City of Rhodes: interesting places, prices, reviews. Open left menu Rhodes city

Rhodes, like many other Mediterranean islands, has a long and interesting history. People have lived here since ancient times, and in the 5th century BC, the first ancient cities appeared here - Ialyssos, Lindos and Kamiros. The best thing ancient heritage preserved in Lindos, where the second largest acropolis of all Greece is located (it is second only to the Athenian acropolis), but also in other places the remains of the ancient period were also found (mainly the foundations of temples with a few preserved columns), which are open to tourists. On the site of one of the ancient cities, the city of Rhodes arose, which today is the administrative center and main city, a kind of capital of the island.

The city of Rhodes is, without exaggeration, unique place where many cultures intertwined, historical eras adjacent to each other and creating a special flavor. Judge for yourself, since Rhodes since antiquity, due to its advantageous geostrategic position, has repeatedly changed hands: first it became part of the Roman Empire, then it became part of the Byzantine Empire, after which, at the beginning of the 15th century, it passed into the hands of the Knights of St. John or the Hospitallers, who, after being expelled by the Turks, migrated to Malta and became known as the Knights of Malta. Ottoman rule on Rhodes lasted until the beginning of the twentieth century, until the time when the island was captured by the Italians. And only at the end of the 40s of the last century, Rhodes was returned to Greece.

All these eras have left an indelible mark on the culture and architecture of the island. From the ancient era, the ruins of snow-white ancient temples remained here, from the Byzantine era - Orthodox churches, from the knightly Middle Ages - fortresses and massive walls, from the Ottoman period - various mosques and oriental motifs in architecture.

One of the main attractions of the island is the Old Town or Rhodes fortress, was erected by the knights - Johnites in the northernmost part of the island on the shore of a convenient bay. According to one version, on the spot where the Knights-Joannites (Hospitallers) built a fortress, which still makes an indelible impression today, the famous Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the world, stood.

The Old City is a historical part of the city, a large fortress surrounded by powerful walls. These walls protect the fortress from both the sea (one row) and the city (three rows). It is best to start your walk along the walls along the seashore, admire yachts, ships, small boats from which souvenirs are traded, but most importantly, admire the powerful and well-preserved fortress walls. By the way, this is the best-preserved medieval fortress in all of Europe.

You can enter inside the old city through the gates, there are nine of them in total (someone says that 11), but the most famous are the Damboise Gate and sea gate. Each gate was a well-guarded and fortified entrance to the fortress, more than once they had to withstand the siege of enemies. As a rule, those who start exploring the Old City from the side of the port enter through the Sea Gate, immediately getting to the noisy and crowded shopping street of Socrates, where there are many shops, shops, taverns, etc. But if your goal is to get acquainted with the historical part, it is better to enter through other gates, walking a little along the walls. The entrance to the fortress is free.

We arrived in Rhodes by taxi, the fare from Faliraki was 20 euros, by bus it was possible to get there for 2 euros per person. The taxi rank is located right at the Sea Gate, somewhere nearby is Ending station bus. You can get to Rhodes by bus from any locality, public transport runs every 30 minutes (sometimes delayed). We did not immediately go through the gate into the fortress, but decided to walk a little along the walls of the northern part of the fortress.

We entered the fortress through a side gate leading to a kind of "bag" - a trap into which the besiegers fell, since there is no entrance to the fortress through it. This "bag" has two entrances, the besiegers were let in, the gates were closed, and they fell into a trap where they were shot by archers. Today, the remains of the rampart, the fortress moat are perfectly visible here, and from the windows-loopholes there are gorgeous views of the sea and the famous port of Mandraki. We could not resist, deciding first to go to the port of Mandraki, so as not to return later and then spend the rest of the time in the Old City.

We returned to the fortress through the gates of Eleftherias. Here, along the walls, there is a moat, which is now decorated with numerous flowers and palm trees.

Almost immediately, a view of ancient acropolis- The ruins of the ancient temple of Athena. Behind it is the beautiful Argyrokastru square with a fountain, and further on - the former building of the knight's hospital, which now houses the archaeological museum.

Then we went for a walk through the labyrinths of narrow streets paved with stone. Here and there there were different souvenir shops, cafes, and from the windows of the fortress there were sounds of radio and TV, conversations, sounds of dishes and smells of food. As it turned out, the fortress in Rhodes is a residential quarter, people live here, which makes the fortress unique in its kind.

Oddly enough, there are not so many people in the old part of the city, so you can take a leisurely walk, considering all the details medieval fortress. On the way, we came across small groups of Russian tourists several times, so we got the impression that only our tourists who are interested in history roam in this part of the Old Town.

