Old Rhodes attractions. Rhodes island in Greece. Walls of old Rhodes

Having visited the Greek island of Rhodes, I almost immediately noticed a number of features that set it apart from other resorts in Greece. We are talking here about the unique geographical position, and about the sights, and, of course, about the seas, of which there are two in Rhodes. But let's take things in order.

The island boasts sunny weather more than 300 days a year, and this attracts many tourists who are crazy about a comfortable holiday. That is, be prepared for crowded beaches, hotels, restaurants and shops. However, there are still a couple of areas on the island that are not affected by mass tourism. Go in search of the secluded coves and beaches frequented by Greeks, or travel to the areas around Lindos. And I warn you that there are a lot of rocky beaches in Rhodes, nothing can be done about it!

Rhodes belongs to the Dodecanese archipelago, but tourists are accustomed to perceive Rhodes as a separate island. It is the only one among the other islands of the archipelago that combines both a beach holiday and a cultural one - there are many historical attractions here, and there is also a large medieval city.

The entire island is buried in cistus flowers, and tourists are convinced that this is why Rhodes was nicknamed the “island of roses.” In fact, scientists doubt the Greek origin of the island's name.

The northern coast of Rhodes is famous for its busy tourist spots, while the southern coast has a calmer pace of life and recreation, and the beaches are not so crowded.

Rhodes has other advantages: housing is relatively inexpensive, many locals speak at least English and German, and sometimes other languages, such as Swedish, French, Turkish, Italian and even Finnish.

In addition, the island will certainly surprise and delight curious tourists with an abundance of interesting places, including both natural and man-made. Rhodes, whose attractions date back to a wide variety of cultures and eras, is a unique opportunity to travel back in time several thousand years in one or two weeks on the island.

Story

The island of Rhodes has one of the longest, richest and most amazing histories in the world. Inhabited after the Neolithic period, the island has preserved all important Bronze Age settlements. At the dawn of the historical era, Rhodes was already known for its three powerful cities (they were mentioned by Homer): Lindos, Ialyssos and Kamiros. In 408 BC, all three cities united to form the capital of the island - the city of Rhodes. Both the city and the island played an important role in ancient Greek and Roman history. Perhaps the most memorable episode is the long siege of the city by Demetrios Poliokertes in 305 BC.

Thanks to the development of trade, Rhodes was the most influential cultural center during the Hellenistic period. Later, when Rhodes became one of the provinces of the Roman Empire, its influence declined, although it remained a regional capital and one of the earliest centers of Christian culture.

Rhodes later became part of the Byzantine Empire, and from the 7th century it entered the era of the early Middle Ages. In the Middle Ages, the island's importance increased again under the influence of the first Venetians, then the Genoese, and finally the Knights of St. John - the Crusader Order, who captured parts of Palestine, but were later driven out by the Saracens and Templars and took refuge on the island of Rhodes. They took power and control of the island from the Genoese by force in 1306 and ruled the island for two centuries. Under their rule, Rhodes became a major maritime power. After the capture of Suleiman the Magnificent in 1523, Rhodes became part of the Ottoman Empire.

The Turks controlled the island until 1912, when it was recaptured by the Italians. During the period of their rule in Rhodes, many monuments damaged during Turkish rule were restored, or even completely restored. These include the Palace of the Grand Master, located in the old town of Rhodes.

The island returned to Greece after World War II in 1948.

In Rhodes, I have repeatedly seen monuments of all the above cultures and eras, many of which still make a very strong impression.

Language

In order to communicate with local residents, my knowledge of English at the Pre-Intermediate level was enough.

In general, the native language of the inhabitants of Rhodes is Greek. Thanks to the development of tourism, locals speak English or German quite well. The local dialect has strong Turkish and Italian overtones. Some words used by the island's inhabitants may not be immediately understood by most Greeks.

There is no point in trying to speak Russian, with the exception of guides and tour guides, with local residents. However, many restaurants have Russian-language menus, and some have Russian waiters. There are no inscriptions in Russian in the museums either, but at the tourist information kiosk in the capital of the island you can get detailed maps and booklets in Russian with descriptions of attractions, shops and restaurants on the island of Rhodes completely free of charge. I have already written about how to find the information center.

By plane

The island is served by the international airport of Rhodes, called Diagoros (Διαγόρας). Diagoras is an ancient athlete originally from the island of Rhodes, who repeatedly won the Olympic Games. The airport is located on the west coast, 14 kilometers from the city of Rhodes.

Regular flights operate from Athens, Thessaloniki and Crete. In July and August, Astra Airlines operates flights from the city. Aegean aircraft depart daily from Olympic Air Athens Airport. From Crete () you can travel by Sky Express.

Today, tours to Rhodes are popular in many countries, so in addition to the largest Greek cities, Rhodes has established air connections with many cities around the world:

Flights to Rhodes are regularly operated by Aegean, Azur Air, Siberian Airlines and others.
The already mentioned Aegean, Siberian Airlines, and Air Baseltic are responsible for direct flights from St. Petersburg.

The cost of a round-trip flight per adult starts from 345 €. You can see how much a flight to Rhodes will cost on your dates.

There is a taxi rank near the airport; I will tell you more about this type of transport in Rhodes in the corresponding section below.

By ferry

The island of Rhodes can be reached by ferry from Symi and Tilos in Greece; , Datca, Bodrum and Marmaris in Turkey.

Cruise ships dock at the commercial port in the east of the Old Town of Rhodes.

Clue:

Rhodes - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Ekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Despite the fact that the sun shines on the island on average 300 days a year, this does not mean that you can swim and sunbathe in Rhodes all year round. But in each season this island is good in its own way.

If your goal is a beach holiday, then the swimming season on the island lasts from May to October. However, if you want to get the most out of your beach holiday, the best time to go on vacation is from July to September. Then the water temperature in the sea can reach +28 °C, and the likelihood of rain is negligible. And it is during these months that there is a particularly strong influx of tourists.

By the way, I personally think that the beginning of September is simply the ideal time for a beach holiday on the island, since the summer holidays for schoolchildren are already ending, and this means that the beaches are becoming calmer.

You can find prices for tours on the dates you need in the Travelask section.

Rhodes in spring

Spring roughly lasts from February to April. At this time, it makes sense to come to the island to admire the blossoming island. In fact, compared to Crete, Kos and other island resorts, Rhodes is rich in greenery, and if you don’t notice this in the summer heat, then in the spring the island’s vegetation makes itself felt fully.

Rhodes in winter

At this time of year, the weather on the island is quite mild and sunny, and the temperature corresponds to late Moscow spring or early autumn. In winter, most hotels close and only a few of them accept tourists arriving in Rhodes.

Vacations, the prices of which in winter are significantly lower than in the summer season, come down to walking and exploring the island’s many attractions, which are not surrounded by flocks of curious tourists with cameras. If you come to Rhodes in winter, the sea water will most likely be downright cold for you.

