass of tea or Turkish coffee before going back out to face the world completely clean, glowing, relaxed, refreshed and invigorated.

Yacht Operators

ÖZ YACHTING
Neyzen Tevfik Cad. Gerence 1005 Sok No:11 Bodrum - Muğla
Tel: (252) 313 81 68
Fax: (252) 313 81 68
www.ozyachting.com

ADAM VOYAGES
Kumbahçe Mah. İmren Sk. No: 8 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 37 64
316 49 86
Fax: (252) 316 49 86

AEGEAN YACHTING
Paşatarlası Cad. No: 21, 48400 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 15 17
316 47 98
Fax: (252) 316 57 49

ALİZE TOURISM
Kumbahçe Mah. Üçkuyular Cad. No: 11 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 14 01

APAK TUR TOURISM
Atatürk Cad. No: 14/2
Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 52 43
Fax: (252) 316 39 98

APAZ DENİZCİLİK
Neyzen Tevfik Cad. No: 44 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 57 80
316 61 40
Fax: (252) 316 50 61

ARGOS YAT TOURISM
Firkateyn Sk. No: 27
Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 23 98

ARYA TUR TOURISM
Tepecik Mah. Hamam Sk.
No: 24 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 15 80
316 58 54
Fax: (252) 316 50 59

ATLANTİS YACHTING
Eski Çeşme Mah. Firkateyn Sk. No: 19 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 23 98
Fax: (252) 316 58 57

BİTEZ YACHTING & TRAVEL AGENCY LTD.
Neyzen Tevfik Cad.
No:142 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 24 54
Fax: (252) 316 31 01

BODRUM EXPRES LİNES
Kale Cad. No: 18 Bodrum
Tel: (252) 316 10 87
316 40 67
Fax: (252) 313 00 77

BRAVO TOURISM
Neyzen Tevfik Cad.
No: 78 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 17 81
316 04 99
Fax: (252) 316 36 33

DURUKOS YACHTING
Çarşı Mah. Karantina Cd. No: 47 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 18 68
Fax: (252) 316 26 24

EGE YACHTING
Zeki Müren Cad. No: 21, 48400 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 17 34
316 15 17
Fax: (252) 316 57 49

ERA TOURISM
Neyzen Tevfik Cad. No: 4 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 23 10
Fax: (252) 316 53 38

FANTAZİ TOURISM
Gümbet, Club Hotel Flora Dükkanları No: 1 Bodrum
Tel: (252) 316 01 72
Fax: (252) 316 01 71

FLAMA TOUR
Neyzen Tevfik Cad. No: 222 C/D 48400 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 18 42
316 18 94
Fax: (252) 316 32 42

FORA TOURISM
Neyzen Tevfik Cad.
No: 224 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 46 64
313 30 46
Fax: (252) 316 12 66

GINO GROUP
Neyzen Tevfik Cad
No: 200/9 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 21 66
Fax: (252) 316 50 26

GİZ YACHTING
Neyzen Tevfik Caddesi 230/A Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 87 99
313 11 82
Fax: (252) 316 87 99

GROUP TOUR LIMITED, INC.
Nayır İşhanı Kat 2, 48400 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 32 76
Fax: (252) 316 32 76

GÜNDOĞAN YACHTING
48483 Gündoğan-Bodrum
Tel: (252) 387 70 39
Fax: (252) 387 70 01

GÜNSU YACHTING
Cafer Paşa Cad. No: 51 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 14 64
(212) 231 18 18
Fax: (252) 316 31 59
(212) 230 62 01

HALİKARNAS YACHTING
Türk Kuyusu Cad.
No: 33/1, Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 23 97
Fax: (252) 316 53 01

INTER TOURISM
Kıbrıs Şehitler Cad. Yokuşbaşı Mah. No: 27/A Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 30 55
316 21 86

ISIS TOURISM
Gümbet, Isıs Tatil Köyü Çarşısı No: 1
Asarlık Mevkii
Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 95 01-12
Fax: (252) 316 86 03

KADIRGA YACHTING
Kumbahçe Mah. Lale Sk. No: 6 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 15 35

KARYA TOUR
Dr. Alim Bey Cad. No: 6 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 58 44
316 19 14
Fax: (252) 316 17 59

LORAN A.Ş.
Çarşı Mah. Eski Barlar Sk.
No: 26 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 25 78
316 24 63
Fax: (252) 316 38 33

MARİNA TUR TOURISM
Atatürk Cad. No: 103/A Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 18 40
Fax: (252) 316 52 00

