The Aegean Region - Turkey with Your Family: From Bustling Bazaars to Historic Sites - page 138

numbers of birds, is also some-
times known as Pirate Castle
Island because it was a one-time
base for pirates. Clearly they felt
safe to go about their business
with only a causeway between
them and the mainland. The
island and its castle were consid-
ered an important early warning
system for advancing ships and
a means of defence during
Ottoman times. Today, a visit to
the island is a must. Your chil-
dren will love the chance to play
pirates or soldiers, while you will
be rewarded by a panoramic view
of Ku @ adasi waterfront. Try to be
there as the sun goes down - the
island is known as one of the
best places to see a sunset in the
Aegean region, if not the world.
You can get there by walking
across the causeway from
Ku @ adasi quayside.
Selçuk

near the town of Selçuk, the
castle is said to have been the
home of St John the Evangelist,
who lived during the time of
Christ and died some 50 years
after his death. Today, a nearby
cathedral is an important
Christian building. Also close by
is the House of Virgin Mary , a
small stone building dating from
around the 4th century,
although its foundations appear
to date from the 1st century,
where it is believed the Virgin
Mary died. Pope Benedict XVI
celebrated mass here in 2006.
The Castle of St Peter,
Bodrum

★★
The Castle of St Peter, Harbourside,
Bodrum. b [phone]
(tourist information).

VALUE

Dating from the 15th century
and built by the crusading
Knights of St John, Bodrum's
almost-complete castle stands on
a headland overlooking the bay
for everyone to see - it dominates
the skyline. Creamish white in
colour, it begs to be visited.
Your children will not rest until
they have explored every inch,

★
The Aegean region has so many
historic sites to see that the really
rather impressive Selçuk Castle
with its well-preserved citadel
walls, towers and courtyards is
often overlooked. Standing qui-
etly on the top of Ayasuluk Hill,

Selçuk Castle

138