Rhodes - weather by month

Clue:

Rhodes - weather by month

Conditional areas. Descriptions and features

Afantou is one of the largest villages on the island. This is where the Rhodes golf course and long beach are located.
Archangelos is the second largest city in Rhodes.
Asklepio is a village on the island. There are old castles and churches here.
Faliraki is an active holiday destination in Rhodes. Come here for the parties; other entertainment is best found elsewhere. The quietest hotels are located in the northern part of Faliraki. Hotels near the water park are designed for families and are not intended for partygoers. Faliraki is famous for its wonderful beaches, and it is not very windy here.
Gennadi is a town located approximately 64 kilometers from the Old Town of Rhodes, near Prasonisi. This is where avid surfers flock from all over the world. The last beaches in Rhodes that have not been touched by the destructive influence of civilization are also preserved here.
Haraki is a small old fishing village near Lindos. The private beach is surrounded by a chain of restaurants.
Lalyssos (Ialyssos) - famous for its azure waters and good beaches. Here you will find both large hotel complexes and cozy small hotels, as well as many different shops and nightclubs. With ideal weather conditions all year round, Lalyssos often hosts important international windsurfing competitions.
Ixia is a west coast resort, located near Paradisi, Telos (Theologos) and Rhodes airport.
Kallithea is a great place for snorkeling. There are good hotels here for a comfortable stay.
Laerma - this village is an architectural monument. It is located next to Lindos and Lardos. Dense settlement of the village began in the Hellenistic period. Now there are several restaurants here. 4 kilometers southwest of Laerma is the largest monastery in all of Rhodes - the Monastery of the Archangel Michael.
Lardos - located near Lindos. The main shopping area offers many restaurants and shops.
- a picturesque village, it is here that the oldest landmark is located - the acropolis.
Pefkos is a small tourist resort near Lindos. Initially, local farmers lived here, but after a while Pefkos turned into a full-fledged city.
Rhodes is the largest city on the island and the administrative center (the government is located here).
Tholos (Theologos) is a traditional village.

Where to stay

If you came to the island for sights, it is preferable to stay in the capital of the island. In this case, you will have the Old Town of Rhodes, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, within walking distance, and there are direct buses from the city center to other important cultural sites. Many hotels in Rhodes are concentrated in the capital.

If you like surfing and otherse extreme water activities, it is best to settle in the area of the beaches of Ialyssos and Ixia. They overlook the Aegean Sea, which almost always has waves, and the center of water extremes is located on the shore.

If you are traveling to the island for nightlife, then pay attention to the Faliraki area, famous for its nightclubs.

For those who just want relax at sea with your family and does not feel the desire to fight the elements, the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast of the island are suitable. These are the areas of Tsambika, Haraki, Pefki,. Read more about beach holidays in Rhodes. In Lindos you can also visit the local acropolis, the second largest in Greece after Athens.

There are also very cheap apartments located far from the sea. Offers for renting apartments from private owners can be found at.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub

Main attractions. What to see

The abundance of natural and cultural monuments is one of the hallmarks of the island of Rhodes. famous for its ancient temples and Byzantine churches, but in Rhodes you will find many things that are not on other Greek islands.

The capital of the island, the city of Rhodes

Despite the fact that the island is rich in all kinds of attractions, their highest concentration is in the capital. This is where I recommend starting your acquaintance with the monuments of Rhodes.

First of all, it is medieval, within the walls of which antique buildings, and the remains of Byzantine fortifications, and buildings of the knightly period, and monuments from the times of Ottoman rule have been preserved. Old Rhodes, photos of which appear on the first pages of guidebooks to the island, can rightfully be considered its calling card. Read more about the Old City.

Near the Old Town there is an ancient one, which also preserves traces of various cultures and eras. According to legend, this is where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood. Whether this is true or not, you can read.

Rhodes also has its own acropolis. It is not as large as Lindos, but it also has objects worthy of attention. It is located on Mount Monte Smith. Read more.

In addition, the city has many interesting museums that you can read about. The same link provides information about the famous Rhodes Aquarium.

Asklepio and Kiotami

In the small church they show fascinating performances - stories of miraculous healings, from ancient times to the present.

According to Greek myths, Asclepius was the son of the god Apollo, who created the art of healing.

Prasonisi

The southernmost point of Rhodes. There is a peninsula connected to the main island by a sandbank.

Even if your car is four-wheel drive, think twice before driving into the sandbank as you risk getting stuck in the sand.

Acropolis of Lindos

The second largest Greek acropolis after Athens.

This place contains monuments of both ancient and Byzantine culture, and the walls of the knightly period encircle the Lindos acropolis. Read more about the Acropolis of Lindos.

Monolithos Castle

If you decide to stay on the east coast, then be sure to go to Gennadi. Traveling by moped can be quite windy, but the beautiful scenery is worth it!

There is nothing special in Apollakia, but you can have a quite pleasant rest at one of the local eateries. There is a gas station in the south of the village, useful for those traveling on a moped. Head towards Monolithos.

Just outside the village is the Monolithos Castle, which can be seen from a 240 meter high mountain. Be sure to take a closer look at this cultural monument, which may not be very outstanding in itself, but it offers magnificent views of the west coast. On the northwestern side you can see Kalki Castle.

Seven springs

And that's all that can be seen there, with the exception of a short forest path.

During the hot summer months, cool shade provides a welcome respite from the sun.

Mount Filerimos

Medieval ruins, monastery and chapel. The north of the island offers excellent scenery.

Kamiros

The ruins of an ancient Greek polis, destroyed by an earthquake more than 2 thousand years ago.

You can wander around the surrounding area, look into the villages of Soroni and Fanes.

Top of Tsambika

At its top there is a chapel with a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. Read more about Tsambika.

Valley of the Butterflies

To reproduce offspring, butterflies need rest. Since this place became a tourist place, the insect population here has sharply declined.

Even though there is no point in going here for butterflies now, the valley is still a very beautiful place.

What to see in 1 day? Personally, I recommend taking a walk through the Old Town of Rhodes. You can even do without visiting museums, since this place is so unique that you are unlikely to get bored walking along its streets, where cultures and eras are intertwined.

In addition, there are various day tours around the island, which include several places at once. The cost of one excursion is from 25 € per person. I can personally recommend “The City of Rhodes and Filerimos Hill”, as well as an overview of the island. The latter includes ancient Kamiros, wine tasting, a visit to Monolithos Castle and Cape Prasonisi.

You can order a tour in several ways:

If you come to Rhodes as part of a package tour, your tour operator will most likely offer it to you. In Rhodes, the host company is Beleon Tours, and I personally liked how the excursions were organized by this company. The time is designed in such a way that tourists find it both interesting and comfortable. Where necessary, a break for lunch and rest is provided.
If you are staying in a tourist area, there are probably excursion bureaus there, which are easy to recognize by their signs in Russian.
Most hotels have stands where, in addition to the telephone numbers of tour desks, you can get discount coupons for some museums, shops and restaurants completely free of charge.
Before your trip, contact a private island guide and arrange a private tour for yourself. The guide can be found through any popular social network.

Top 5

Beaches. Which ones are better

The island of Rhodes has a wide variety of beaches. On the eastern side there are long sandy beaches with calm waters. The beaches in the west are more rocky. The wind predominantly blows from the west, and the sea tends to be a little rougher in the west, so this side of the island is better suited for surfing or kiteboarding.

Lindos

Stunningly beautiful beach on the bay.

This is a trendy crowd, so wear a bikini to fit in with the local crowd.

Kallithea

Located north of Faliraki, Kallithea was originally an Italian resort. This is a very nice place, but crowded.

Currently, work continues on the construction of modern spa centers and entertainment facilities. There are private beaches to the south of the resort.