MEDİ YACHTING
Neyzen Tevfik Cad.
No: 174/B Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 50 74
Fax: (252) 316 50 75

MEHMET ALTUĞ AKALAN
P.K. 73, 48400
Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 98 14
316 52 31

MERTUR TOURISM
Gümbet, Swoclup Otel Gümbet Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 24 09
Fax: (252) 316 98 92

MOTİF YACHT CHARTER SERVICE
Eskiçeşme Mh. Caferpaşa Cd. No. 6 BODRUM
Tel: (252) 316 23 09
Fax: (252) 316 35 22

NADİDE YACHTING
Eski Çeşme Mah. Kazancı Mevkii Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 81 33
Fax: (252) 316 98 56

NASU TOURISM
Dr. Alim Bey Cad. No: 2 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 15 51
316 21 34
Fax: (252) 316 43 21

NAITULUS YACHTING
Neyzen Tevfik Cad.
No: 224/A Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 68 35
Fax: (252) 316 42 54

NOSTALGIA YACHTING
Umurca Mah. Manzara Üstü Mutlu Koy Tatil Sitesi C/A Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (242) 316 60 87
316 62 83
Fax: (242) 316 62 83

OĞUZ YACHTING
Davut Sok. 14, 48400
BODRUM
Tel: (252) 316 49 24
0.522. 217 27 37
Fax: (252) 316 49 24

OZ YACHTING
Neyzen Tevfik Cad Gerence 1005 Sok No 11 BODRUM - TURKIYE
Office : 90 252 313 81 60 Mobile :90 533 653 03 63
www.ozyachting.com

PUPA YACHTING
Firkateyn Sokak No: 19
Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 23 98
316 58 57
Fax: (252) 316 77 10

PRUVA YACHTING
Neyzen Tevfik Cd. No. 48/B
Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 313 76 63
Fax: (252) 316 01 39

SALMAKİS TOURISM
Neyzen Tevfik Cad.
No: 106 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 28 77
316 27 38
Fax: (252) 316 27 37

SARAH MİA YATI
Hortma Mevki Yahşi Yalısı Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 829 61 30
(532) 266 00 17
Fax: (252) 316 10 96

SELİN YAT. TUR. İŞL. TİC. A.Ş. MOTİF TURİZM
Asarlık Mevkii Gündem Hotel Gümbet, Bodrum
Tel: (252) 316 23 09
316 15 36
Fax: (252) 316 35 22

SEVER YACHTING
Turgut Reis Cad. No: 35
Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 23 40
316 74 30
Fax: (252) 316 74 30

SJ TRAVEL & YACHTING
Neyzen Tevfik Cad.
Yat Limanı Karşısı, 218/A 48400 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 05 61
316 86 55
Fax: (252) 316 84 46

SPORT TOURISM
Eski Çeşme Mah. Gümbet Mevkii Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 12 47
Fax: (252) 316 32 77

SUNDAY YAT İŞL.
Mustafa Akif Ekeman Çarşı Mah. İskele Meydanı
P.K. 282 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 46 86

TUSSOCK CRUISING
Neyzen Tevfik Cad. Saray Sk. No: 2, Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 22 36
316 83 93
Fax: (252) 316 37 68

VERİTAŞ YACHTING
Cevat Şakir Cad. No: 30 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 16 82
Fax: (252) 316 39 51

YILDIZ YACHTING
Kumbahçe Mah. Rasattepe Sitesi No: 7 P.K. 132 Bodrum-Muğla
Tel: (252) 316 16 55

YOUNG TOURS
Sümbül Sk. 25/C 48400 Gümbet-Bodrum
Tel: (252) 816 55 43
Fax: (252) 316 71 68

YACHTING

The azure waters of the Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara and Black Sea surround Turkey to the south, west and north, making a treasure chest of coves, inlets, bays and beaches in which yachtsmen can choose a different and private anchorage each night.
The sailing paradise of Turkey is also home to the Mavi Yolculuk, or Blue Voyage, an idyllic cruise which travels to the private beach of Cleopatra, the eternal fires of Mount Olimpos and the remains of thousands of ancient civilisations.
Sailing in Turkey also allows visitors to experience the hospitality of the people in the coastal villages and towns. The tempered winds blowing from west and northwest make the long summers ideal for yachting, and seem to encourage an appreciation of nature. From some of the turquoise coast's unspoilt and sheltered bays you can see mountain peaks rising to almost 3000 meters above sea level.
Marinas