Our main goal was the famous Street of the Knights, which crosses the entire fortress and leads to the Castle of the Grand Masters.

The Street of the Knights is the heart of the Old Town, once it was the main street, on which there were "embassies" of the order from different countries: England, France, Germany, Spain, etc. Solemn processions passed along it, European monarchs also visited here, and it leads to the palace, where the residence of the Grand Masters, who headed the knightly order, was located. The street is located slightly at an angle, along it are the entrances to the courtyards, which are also residential. Many entrances are decorated with emblems and statues. Today this street is called Ippoton, it has retained its appearance almost unchanged, so it seems to many that now they will hear the clatter of hooves or the clang of knightly armor.

This street ends with an impressive pointed arch, which leads to large area adjacent to the Palace of the Grand Masters. This imposing building itself is a well-fortified fortress, so that even if the enemy broke through the walls, this palace could withstand another long siege. It was erected at the beginning of the 14th century, when the knights were expelled from the Holy Land and they moved here, making Rhodes their residence. True, the current building is an exact copy, a reconstruction, since the real castle was destroyed by the Ottomans. The Italians restored it at the direction of Mussolini, who planned to turn it into his residence.

Currently, the Palace of the Grand Masters houses a museum that includes expositions relating to several eras: ancient, Byzantine and knightly. Entrance to the museum costs 6 euros.

After a tour of the Palace of the Grand Masters, we went to a more lively part of the city, where shopping streets, cafes, taverns and restaurants, numerous souvenir shops are located. Most of them are located on Socrates Street, which is located parallel to Ippoton, they are connected by Panatiu Street, on which stands such a remarkable knight in armor.

On the way from the Palace of the Grand Masters to Socrates Street, one cannot but pay attention to several buildings. The first is some ancient building under reconstruction, the second is the famous mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, which is considered one of the main attractions related to Ottoman period. It was built during the Turkish rule on the site of the destroyed Byzantine Church of the Apostles.

The beautiful red building of the mosque, located in the center of the Old City, is gradually falling into disrepair. His appearance leaves much to be desired: the paint has faded, crumbled in some places, like the red plaster. It is obvious that this monument of architecture requires repair. Previously, tourists were allowed into the mosque; museum exposition, today the entrance to the mosque is closed, all for the same reason - repairs are needed, but there are no funds for it. But even in this form, the mosque attracts the eye, recalling its former splendor and grandeur.

Next to the mosque is a clock tower built at the same time. This tower rises above the old city, and it has Observation deck. Entrance costs 5 euros, the price also includes a visit to a small museum located in the tower, as well as a drink in the cafe below. But for some reason, on the day when we walked around the city, the entrance to the observation tower was closed (it was Sunday), so we were left without photos with a panorama of the city.

This extremely lively area of the old city has several interesting sights, for example, on Hippocrates Square there is an old fountain, and behind it a very interesting building, which turned out to be the building of the commercial court of the Knights of St. John. From Hippocrates Square you can go to the Jewish quarter, central part which is the square of Jewish martyrs, dedicated to all the Jews of Rhodes, who were killed by the Nazis in Auschwitz.

Today, little is reminiscent of this tragedy, this quarter, like neighboring streets, filled with people wanting to buy something or have a bite to eat. We also decided to have lunch in one of the restaurants in the Old Town, not far from Hippocrates Square. We tried Greek moussaka and were very pleased.

Not to say that the prices here are much higher than in other places. Souvenirs on Socrates Street are even an order of magnitude cheaper than in others tourist places, for example, in Lindos, besides, you can bargain. Food prices also depend on the level of the institution. There are, of course, expensive restaurants, there are also fast food outlets, but on average, in an ordinary restaurant or tavern, lunch will cost 30-40 euros for two.

Summing up, I will say that the Old Town is one of the most interesting places I have visited. The feeling of contact with antiquity, with different eras and cultures is unforgettable, so I advise you to definitely see this unique place with your own eyes.

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. e., 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 with arrows, and the other hand with a bowl was raised high above his head.
The Colossus of Rhodes was destroyed by an earthquake in 227 BC uh. Now from this wonder of the world there are columns on which statues of deer are located.
For the first time, the medieval world learned about the ancient cities of Rhodes, when the athlete of antiquity Diagor won in Olympic Games . Now the airport "Diagoras" is named after him.
According to the myths of ancient Greece, the island of Rhodes belonged to the solar god Helios son of the titan Hyperion. The Greeks believe that the god Helios fell in love with the nymph Rhode, the daughter of Amphitrite and Poseidon. The island of Rhodes was named after Rhoda.
The island of Rhodes was the most important center bronze age(16th century BC), thanks to cooperation with Minoan civilization islands of Crete.
During the construction of Constantinople Hagia Sophia used clay tiles from the island of Rhodes.