Faliraki

Long sandy beach with many taverns to suit all tastes. Here you can easily rent jet skis or enjoy other water sports.

There is a quieter rocky beach in the southern part, but the sea there is too shallow for real swimmers. It is also home to the only legal nudist beach on the island, which has full facilities including sun loungers for hire, toilets and concessions.

Ladiko Beach (Anthony Quinn Beach)

A very picturesque place.

One side of the bay is a relatively small beach. The other side is rocky, but there is a platform on which it is convenient to sunbathe.

Tsambika Beach

On the far right bank near the rocks there is sunbathing for nudists.

Gennadi Beach

This area and nearby Prasonisi attract surfers. Peaceful and calm resort village. Its peculiarity is pristine sands, hotels, beach bars.

Gennadi began to gain popularity relatively recently. Unexplored beaches stretch along the sandy coast from Gennadi to Prasonini. This area is one of the last untouched stretches of coastline remaining on the island.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Most of the museums are located in the island's capital, Rhodes. If you are interested in history and antiquities, first of all you should visit the exhibitions of the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Archaeological Museum, located in the building of the order's hospital.

If you prefer the secrets of the underwater world, go to the Rhodes Aquarium. It is, of course, significantly inferior to the largest oceanariums in Europe, but the underwater world of the seas washing the island is quite widely represented there.

Finally, if you prefer contemporary art, there is such a museum in the capital of the island.

Parks

Despite the fact that Rhodes is quite a green island compared to the rest of Greece, there are only two large parks on it.

Valley of the Butterflies

This is the place where butterflies of the bear family flock during the mating season. They are the main attraction of the park.

But his road along the wooden bridges is quite picturesque in itself. Nearby is the small monastery of Panagia Kalopetra.

Rodini Park

It is located on the outskirts of the island's capital and is in sharp contrast to the Valley of the Butterflies, as there are almost no people there during the daytime hours. However, the park itself is very picturesque.

There you can find live peacocks and turtles, and in the depths of the park there are caves that were used for burials in ancient times. Unfortunately, there are no cafes or restaurants in the park area, so after the walk you will have to return to.

How to get to Rodini Park

Bus No. 12 runs from the city center to the park approximately once an hour, the fare for which is 1.1 € one way.

Food. What to try

Food

Rhodes restaurants offer visitors a wide selection of national cuisine and seafood. Of the national dishes, it is especially worth noting stifado, kleftiko, souvlaki and dolma. The most popular fish is the sea crucian dorado, which swims in abundance in the local waters.

Read more about Rhodes restaurants and national cuisine.

Beverages

Once in Rhodes, be sure to try the signature “resin” wine, Retsina. The tradition of adding resin to wine dates back to ancient times, when it acted as a natural preservative, preventing the drink from spoiling. Retsina has a mild taste and rich resinous aroma. It is worth noting that according to the main classification this is a dry white wine.

Also, if you come to a restaurant, you should try just homemade wine from grapes grown on the island of Rhodes. Prices for such wine are quite affordable: from 4.5 € for a half-liter decanter.

Local alcoholic drinks also include Greek Mythos beer and ouzo - aniseed brandy.

For non-alcoholic drinks, you can take frappe. This is chilled strong coffee, whipped to foam with added sugar.

Tap water on the island is safe to drink. Restaurants will serve you a glass of ice water if you wish.

Safety. What to watch out for

Rhodes is a fairly safe place, but sometimes you still need to be on your guard.

It is better to walk with small children until 10 p.m., since night partygoers become more active at this time. In the early 2000s, there was a case when young people from the UK, who came to “go clubbing” in Rhodes, committed a number of crimes against local residents and tourists. And this is not the only incident. Of course, the police are especially vigilant after these incidents, but it still doesn’t hurt to be on the safe side.

Taxi drivers sometimes turn off taximeters without permission and may charge you a considerable amount of money upon arrival at your destination. Make sure that the taximeter is turned on, and it is best to ask the driver in advance about the approximate cost of the trip.

Things to do

If we talk about entertainment, then in Rhodes they are presented in full:

For shopping, you should go to the capital of the island, and not to the Old Town, but to the new part, located in the northern part of Rhodes. There are several streets where famous world brands are presented: from budget ones like Marks & Spencer to the more famous Lacoste or Hugo Boss. However, shopping in Rhodes can hardly become the main purpose of a trip, but rather a pleasant addition.

In summer, discounts begin in most stores; you can save up to 30–50% of the purchase price.

There are many retail outlets with mink coats on the island especially for Russian tourists. In my opinion, the thing is very much for everyone.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Watching tourists, I came to the conclusion that most often they take away from Rhodes:

It is important to remember that many items from well-known brands can be fake (T-shirts, towels, bags, etc.).

Also, in addition to T-shirts with the banal “I love Greece” or something similar, there are interesting ones with prints on a knightly theme.

By the way, if we are not talking about chain stores, but specifically about tourist souvenir shops, bargaining is more than appropriate. Of course, I cannot guarantee a discount, but the probability of saving from 5 to 20% of the original cost is quite high. A good argument in your favor is that you intend to buy more than one thing, but even if the purchase is modest, you can always ask for a discount for good people. The Greeks are positive people and may well agree.

How to get around the island

As in most Greek regions, the soil in Rhodes does not allow for railway tracks, so there are no railways on the island. But their absence is perfectly compensated by the developed bus network. All public transport lines originate from the city of Rhodes and reach almost anywhere throughout the island.

Taxi. What features exist

Taxis in Rhodes are dark blue with white roofs. At the tourist information center you can find out the maximum prices for taxi services.

For example, a trip from Rhodes to Faliraki should not cost more than 13 €, a trip from the airport to Rhodes will cost you a maximum of 16 €. The minimum price for a taxi ride is 4 €, the taximeter starts at 0.85 €. Never allow the driver to turn off the taximeter!

You will have to pay about 0.50–0.60 € for each suitcase. Each hour of waiting costs 7.90 €.

You can call a taxi by calling +30 2241 069800. There is an additional charge of 1.50 € per call.

From midnight to 5 am you will have to pay double the price. You can book a car in advance to avoid delays during rush hour (such as on weekends).

Within the city of Rhodes there is a fixed tariff. If you take a taxi from the stand, the fee will be 5 €. At the main taxi depot, which is located near New Market (Mandraki), there is a special service where they make sure that the car does not leave half empty, especially if you go long distances. If you are traveling with fellow travelers, the additional fee will be 4 €.

Public transport

The bus is the best way to get around the island. All buses are equipped with air conditioning, and they run between the largest settlements on average once an hour.

The main bus station in Rhodes is called Neá Agorá (New Market). Information about buses, tickets, prices and schedules.

Tickets can be purchased either at special kiosks at the bus stop or from the driver, since kiosks are not available everywhere. The price will also be the same, but you can immediately buy a return ticket at the kiosk.

The fare ranges from 1 €, if we are talking about internal routes around the capital, to 9 € - for this money you can get from the final stop of the city of Rhodes to Cape Prasonisi, that is, drive the island from north to south. Keep your tickets until the end of your trip.

Stops on the roads are marked with signs, but it is better to signal to the driver that you want to board the bus. Only a few stops have timetable boards, and buses are often late.

