The ruins of Myndos Gate lie abandoned on the edge of town, beckoning history buffs and curious visitors alike. Bodrum sightseeing tours often include a stop at the site, and visiting with a guide provides historic context. Hear how the gate was built in the 4th century BC and served as one of two entrances to the ancient city, linked by more than four miles (seven kilometers) of city walls.
As you clamber over the ruins, you can see the remains of its watchtowers and the 49-foot-wide (15-meter-wide) moat that was breached in 333 BC when Alexander the Great besieged the city.
The Myndos Gate is located about a mile (two kilometers) from downtown Bodrum. It’s about a 25-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride. To arrive using public transportation, hop on any westbound shared taxi (dolmus) and get off along Turgutreis Caddesi—you’ll see the ruins of the gate from the road.
You can visit the Myndos Gate at any time. It’s busiest in July and August, although it’s unlikely to get over-crowded. It’s worth making an early start in summer to avoid the midday sun—there is little shade at the site.
The Myndos Gate isn’t the only reminder of Bodrum’s ancient roots. Closer to town, the hillside ruins of Bodrum Amphitheater date back to the 4th century BC and afford an impressive view over the modern city. Most significant are the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Built in 351 BC to house the tomb of King Mausolus, this mausoleum was once a glorious feat of architecture—and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