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Facts about Rhodes

The first settlers of Rhodes were islands of Crete, 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 fishermen were the first to settle in Rhodes, who took refuge here from storms in the 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, Ialissa and Kamiros.

Medieval city of Rhodes: interesting facts

The medieval old town of Rhodes is listed 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 Rhodes 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.
In the Middle Ages, the island of Rhodes was divided into 2 parts: Kollachiy and Burg. Knights and masters settled in Collachia. 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 that 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 the Knights. It dates from the 14th century and has been completely restored today. This street housed the Knights Hospitallers (Johnites) who visited Rhodes. Now you can see the medieval knight's residences - auberge.
The fortress in the old town of Rhodes was the center collachia where the knights of Rhodes lived. Also, local residents could hide from dangers here. 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. Nowadays, historical expositions are exhibited 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 St. John of the Middle Ages is Palace of the Grand Masters (Castello) built in the 14th century. It looks very impregnable - like a fortress within a fortress. The cathedral itself is square in shape with a courtyard closed from prying eyes. There are 205 halls and rooms in the palace, where expositions are now exhibited. Nowadays, the palace can be visited with a guided tour. The entrance fee in 2019 is 6 euros.
In battles, the knights went out dressed in red cloaks under armor so that no blood can be seen when injured. The knights fought fiercely and did not show that they were wounded until they fell dead.
Knights Hospitaller of St. John were in Rhodes 213 years old 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 look for the knights new house in Malta. After the current events, the Rhodes knights began to be called the Maltese.
The Rhodes knights left their legacy on everyone Dodecanese islands, as well as on the coast of Asia Minor - now it is a city Izmir in Turkey.

Interesting facts about Rhodes: the city of Lindos

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. It is surpassed in popularity only by the Acropolis in Athens. Here is the temple of Athena of Lindos. Now it can be visited with 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 Pythocrites from Lindos in 190 BC. partly in Rhodesian marble. It was later discovered on the island of Samothrace. Now this sculpture can be seen in the Louvre in France.

Rhodes Island: Interesting Facts

The city is located on Rhodes Kamiros, which is one of the 3 ancient cities of the island. The other two are Ialyssos and Lindos. The city prospered at the expense of agriculture. Kamiros cooperated in trade with Asia Minor and the southeastern Mediterranean. Now you can see the ruins ancient city.
In the village Asklipio, named after the ancient Greek god of medicine, in the southeast of Rhodes there is an ancient Orthodox church Assumption of the Virgin 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. adopted in Rhodes 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, which is considered the patroness of those who want to have children. People from all over Greece and neighboring countries come to pray to her. 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 the Schengen area. 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.
Rhodes has over 300 sunny days per year.
In Rhodes, the temperature never drops below -3 degrees.
Much 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 safe islands in the world.
Perimeter coastline is 225 km.
The whole island of Rhodes is inhabited by only 115,000 people from local population. Of these, almost 50,000 are in the city of Rhodes. All in Rhodes there are 44 towns and settlements.
The name of the island "Rhodes" means "rose".
On the coat of arms of the island of Rhodes is depicted deer. The one that stands on a column in the place of the Ear 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.

On the coast of the Aegean Sea. Trade and tourist centre. Processing of agricultural products. Fishing.

In Rhodes was the Colossus of Rhodes - one of the seven wonders of the world. Now tourists are attracted to the city by one of the monuments world heritage - Rhodes fortress, erected in the Middle Ages as the headquarters of the knightly order of the Hospitallers.

Story

Ancient Rhodes

Palace of the Grand Masters of the Order of Rhodes

Ancient Rhodes was founded in 408 BC. e. in accordance with the common decision of the three significant city-states of the island - Kamira, Yalisia and Linda - to establish together a single city.

The place for the city was chosen in the northernmost part of the island, from where it was possible to control the ships sailing in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea.

The city was officially called "dem of the Rhodians", was built according to the hippodamic system and was famous for its urban structure. The city had wide intersecting streets running horizontally and vertically, forming right angles. According to the information contained in the texts of ancient authors, the city was decorated with many temples and statues. The city had five ports, of which three have been located, while traces of the other two have been lost. One of them was the Grand Port, corresponding to the current Trading port. Another port was the Military Port, located on the territory of Mandraki. During the hostilities, the entrance to it was closed with a chain. And, finally, the third port was located on the territory of the port of Acanthia. Many of the streets of the late Middle Ages of the city coincided with the streets of ancient times. For example, on the street of the Knights (Ippoton) in antiquity there was a street leading from the temple of the god Helios to the Great Port.