The routes through some resorts and villages are different. For example, in Faliraki there are three routes: the first with a stop on the main street, the second with a stop in the center and the third near the embankment, so think about the route in advance, otherwise you will not get off where you planned.

Transport rental

Automobile

It is theoretically possible to bring your own car to the island, but I do not recommend doing this, because you can rent a car at the airport (Diagoras), at any hotel or from local dealers. Paved highways allow you to get anywhere on the island, but often the internal roads (especially in the south) are just dirt paths.

The average cost of renting a car is 50 € per day. This option is suitable if you are traveling with a large group or decide to take a ride to less popular attractions like Monolithos Castle. You can find out about car rental prices in advance.

Motorcycle or moped

Motorcycles and mopeds are a good alternative to cars. Mopeds are especially popular among local youth and can be used to get to places inaccessible by car, such as the narrow, winding streets of Rhodes Town. Their additional advantage is that rent is cheap, about 10–15 € per day.

Before renting a bike, check the tires and brakes, and if this is the last option left, don't take it: the vehicle may be in urgent need of repairs.

Although helmets are not mandatory for moped drivers, you can still be stopped on a main road and given a €50 fine, so it makes sense to ask whoever is renting you a helmet for a helmet (especially if you intend to ride on roads with a lot of traffic).

If you decide to ride a moped, first make sure the tank is full, as it is often quite difficult to find a gas station. An extra stop at a gas station will save you a lot of stress.

Rhodes - holidays with children

If you're traveling with small children, it's best to stay on the east coast, where the seas are calmer.

There are no modern amusement parks on the island, but the medieval castles of the Knights Hospitaller will certainly be of interest to children, especially boys.

In the very center of Rhodes, you and your child can visit the interactive 5D show Throne Of Helios. This is a journey in space and time from the moment when the city became the patrimony of the sun god Helios and until the beginning of Turkish rule in Rhodes. You really feel like flying above the very surface of the sea!

The show lasts 20 minutes, and sessions take place 2-3 times an hour. Each time the session is conducted in one language, including Russian. In Russian, the show takes place approximately once every two hours. Ticket price is 10 €.

In addition, there is a small museum in the lobby of the building. There are no ancient artifacts there, but there are copies of them, among which the head of the god Helios with rays emanating from it stands out. On numerous stands you can read interesting stories related to the domination of the Knights Hospitaller on the island, in particular, the legend of the Rhodian dragon, which was eventually defeated by a young and resourceful knight.

To get to the show, you first need to get to the capital of the island, and from the stop the venue is within walking distance: about 10-15 minutes and you are there.

Ski holiday

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Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

Anything to add?

Let's consider interesting facts about Rhodes in a nutshell. The island has a rich cultural heritage; the ruins of ancient cities, fortresses, castles, palaces and acropolises have been preserved here.

Rhodes is famous for one of the 7 wonders of the world - Colossus of Rhodes, 37 meters high, erected in 285 BC. BC, which was located in the port of Mandraki at the entrance to the harbor. The Colossus of Rhodes personified the ancient Greek Sun God Helios. Outwardly, the Colossus of Rhodes represented a huge young man, in one hand he had a bow and arrows, and the other hand with a cup was raised high above his head.
The Colossus of Rhodes was destroyed by an earthquake in 227 BC uh. Now all that remains of this wonder of the world are columns on which there are statues of deer.
The medieval world first learned about the ancient Rhodian cities when the ancient athlete Diagoras won the Olympic Games. Now the airport "Diagoras" is named in his honor.
According to the myths of Ancient Greece, the island of Rhodes belonged to the sunny god Helios, son of the titan Hyperion. The Greeks believe that the god Helios fell in love with the nymph Rhoda, the daughter of Amphitrite and Poseidon. The island of Rhodes was named in honor of Rhoda.
The island of Rhodes was the most important center Bronze Age(16th century BC), thanks to cooperation with the Minoan civilization of the island of Crete.
During the construction of Constantinople Hagia Sophia Clay tiles from the island of Rhodes were used.

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Facts about Rhodes

The first settlers of Rhodes were from Crete islands, then the Phoenicians and Dorians.
The Greeks believe that the first settlement on the island of Rhodes was founded by the hero of the myths of ancient Greece Hercules (Hercules). However, historians have found that the first to settle in Rhodes were fishermen who took refuge here from storms at sea.
The city of Rhodes, where medieval buildings are well preserved, was founded in 5th century BC with the unification of the political forces of Lindos, Ialyssa and Kamiros.

Medieval city of Rhodes: interesting facts

The medieval old town of Rhodes is included in UNESCO World Heritage List.
The fortress in the city of Rhodes is one of the largest in Europe.
Along the perimeter, the walls of the Rhodian fortress are about 4 km.
Emblem of the Knights of Rhodes - eight-pointed white cross, depicted on many buildings on the island. Now this cross is called the Maltese cross.
In the Middle Ages, the island of Rhodes was divided into 2 parts: Collachy and Burg. Knights and masters settled in Kollahie. Ordinary people lived in Burg. Knights and masters built a large number of beautiful buildings and structures, some of which have survived to this day.
The medieval city of Rhodes was surrounded by a 4-kilometer stone wall, which protected it from invaders. It was possible to get to Rhodes only through one of 11 gates.
In the old town of Rhodes there is a medieval Street of Knights. It dates back to the 14th century and has now been completely restored. The Knights Hospitallers (Johannites) who visited Rhodes were stationed on this street. Now you can see medieval knightly residences - auberges.
The fortress in the old city of Rhodes was the center Collachia, where the Rhodian knights lived. Also, local residents could hide here from dangers. The fortress withstood several earthquakes, but was destroyed by an accidental explosion in 1856. Drawings were found in the fortress of Rhodes, according to which historians and architects were able to recreate the original appearance of many buildings and structures. Today, historical exhibitions are displayed in the fortress in the old town of Rhodes.
One of the most memorable architectural monuments of the Rhodes Fortress on the Street of the Knights of John of the Middle Ages is Palace of the Grand Masters (Castello), built in the 14th century. It looks very inaccessible - like a fortress within a fortress. The cathedral itself is square in shape with a courtyard closed from prying eyes. The palace has 205 halls and rooms where exhibitions are currently displayed. Nowadays, the palace can be visited on a guided tour. The entrance fee in 2019 is 6 euros.
In battles, knights came out dressed in red cloaks under armor so that when wounded, no blood is visible. The knights fought fiercely and did not show that they were wounded until they fell dead.
Knights Hospitaller of St. John stayed in Rhodes 213 years and left a colossal cultural and historical heritage.
In 1522, after a 6-month siege, Rhodes fell and was conquered Suleiman the Magnificent. The Knights had to leave Rhodes, and Charles V and the Pope were forced to find a new home for the Knights in Malta. After these events, the Knights of Rhodes began to be called the Knights of Malta.
The Knights of Rhodes left their legacy on everyone Dodecannes Islands, as well as on the Asia Minor coast - now it is a city Izmir in Turkey.

Interesting facts about Rhodes: Lindos city

Lindos is home to the world's only ancient Greek Olympic Stadium. It is considered an analogue of the stadium of ancient Olympia.
Acropolis in Lindos was founded 2600 years ago and has survived to this day. In popularity it is surpassed only by the Acropolis in Athens. The Temple of Athena of Lindos is located here. Now you can visit it on a guided tour. The entrance fee in 2019 is 12 euros.
Marble sculpture of Nike of Samothrace was created by the hands of the sculptor Pythocritus from Lindos in 190 BC. partly of Rhodian marble. She was later discovered on the island of Samothrace. Now this sculpture can be seen in the Louvre in France.

