The Çeşme Museum is located within the historic Çeşme Castle, one of the most significant castles in western Anatolia. Originally constructed in the 15th century by Genoese traders to protect trade routes between Çeşme and Çamlı Island, the castle was converted into an Ottoman fortress by Sultan Beyazıt II in 1508. The rectangular-plan castle, situated on a rocky slope, is surrounded by a ditch on three sides and the sea to the west, with its main entrance on the south side.

Inhabited until the 19th century, the castle was abandoned before being reopened to the public as a gun museum in 1965, displaying weapons from the Istanbul Topkapı Palace Museum. Since 1984, it has served as the Çeşme Archaeology Museum, featuring a diverse collection of artifacts from different historical periods.

Exhibits and Artifacts: The museum displays findings from the Bronze Age Bağlararası settlement and the ancient city of Çeşme-Erythrai. Among the notable artifacts are figurines, oil lamps, glass vessels, sculptures, and coins. The museum also has a captivating exhibit on the Ottoman-Russian naval war of 1770, located in the ground floor of the Umur Bey Tower.

A highlight of the museum is the hall showcasing amphoras unearthed from the sea, providing insight into ancient maritime trade. These containers were used to transport and store products such as grain, olive oil, and wine, playing a crucial role in the trade culture of antiquity.

The Crimson City "Erythrai": Erythrai, located 22 kilometers from Çeşme in Ildırı, derives its name from the red soil of the region or possibly from its founder, Erythothos, the son of Cretan Rhadamanthes. Known for producing millstones, excavations in Erythrai have uncovered the Temple of Athena, the theatre, a mausoleum (Heroon), Hellenistic and Roman villas, and settlement walls.

Wine Production in Bağlararası: Excavations at Bağlararası revealed that a massive earthquake 3700 years ago caused the settlement to collapse. Among the findings was the oldest winery building in Anatolia from the Bronze Age, complete with mechanisms for resting and storing wine.

While You Are Here: Visitors can also explore the Ayasuluk Castle within the St. John archaeological site, and see the ancient city of Erythrai in Ildırı, the Bronze Age settlement in Bağlararası, and the historical fountains of Çeşme. The area also features several old structures that showcase the coexistence of Turkish and Greek people during the Ottoman period.

Today, the Çeşme Castle serves as the Çeşme Archaeological Museum, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can view cannons, cannonballs, architectural pieces, and Islamic tombstones displayed in the castle's outdoor spaces, alongside the museum's extensive indoor exhibits.