The Myndos Gate dating back from 360's BC, is one of Bodrum's important historical/cultural sites of Bodrum, greets the visitors with all its grandeur.

The Myndos Gate, which was built by Mausolus, The Satrap of Caria, protected Halicarnassus from the enemy raids and became literally a shield for the city against the attacks. The Myndos Gate, which is rising near the graveyard of Gumbet today, was built for defence purposes and is known to be one of the two monumental gates that exist. It was called Myndos Gate as it was opened on the way leading to Gumuşluk. Unfortunately, the Mylasa Gate, which is the other one of the gates, has not survived today's time.

The fortification-ditch, which hindered the raids of Alexander the Great to Halicarnassus in 334 BC, was dug in the 4th century BC. The length of the ditch is 56 metres, the depth is 2.5 metres and the width is 7.5 metres. The ditch that surrounds the South Tower from the west was excavated to defend the tower and the walls against sieges; being ballistic devices such as catapults and battering rams. In the area, where the historical ruins remain, there are vaulted graves, which were built back to back, of the Hellenistic and Roman periods of the 4th century BC.

The historical defence against Alexander the Great in ancient sources is as follows. In the autumn of 334 BC there is a silence in Halicarnassus, which has been under siege for weeks. The Macedonian King, Alexander the Great stands at the defensive gate of the city with his soldiers. Alexander, who did not encounter a serious defence in the Anatolian raids, is faced with a tough stand in Halicarnassus. He, who defeated the Persians, also desires to experience the same victory in Halicarnassus. However, the soldiers of Caria respond to the attacking Macedonian soldiers using burning arrows and pellets from catapults. The ditches which are full of water in front of the big gate becomes a grave for many of the soldiers, who had fallen off the wooden bridge during the combat. Alexander curses the Myndos Gate, which he could not pass, for the unexpected resistance. This curse passes into history as the unfortunate defeat of Alexander the Great…

At the Myndos Gate, which is open to visitors, you can enjoy your trip by reading the information about the history of Halicarnassus' defence.