Rhodes Island: interesting facts

There is a city in Rhodes Kamiros, which is one of the 3 ancient cities of the island. The other two are Ialyssos and Lindos. The city flourished due to agriculture. Kamiros cooperated in trade with Asia Minor and the southeastern Mediterranean. Now you can see the ruins of the ancient city.
In the village Asklipio, named after the ancient Greek god of medicine, in the southeast of Rhodes is the ancient Orthodox Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the Byzantine style. The temple dates back to the 11th century and has survived to this day. This is the most ancient temple on the island of Rhodes.
In the 1st century BC. in Rhodes it was accepted Christianity, and the Metropolitan from Rome moved here. When the Turks captured the island of Rhodes, they rebuilt all the Christian churches into mosques. Later, when the Turks were driven out, the inhabitants of the island converted all the mosques into temples.
Rhodes has become a place of pilgrimage to Church of Saint Tsambika, who is considered the patroness of those who want to have children. People come to pray to her from all over Greece and neighboring countries. You can read many wonderful stories when Saint Tsambika helped even in the most hopeless situations.
In the city Ialyssos The Acropolis of Achaia and the ruins of ancient temples, which were erected in honor of Athena and Zeus, have been preserved.

Rhodes is included in Schengen zone. The main currency on the island is the euro.
The island of Rhodes is located at the confluence of two seas - Aegean and Mediterranean. The boundary between them is clearly visible, and the waters do not mix.
There are more than 300 sunny days a year.
In Rhodes the temperature never drops below -3 degrees.
Most of Rhodes' budget comes from tourism income.
Rodov Island rings two lane road, you can drive around in a circle in 2 hours.
Almost half of the island of Rhodes is occupied pine and cypress forests.
Rhodes is one of the most safest islands in the world.
The perimeter of the coastline is 225 km.
On the entire island of Rhodes there are only 115,000 people from the local population. Of these, almost 50,000 are in the city of Rhodes. All in Rhodes there are 44 cities and settlements.
The name of the island "Rhodes" means "rose".
The coat of arms of the island of Rhodes depicts deer. The same one that stands on a column in the place of the Colossus of Rhodes.
Despite its small size, the island of Rhodes has airport. It's called Rhodes Airport "Diagoras" and is located 14 km from the city of Rhodes in Paradisi.

The Greek island of Rhodes has been a popular beach resort since the beginning of the 20th century. A sufficient number of first-class hotels, equipped beaches and comfortable infrastructure have always attracted large flows of tourists. Today, Rhodes proudly holds the distinction of being one of the most visited Mediterranean islands.

However, Rhodes has more to offer than just a beach holiday. Its history goes back thousands of years. Monuments of Antiquity and the Middle Ages from the Ottoman Empire and Italian rule are perfectly preserved here. Scattered among the picturesque valleys of the island are charming Greek towns, as if frozen in time under the gentle Mediterranean sun. In colorful taverns you can fully enjoy local cuisine, for which the best and only fresh products are used.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

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What to see on the island of Rhodes?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

The Rhodes Fortress was built in the 13th century by the Knights of the monastic Order of St. John, better known as the Hospitaller Order. The walls of the structure grew on the site of the ancient acropolis. In the 15th century, the castle was considered one of the most impregnable fortresses in the Christian world. The ring of stone walls was more than 4 km long. Inside is the Palace of the Grand Masters, built on the site of the Temple of Helios. Only the walls of this castle have survived to the days.

Inside the walls of the Rhodes Fortress lie the medieval quarters of Rhodes, built during the reign of the Order of St. John on the foundations of buildings from the Ancient era. There are 10 gates leading to the territory of the old city, located along the perimeter of the fortress wall. The streets of the medieval city are paved with cobblestones; the powerful walls of the surviving buildings once housed knights, a hospital and administrative offices.

The Street of Knights is located on the territory of the Medieval city of Rhodes. It begins at the gates of the Palace of the Grand Masters. Mainly on this street are the houses of the “tongues” - national groups of knights who arrived in Rhodes from different countries. For example, there once was the House of the French Knights and the House of Spain. In the Middle Ages, the Order's stables were also located on the Street of Knights.

Lindos is one of the most ancient cities of the island, it was founded in the 10th century BC. The local ancient Acropolis is second only to the Athenian Acropolis in importance. The local temple of Athena Lindia was once visited by Alexander the Great, and in the 1st century AD. e. The Apostle Paul visited here. All city buildings are painted white. The ancient houses are many hundreds of years old, but according to the law, new buildings cannot be erected in the city in order to preserve its historical appearance.

An ancient harbor that was the main port of Rhodes for 2.5 thousand years. At the entrance to the port there are two stone columns, on which in the 3rd century AD. e. a giant 36-meter statue of the Colossus of Rhodes rested (now there are figures of deer there). On the stone breakwater there are three medieval mills, preserved from knightly times, and the fortress of St. Nicholas.

In the past, the fort was part of the defensive system of Rhodes. It is located on the edge of a stone pier - a breakwater built in Antiquity. First, in the 15th century, the central tower of the fortress was erected, called the “Tower of the Mills”. A few years after the Turkish siege of 1480, the structure was surrounded by a moat and walled. Today, there is a lighthouse on the territory of Fort St. Nicholas.

The Acropolis of Lindos is one of the most significant architectural monuments in Greece. It is located on a cliff overlooking the sea. The first pagan temples appeared here in the 5th-4th centuries. BC. The main sanctuary of the Acropolis is a temple in honor of Athena Linda, who was considered the patroness of the island. Many buildings have survived quite well to this day, so tourists can see not only ruins.

The Acropolis is located on the hill of St. Stephen, where today the park of Monte Smith is located. It consists of a stadium, an amphitheater and the remains of the Temple of Pythian Apollo. According to excavation data, the first buildings appeared here in the 3rd-2nd centuries. BC e. In the era of Antiquity, sanctuaries of the gods, public institutions, and theaters were located on the territory of the Rhodes Acropolis. The main artifacts were discovered as a result of excavations from 1912 to 1945.

The stadium is located on the territory of the Rhodes Acropolis. It was built in the 2nd century BC. Sports competitions were held here dedicated to the sun god Helios, who, along with Athena, was considered the patron saint of the island. It should be noted that Rhodes athletes were among the strongest in ancient Greece. They constantly won prizes in competitions and earned numerous awards.

An ancient city in the north-west of the island, one of the most powerful policies of Rhodes, whose heyday was in the 5th century BC. Kamiros maintained economic ties with Asia Minor and the mainland Greek city-states, actively developed agriculture and minted his own coins. In the 3rd century AD. A devastating earthquake occurred in Rhodes, as a result of which the inhabitants left Kamiros, and the city fell into decay.

A hill on which one of the best viewing platforms in Rhodes is located. From here you can see the ancient city of Ialyssos and the resort of Ixia. Also on the top and slopes of Filerimos there are ruins of the ancient Greek temples of Athena and Zeus and picturesque Christian cathedrals of the 15th-18th centuries. In the 16th century, the monastery of the Mother of God was built on the mountain, where the miraculous icon created by the Apostle Luke was placed. At the entrance to the mountain there is an 18-meter concrete cross.