Turkey's most established marinas lie on the southern Aegean and Mediterranean coasts at Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Ayvalik, Mersin, Datca, Bozburun, Marmaris, Gocek, Fethiye, Kalkan, Kas, Finike, Kemer and Antalya. These well-equipped harbours contain all the services and provisions any yacht would require. Antalya, Bodrum Dalaman, Izmir and Istanbul airports provide quick links to all marinas in Turkey, ensuring departure by yacht within a day of landing.
Yacht Marinas registered by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Yacht Ports with Tourism Investment Certificate
 
Capacity
City Type Port Name On sea On shore
MUGLA/ Bodrum  Pr Bodrum Yalikavak Yacht Port 336 100
MUGLA/ Bodrum Secondary
Yacht Port
Kalkedon Marina 200 200
MUGLA/ Bodrum Secondary
Yacht Port
Karada Marina Bodrum 144 50
MUGLA/
Datca 
Secondary
Yacht Port
Meersea Kormen Yacht Port 246 56
MUGLA/
Gocek
Docking
Place for Yachts
Il-tur Tourism and Yachting Administration JSC 80 -
MUGLA/ Marmaris Yacht
Slipway Facility
Marmarin Yacht Slipway Facility - 200
MUGLA/ Marmaris Secondary
Yacht Port
Marti Marina and Yachting Administration JSC 301 70
MUGLA/ Marmaris Yacht
Slipway Facility
Yacht Slipway Facility - 100
MUGLA/ Turgutreis Secondary
Yacht Port
Alacatur Tourist Facilities Yacht Port 40 12
MUGLA/ Turgutreis Principal
Yacht Port
Turgutreis Yacht Port 455 100
Gulettes

The singular design of the gulette, Turkey's indigenous sea-going vessel, blends practicality and tradition in a relaxed style that embodies the Blue Voyage. Over the years gulettes have evolved from traditional fishing and cargo vessels into their present profile of a broad beam and wide deck.
Constructed mainly in the shipyards of Bodrum, Bozburun, Marmaris and Istanbul, and along the Black Sea Coast, these boats are equipped with motors as well as fully functional rigging. The number of passengers a gulette carries depends on the boat's size, although most of them accommodate between eight and twelve people. These vessels have speparate accommodation for passengers, and chartering one will also include services and entertainment. Modern gulettes are comfortably equipped with most home comforts, and encourages a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for all the passengers with a friendly relationship with the crew.
Travel agencies can arrange charters and fixed tours for a specific group or individually. Unlike cruises on large ocean liners, a gulette can explore the secluded and often deserted bays and coves of the coastline. The small harbours and settlements offer an intimate view of coastal life which large ships simply cannot. In many ways a gulette is like a full-service hotel where every room has a sea view and the scenery changes constantly.
Leaving Yachts in Turkish Marinas

Foreigners may leave their yachts in Turkey at a licensed yacht harbour or docking area for the purpose of storage, maintenance or repair, for a period of two years and leave the country.
In such cases, they must apply to the regional customs office with a document issued by a yacht harbour or docking area, and the requested process will be recorded in their passports. Owners may leave their yachts for up to five years, provided that the yachts sail from the harbour at least once every two years. At the end of 5 years, the Ministry of Tourism has the right to extend the length of stay.
Documents to be requested during time extension:
  1. Yacht ownership certificate
  2. Certificate proving the stay of yacht for five years
  3. Certificate proving the usage of yacht by yacht owners at least once every two years
    a - Yacht Registration Form copies
  4. Certificate of stay in yacht harbour or yacht docking area licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
    a - Docking agreements


    MARINAS AND YACHT PLACES



    Ağanlar A.Ş.    
    0252 3167108     /     0252 3161683

    Ağantur A.Ş.    
    0252 3105150     /     0252 3165155

    Ceklift    
    0252 3136753     /     0252 3136755

    Ethemoğlu    
    0252 3162148     /     0252 3134133

    Mels A.Ş.    
    0252 3163106

    Hamit Rüştü    
    0252 3160653

    Mercan Yatçılık    
    0252 3162880     /     0252 3136891

    Yat Lift    
    0252 3167842     /     0252 3136891


    YACHT PRODUCE PLACES



    Dinç Arslan    
    0252 3138992

    Dirmil tersanesi    
    0252 3166658

    Ege Yat A.Ş.    
    0252 3161734

    Hasan Ali Bayar    
    0252 3165126

    Mehmet Kocatepe    
    0252 3689151

    İlkay Mıstık    
    0252 3689695

    Mustafa Cengiz    
    0252 3185119

    Mustafa Caner    
    0252 3165272

    YACHT PLACES


    Bofor Ltd.Şti    
    0252 3162054

    İsmet Cengiz    
    0252 3165338

    Niyazi Müştü    
    0252 5310295

Map

How To Go ?