The exact date of construction of the monastery is unknown. Since the 15th century, the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary has been kept here. It is believed that it helps childless couples conceive a child, so the flow of pilgrims to this place never dries up. Tsambika Monastery is divided into lower and upper. On the territory of the lower monastery there is a temple with an icon, an Orthodox museum, a cafe and a souvenir shop. The upper part of the monastery is located on the top of a hill, offering magnificent views of the beaches of Tsambika.

The temple was built in the 13th century and is located in the center of the ancient city of Lindos. Over the following centuries, the church was reconstructed more than once; one of the large-scale restorations was carried out under Pierre de Aubusson, the Grand Master of the Order of St. John. The interior of the temple was renovated in the 20th century during the Italian rule in Rhodes. The church has a very picturesque snow-white facade, sharply contrasting with the bright red tiled roof.

Jews settled in Rhodes more than 2.3 thousand years ago, but the first synagogues began to appear already during the Middle Ages. Kahal Shalom is considered the oldest synagogue in Greece; it was built at the end of the 16th century and operated until the 30s. XX century, before the advent of the fascist dictatorship. The Jews were expelled from the island, and the synagogue was abandoned. These days, the synagogue has opened its doors again, but only during the high tourist season, when a sufficient number of tourists come to the island.

Saint Nektarios is a fairly revered figure in the Greek Orthodox Church despite the fact that he was canonized relatively recently. It is believed that it helps patients recover from illnesses. A small temple in his honor was built at the expense of pilgrims. The church was built in the classical Byzantine style. The facade of the building has an unusual terracotta shade and is decorated with graceful columns.

The temple is located in the center of the small village of Siana, which is 65 km away. from Rhodes, on the slope of Mount Akramitis. The temple was built in the 14th century from natural stone. Along the edges of the main façade there are two symmetrical clock towers; the roof of the building is covered with red tiles. The church interiors are luxurious, the ceiling is decorated with magnificent frescoes and decorated with gilding.

The museum collections display an extensive collection of artifacts found during excavations on the island. The age of many exhibits exceeds several thousand years. One of the most valuable items in the collection is a statue of Aphrodite of Rhodes, dating back to the 1st century BC. The sculpture is made of Parian marble. The museum also has statues of gods created in the 6th-5th centuries. BC.

A 15th-century castle built by the Knights of the Order of St. John. Like most similar structures of that time, Monolithos was erected for defensive purposes. The structure lived up to its purpose - in the entire history of its existence, the castle has never been taken by storm. Now the building is in a very neglected state, as over time it has suffered serious damage.

A defensive structure of the 16th century, erected during the reign of the Hospitallers. The castle was built in the Venetian style. Thanks to its convenient location, the walls offer a panoramic and very convenient view, which made it possible to observe the enemy’s maneuvers. After the siege of 1480, the castle was badly damaged. The knights of the order decided to start restoring it later, but as a result of the defeat in the fight for Rhodes, these plans were not destined to be realized.

The park is located a few kilometers from the center of Rhodes. It is considered the oldest landscape park in the world and one of the main attractions of the island. It is not known exactly when Rodini was founded, but during the Roman Empire the park was already a popular place for walking and relaxing. Parts of Roman aqueducts have been preserved on its territory, centuries-old cypress and pine trees grow here, and there are also small lakes.

Thermal springs located in Kallithea, a resort village located near the city of Rhodes. The bathing complex was built in 1928 as part of the development of tourism infrastructure on the island. The building of the baths was built according to the design of P. Lombardi; in our time it is considered a valuable architectural monument. The baths operated until 1967, after which they were closed for 40 years. The re-opening took place in 2007.

A natural attraction near the village of Kolymbia, located on the way from Rhodes to Lindos. Seven Springs is a network of small streams and springs that flow directly from the rock and form a lake with the purest drinking water. The area itself is quite picturesque, as it is located among a relict forest overgrown with pines, cypresses and plane trees. To get to the lake you need to go through a small tunnel.

A protected area located approximately 27 km. from the city of Rhodes. In this area, lush green vegetation grows, waterfalls flow, and numerous streams merge into small lakes. Even in the hottest weather, you can find long-awaited coolness here. In summer, thousands of colorful butterflies fly into the valley, causing the entire landscape to be covered with a bright, colorful carpet. The place is considered unique not only in Greece, but throughout Europe.

The farm is home to more than 120 ostriches, as well as deer, camels, birds, donkeys and goats. For the entertainment of visitors, rides on huge birds are organized. As in all similar places, there is a store at the farm where customers are offered products from various parts of the ostrich. A local restaurant serves this bird meat and an omelette made from huge eggs for lunch. The farm is located near the village of Petaloudes.

A picturesque piece of coastline with golden sand and the clearest azure sea. The beach is located near the village of Kharaki. Agati is popular among tourists with children due to its fairly gentle descent into the sea. The beach has a developed tourist infrastructure with taverns, sun lounger rentals and other services. “Agiya Agati” translated means “holy purity.”

The beach is located at the foot of Mount Tsambika, the surrounding area of which is considered the most beautiful places in Rhodes. The beach has a fairly long strip of sand and is characterized by increased cleanliness and transparency of the sea. Tourists can enjoy numerous cafes, sports centers and entertainment. A fairly popular way to spend time is riding ATVs in the vicinity of the beach.

The cape is located in the southernmost part of the island, it is connected to Rhodes by a narrow sandy isthmus. In winter, the waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas flood this passage, and in summer they recede, forming a magnificent sand spit, which is used as a beach. Cape Prasonisi is a popular destination for kitesurfers and windsurfers.

The bay of Agios Pavlos is located near the ancient Acropolis of Lindos. It is believed that in the 1st century AD. The Apostle Paul landed here. There is a beautiful sand and pebble beach equipped with all the necessary infrastructure. Natural ledges of the surrounding rocks serve as springboards for jumping into the water. In honor of St. Paul, a small snow-white church was erected on the territory of the bay.

The bay is included in the list of the most picturesque places in Rhodes. It is named after the actor E. Quinn, who was popular in the first half of the 20th century. In the 60s the actor purchased a plot of land and settled on the territory of the bay. According to another version, it is believed that the authorities of Rhodes were so pleased with the presence of the star that they granted him land for indefinite use in exchange for the creation of a cinema center on the island. But Quinn never did anything and was forced to leave.

A popular amusement park located on the territory of the resort city of the same name. The water park has areas for children of all ages, so safety is ensured even for the youngest visitors. Near the complex there is a beach, many shops, restaurants, and souvenir shops. During the high season, there is always a large influx of tourists at the water park, which is why queues form at the slides.

Having survived a lot over several centuries, it stands in the same place as the ancient one. Located on the island of the same name and being its capital, it attracts the attention of tourists with its magnificent beaches, luxurious hotels, and a variety of natural and man-made monuments. The ancient city seems to have been created for those who cannot stand peace and tranquility, but prefer an active holiday with a lot of entertainment. Guests of Greece admit that life here is in full swing day and night, and an exciting journey turns into a memorable holiday.

Excursion into history

Rhodes is an old city whose history began BC, in 408. The settlement became an ally of the Roman Empire; for more than 200 years it was owned by the Knights of St. John, who dreamed of Christianizing the East and oppressed the Orthodox Church in Greece. It is believed that it is to them that the city owes what it looks like now.

In the 16th century, well-fortified Rhodes fell into the hands of the Turks, and the knights fled to Malta, where they organized their own order. For almost four hundred years, the indigenous population was under the yoke of invaders, but the Rhodians had many privileges, which had a beneficial effect on their high standard of living.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Italian troops appeared in the city, winning the war with the Turks. The conquerors had a significant influence on the appearance of the entire island as a whole, they built new buildings and restored ancient monuments.

After the outbreak of World War II, the Italians were pushed out by the Nazis, who occupied the Old Town in 1943. Rhodes became part of Greece only a few years after the end of the German occupation.

A treasury in which different eras are intertwined

The capital of the picturesque island is rich in interesting places for tourists, but many give the palm to the old part of the city, protected by UNESCO. It is not for nothing that local residents consider the Old Town to be a true treasury of architectural pearls. Rhodes, which has preserved the appearance and spirit of a medieval port, is a truly unique place where religions, cultures and peoples intersect.

The settlement, founded several centuries ago, intertwines different eras, the traces of which are left on local attractions. The historical part of the city, without a doubt, can be called an open-air museum. Anyone who comes to learn something new is given a wonderful opportunity to explore the narrow streets and get acquainted with the unusual cultural monuments for which Rhodes (Old Town) is famous.

Sights built several centuries ago are perfectly preserved, and tourists are transported to the distant past, as if in a time machine.

City walls

The first thing visitors to the city see are the impressive walls that protected the residents from the enemy. The masterpiece of military architecture was erected by skilled craftsmen in several stages. The stone walls, which today can be walked by everyone, are decorated with knightly coats of arms, and in the summer local authorities organize light and musical performances at the foot of the ancient landmark, telling about the affairs of bygone days.

Walking along the moat below, you can find narrow openings that allowed spies to sneak into the enemy camp when Rhodes was under siege. The old city is a perfectly preserved example of fortification architecture of the Middle Ages, and the fortress walls stretching over four kilometers are the best confirmation of this.

Ancient monuments

Of course, the most ancient monuments on the territory of the island’s capital date back to the ancient Greek period; unfortunately, they are in a ruined state. For example, only the foundation remains of the famous Temple of Aphrodite; here and there you can see traces of ancient defensive structures and the ruins of a Roman shipyard.

Ruins dating back to the Byzantine period

Only ruins have survived from the Orthodox churches built during the reign of Byzantium, and the mosques that were converted from Christian churches by the Turks who captured the Old City reached their descendants in good condition. Rhodes is famous for the ancient Church of St. Spyridon - a snow-white building with an Ottoman minaret.

In addition, tourists can see several tall towers in the northeast of the resort that appeared during the Byzantine period. As city guests note, the monumental fortifications look rude compared to those left by the knights

Monuments of the Hospitaller period

For several centuries, Greek Rhodes has preserved an ancient history that is manifested in every building. The old town, the photo of which will not leave any tourist indifferent, will surprise you with its main attraction located on the Street of the Knights. The Palace of the Grand Masters, reminiscent of a mini-fortress, amazes with its impressive size and luxurious decoration. During the Turkish rule it was destroyed, and only in 1939 the majestic structure was restored by the Italians.

Now there is a museum here, the exhibits of which will tell about the distant past of the country, and under the palace, according to archaeologists, there is one built in honor of Helios.

Ottoman architecture

Historians are convinced that the period of Turkish rule left a huge mark on the architecture of Rhodes. The buildings erected at this time determine the appearance of the historical part of the city. The Suleiman Mosque, built on the site of a destroyed Orthodox church, is considered the most beautiful.

The restored building with pink walls harmonizes with the general atmosphere of the Old Town. The mosque's seven domes, of varying sizes, tower over the pearl of Greece, and the clock tower located next to the religious building allows everyone to look down on the mosque.

Time travel

According to tourists, the Old Town is a unique example of how different cultures and even eras coexist in a small area. Rhodes, which has had several “owners” who have left their mark on culture and architecture, is one of the most interesting settlements.

You can wander around the historical part of the island's capital, which evokes a lot of emotions, for hours, enjoying the amazing beauty of one of the most ancient settlements in Europe.

The old town, which without exaggeration can be called the history of Rhodes in miniature, cannot be explored in one day. Filled with attractions, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is always waiting for new visitors to take an exciting journey back in time. Therefore, tourists dream of staying in a cultural site of world significance not for one day, but to spend at least a week here.

Comfort and convenience for travelers

Rhodes, which has long developed a tourist infrastructure, offers excellent conditions for accommodating its guests. It is better to book numerous hotels in the Old Town of Rhodes in advance, as during the high season there may not be comfortable rooms available.

Equipped in accordance with international standards, the Kresten Palace Hotel, Hilton Rhodes Resort, International Hotel, Ibiscus Hotel, Hotel Olympos are located close to the main attractions of the resort, which will greatly appeal to travelers in search of new experiences.

The city of Rhodes is the capital of the island of the same name and one of the most interesting cities in Greece. Knights Hospitaller, Turks, Byzantines, ancient (and not so ancient) Greeks - different civilizations lived here for centuries. That's why the center of Rhodes is literally crammed with interesting things. So, are you ready? We go on a walk to the Old Town of Rhodes and explore its history and amazing sights along the way!

Old Town of Rhodes: attractions with reviews, descriptions and photos + map in Russian

Sights of the Old Town of Rhodes: contents of the article

A Brief History of the City of Rhodes

To begin with, the history of the city of Rhodes in just a few sentences. The ancient city of Rhodes was founded in 408 BC in the north and immediately became its capital. It was here that the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was built. True, it stood for only half a century and was destroyed by an earthquake in 225 BC. From ancient times until the beginning of the 14th century, Rhodes was part of Byzantium, and in 1309 the Knights of the Order of St. John, also known as the Hospitallers, came there. The knights built their capital here and It was under the Hospitallers that the old city of Rhodes was created and surrounded by a fortress wall, where medieval buildings have been well preserved to this day. At the beginning of the 16th century, the city of Rhodes was captured by the Turks, who ruled the city for almost 400 years. In 1912 they were briefly replaced by the Italians, and since 1948 the island and the city of Rhodes have been part of Greece.

Well, that's enough history, and now - the most interesting thing: the sights of the city of Rhodes, for which it is already worth coming to Greece! By the way, you can explore them not only on your own, but also as part of an excursion with a Russian guide, which you can book on the website:

Rhodes fortress

Actually, the Rhodes Fortress is the Old Town of Rhodes, which is surrounded by powerful fortress walls and gates. Inside these walls are the main attractions of the Old Town of Rhodes: the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Street of Knights, etc. The Rhodes Fortress was built by the Knights Hospitaller in the XIV-XV centuries. It was considered the most impregnable in the Christian world, withstood several sieges, but the persistent Ottomans still took it in 1522 after a six-month siege by the army of Suleiman the Magnificent (yes, the same one from the series). The Turks allowed the knights to leave the island and they moved to Malta, making it their new capital.

The fortress is surrounded by strong stone walls. The main attractions of the Old Town of Rhodes are hidden behind them.

Inside, the Old Town of Rhodes is a wonderful mixture of Greek and Turkish styles.