By Road

By car
There are many possible ways to get to Bodrum. The roads are generally tarred and in fair condition. However extreme caution must be taken while driving in Turkey. Most of the roads are not fenced off and villages and town are located in close proximity to main roads, therefore it is highly possible to encounter problems.

When you reach Istanbul, You can get on to the fast ferry that operates between Yenikapi / Istanbul and Bandirma. The trip is 1h45m. From Bandirma, the route to follow is respectively ; Balikesir, Manisa, Izmir, Söke, Milas and finally Bodrum.

The distance is approx. 800 km.

By bus
There are many bus operating companies that have regular services to and from Bodrum. The fare is inexpensive and the ride is very comfortable in fully air-conditioned buses. However the fare varies according to the standards and the quality of the operator. The journey is about 8h30min from Istanbul and about 4h from Izmir.

Transportation to Bodrum from all over Turkey through bus services is available. Bus terminal is in the city center.

Bus Station Tel:(+90-252) 316 26 37

By Sea

There are regular ferryboat services to the Greek islands of Cos and Rhodes. There are also connections to Knidos, Didim and Dalyan. The ferryboats and sea-buses all leave from the main harbor.

Bodrum Ferryboat Agency:(+90-252) 316 0882
Bodrum Express (Sea Bus): (+90-252) 316 10 87

By Air

The Bodrum-Milas Airport is 30 km. from the city center. Transportation is provided by Turkish Airlines, taxis and minibuses.
www.thy.com.tr

Airport Tel: (+90-252) 523 01 01

HISTORY

It is soon becomes clear to every visitor to Turkey that the region is steeped in Ancient history, Bodrum, the ancient city of “Halicarnassus” is for sure no exception to this.
Excavation sites place the settlement of the Town as far back as 5000 years and area has been used as a trading port pretty much since then, the regions calm waters and natural harbor being the main contributors. Around 300 – 400 BC Bodrum became the capital of the Carian Empire further enhancing it’s trading reputation whilst gaining fame for it’s local Boat Building Skills, the latter of which survives to this day in the form of the Bodrum gulet.
Bodrum and one of the 7 wonders of the world:
“The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus”

Constructed for King Maussollos, the Persian Satrap of Caria and completed around 350 BC, three years after his death. This highly ornate 40-Meter marble structure adorned with friezes, statues of horses and men survived for 16 Centuries before an earthquake damaged the roof and colonnade. The structure unfortunately then suffered “Man Made” damage in the 1500’s when the Knights of St. John used virtually all the stones from the Mausoleum to fortify their Crusader Castle.
Today only the foundations are visible at the original site of the Mausoleum, but remnants of stones, can be seen within the walls and structure of Bodrum Castle. For the real history buff Statues, sculptures and remains of the frieze from the Mausoleum are on display in The British Museum.
A final anecdote to the History of the Mausoleum has to be the story of the “Halicarnassus Fisherman” Cevat Sakir. It is said that, in a letter to the Queen of England, he requested that the Mausoleum parts be returned to Bodrum arguing that “such exquisite works of art were not finding their true place under the foggy and gray sky’s of London.” The response he received in true Victorian eloquence allegedly stated: “Thank you for reminding us of the matter, We have painted the ceiling where the Mausoleum is located in blue.”
Dominating the Town from all aspects is the castle of St. Peter, its origins date back to the 14th century and was established by The Knights of St. John of Malta. The completion of the Bodrum castle when added to their existing bases on Rhodes and Cos afforded them a foothold in Asia Minor and control of the most heavily used shipping waters of the day.
Construction on the castle took place through the 15th century, the first phase, walls and chapel being completed around 1437. Inside the Castle large areas of rock were excavated to form a series of Cisterns (14 in all) which were used to collect and store rainwater to supply the Knights during times of siege.
The Castle has undergone several different uses over the years, houses have been built within, public baths installed, a minaret was added to the chapel (converting it into a mosque) and has actually been used as a prison.
During the First World War a warship fired on the Castle, causing structural damage to several towers and toppling a minaret. After the war the castle was used to house an Italian garrison who made some repairs to the towers before finally withdrawing in 1921.
For almost 40 years after the Italian withdrawal the Castle stood idle and was used only to store artifacts from local excavations and shipwrecks. Finally though the castle has been refurbished and opened up as a tourist attraction housing one of the finest museums in the region.