The magic of the Old City. Once you turn a corner, you are transported to another universe, where there are no noisy tourists and kebab sellers.

Palace of the Grand Masters

This palace is perhaps main attraction of Rhodes city. This beautiful building has stood in its place (see the map of the sights of the old town of Rhodes at the end of the article) for more than 700 years. For more than two centuries that the knights owned Rhodes, 19 masters (and all, as if by choice, great ones) sat in the Palace in turn. When the Turks took the island, they set up a prison in this place. And already under the Greeks, to whom the old city of Rhodes passed in the middle of the last century, a museum was opened in the castle. No, not even two museums!

Entrance to the Palace of the Grand Masters - the main attraction of the Old Town of Rhodes.

The courtyard is decorated with sculptures and tourists, but in the low season most of the tourists are under restoration.

Museums of the Palace of the Grand Masters

The inside of the Palace of the Grand Masters is no less impressive than the outside. And, as has already been said, it is not even one, but two museums! The first is a museum dedicated to the knightly period of the history of Rhodes, consisting of two hundred huge halls and rooms. Furniture made of precious wood, huge chandeliers and fireplaces, antiques - the Greeks perfectly managed to recreate the luxury and splendor that surrounded the religious leaders of the Middle Ages.

And on the lower floors of the Palace of the Grand Masters there is a museum of antiquity. It displays many interesting archaeological finds made in the territory of both the city of Rhodes and the entire island. Many statues, coins, amphorae and other specimens are perfectly preserved. It's a pity, filming inside is prohibited. Ticket price – 6 euros.

I admit, we are not big fans of museums and did not go to them even in Amsterdam. But we made an exception for the museums of the Palace of the Grand Masters and did not even expect that we would like it so much! We highly recommend this place to you.

The interiors of the Palace of the Grand Masters of Rhodes are designed in the loft style that was fashionable at that time.

Sights of the Old Town of Rhodes: You can freely photograph the upper floors of the Palace of the Grand Masters, but taking pictures in the Museum of Antiquity is prohibited.

What a good idea for a renovation!

Street of Knights

The main street of Old Rhodes starts right from the entrance (or exit?) to the Palace of the Grand Masters. During the time of the Hospitallers, the houses of each of the seven “languages”, that is, the residences of the nations that were part of the order, were located on it. There were seven such nations: England, France, Italy, Germany, Castile, Provence, Aragon, Auvergne (a region within modern France), and the buildings of the Street of Knights were divided between them. Since the street is the main one, it is on it that the most beautiful buildings of the Old City are located to this day, it is on it that Beautiful (and not so beautiful) Ladies in cornflower blue dresses still play the flute, and it is on it that Noble Knights utter something in Latin, stumbling about the cobblestone.

Eh, the Street of Knights has become different! Previously, knights played serenades for ladies, but now it’s the other way around.

Dashing horses await riders in the stables on the outskirts of the Street of Knights.

Suleiman Mosque

The Turks ruled Rhodes for four centuries and, of course, It is impossible to imagine the sights of the Old Town of Rhodes without Muslim buildings. Having taken Rhodes in the 16th century, the Turks settled in the city center and drove the indigenous population outside the fortress walls. It is not surprising that in some places Old Rhodes has become very similar to the famous one. The most beautiful example of Ottoman architecture is considered to be the mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, built in honor of you know who at the very beginning of Turkish rule on the island. It is located on the main shopping street of Rhodes, Sokratos, where it is mainly not the Greeks, but the descendants of the Janissaries, who sell souvenirs and kebabs.

The Suleiman Mosque is located on the busiest street of Rhodes - st. Socrates. You won't pass by!

Clock tower

The clock tower was built in knightly times and is located next to the Suleiman Mosque. This is the highest point in the center of the capital. There is an observation deck on the Clock Tower, which offers a beautiful view of the sights of the old town of Rhodes, the sea and Mandraki harbor. The price of a ticket to the observation deck is 5 euros, it comes with a drink of your choice: coffee, tea, juice or wine.

From the Clock Tower you can clearly see the sights of the Old Town of Rhodes.

Mandraki Harbor

After walking along the ancient streets and admiring the main attractions of the Old Town of Rhodes, we will go out to breathe the sea air in the ancient port of Mandraki. The port here was built before our era and it was here that the statue of the Colossus of Rhodes stood. The current appearance of the port, as can be seen from its architecture, was given by the Knights Hospitaller in the 14th-15th centuries.

Once upon a time, Mandraki Harbor in the city of Rhodes was the main sea gate of the island. Now this is one of the favorite vacation spots for citizens and tourists.

Statues of Deer and Reindeer

It is unlikely that this sweet couple can be included in the main attractions of the city of Rhodes, but since we are already in the port, it is very worth paying attention to these monuments. Firstly, bronze statues are installed on both sides of the entrance to the port, that is, where the legs of the legendary Colossus used to be located. Secondly, at one time deer saved Rhodes from snakes. Poisonous snakes did not allow the islanders to live, and deer were brought from the “mainland” to fight them. These animals cannot stand snakes and, at the slightest opportunity, strive to trample them into dust. In just a few months, good decisively defeated evil, and the grateful islanders erected a monument to their saviors in the most iconic place.

The Deer and the Reindeer saved Rhodes from the snakes and took the place of the Colossus of Rhodes.

Fort St. Nicholas

Saint Nicholas is considered the patron saint of sailors. It is not surprising that the Byzantine church built on the southernmost pier of the port of Mandraki was dedicated to him. In the middle of the 15th century, the pier was strengthened in case of a sea invasion and in its place a fort with a lighthouse was built, today considered one of the main attractions of the city of Rhodes.

What to see in the city of Rhodes: the fort was built on the site of the Byzantine Church of St. Nicholas.

Windmills

Previously, there were three dozen windmills in the Old Town, but only three of them have survived to this day. Windswept, they stand in Mandraki harbor next to Fort St. Nicholas. Of course, they don’t make flour in them anymore: today the mill buildings house museums, souvenir shops and travel agencies.

Sights of the Old Town of Rhodes: today the windmills have turned into shops and offices of travel companies.

Rhodes Cathedral

Well, the last of the attractions located in the port of the Old City is the Cathedral of Rhodes, also known as the Church of the Annunciation. A very beautiful neo-Gothic style church built by the Italians in 1925 and fits perfectly into the medieval architectural ensemble of the city of Rhodes. During our travels around Greece, we got used to the ascetic interior of local churches and therefore were surprised by the rich decoration of the cathedral. The church is very popular among both tourists and local residents; weddings are often held here, one of which we were lucky to see in person.

“Do you agree to be with her for richer and poorer, in health and in sickness, until death do you part?”
- Yes, no, yes, no, no.

Map of the Old Town of Rhodes with attractions in Russian

As you can see, friends, the sights of the Old Town of Rhodes are very worthy of your attention. Therefore, even if you come to the island with the goal of lying on the beach, do not miss the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of its ancient capital! Moreover, you can see all the most interesting things in the city of Rhodes on your own and in just one day. Well, two at most.

And the city of Rhodes is a very convenient place where you can stay on the island to explore its attractions. We ourselves lived in the city of Rhodes and we have a selection of good hotels from Booking, in each of which we could stay.

We are waiting for your feedback about the attractions of the Old Town of Rhodes! And in the next article we will tell you about.