The temple of the god Helios was supposedly built on the territory where the palace of the Grand Masters currently stands. In the northern part of the Grand Port stood the temple of Aphrodite. The discovered remains of the temple date back to the 3rd century BC. e. To the west of this area were shipyards.

The ancient city was surrounded by fortress walls. The walls of the city also covered the acropolis, which was not fortified and was located in the southwestern part of the city, on the hill of St. Stephen or Monte Smith. Five ports had special fortifications. The walled city occupied approximately the same territory as the modern city. The area of the city was about 15 km, and the population reached 60,000-100,000 people.

The time of the greatest rise of ancient Rhodes falls on the III-II centuries BC. e. During this period, the city was the most significant center of transit trade in Eastern Mediterranean. As a result of archaeological excavations, the stadium, theater and temples located on the acropolis, as well as the foundations of buildings, streets, an underground sewerage and water supply network, and sections of ancient fortress walls were discovered.

In the northernmost part of the acropolis of ancient Rhodes, the ruins of the temple of Athena Poliadry have been preserved. To the south and east of the temple, buildings were found built below ground level. These structures, which communicated with the underground water supply of the city, are called nymphs, since they were dedicated to the cult of the nymphs. To the southeast of the nymphaeum and the temple of Athena, a small theater has been excavated, which has now been completely reconstructed. Original are only three seats in the first row. The small size of the theater (capacity - only 800 seats) indicates that this is not a city theater, but a facility for musical performances and other events in honor of Apollo, and even for speeches. To the southeast of the theater, the stadium of the ancient city was opened - a construction of the 2nd century BC. e. Antique Olympic Stadium 3rd century BC is the only completely preserved Olympic stadium in the world - an analogue of the stadium in Olympia with a central field for running in two stages (dromos dolichos) and a rounded one end for martial arts, surrounded by genuine seats and stands. The sound of the voice is heard at 400 meters and only intensifies towards the middle. To the east of the stadium was a gymnasium, of which only meager remnants have survived.

In the highest, western part of the acropolis was the temple of Apollo Pythea, to which a large staircase led. Three columns of the temple supporting the cornice have been restored. The base of the temple is built around a giant cyclopean stone of a quadrangular shape in the same way as the base of the temple of Aphrodite located nearby.

Tombs have been excavated to the southwest of the stadium, while the necropolises of the ancient city (4th-3rd centuries BC) are located near Rodini, the most significant burial in which is the so-called "Ptolemaic tomb". Burials were also found in the Sgouros region, along the road to Koskina and the village of Agia Triada.

Byzantine Rhodes

In the Byzantine era (4th century AD - 1309), the city of Rhodes was the capital of the Kivirreota theme. The city was an important naval and military base and the seat of the Orthodox Metropolitan.

During the earthquake of 515, the city suffered significant destruction, after which it began to occupy a much smaller area compared to the territory of the ancient city. Although the new territory of the city is not precisely defined, it is clear that the city consisted of a Byzantine fortress and a fortified city.

A significant number of early Christian churches located throughout the island belong to the same era. Inside the city, a basilica with mosaic ceilings of the 5th century was opened in the southwestern part (crossroads of Pavlou Mela and Himarras streets), a building of the same era with mosaic floors (on Himarras street) and, finally, another basilica near the new stadium. In the XIII century, when the brothers Leo and John Gavala ruled Rhodes, the Byzantine churches of the city were built already inside the fortress. When the Turks captured the island, they turned the churches into mosques, adapting them to the needs of their own religion.

Knightly Rhodes

With the arrival of the Knights of St. John in 1309, the city of Rhodes became the center of the Order. The port of the city experienced a significant flourishing. Pilgrims heading to the Holy Places stopped here on their way to Jerusalem. New buildings were erected, fortifications were reconstructed and strengthened. During this era, Rhodes acquired the appearance of a medieval city. From the inside, the wall divided it into two unequal parts - the smaller Collachio and the larger Chora or Burgo (Burgus). The main axis of the Collacio was the Street of the Knights (Ippoton). Here were the palace of the Grand Masters, administrative center, a Catholic cathedral, a hospital, a residence of different "languages", houses of knights, a marina and an arsenal. Chora and Burgo were south of Collachio. On the territory inside its walls there were houses of representatives of various nationalities living in the city, including Greeks and Jews, a market, Orthodox and Catholic churches, a synagogue, public buildings and barracks. The architecture of the Age of Knights can be divided into two periods. In the first period (1309-1480) it became widespread Gothic style with some variations. masters who worked at that time. They were local, which is why some Byzantine elements are also inherent in their creations. In the second period (1480-1522), the beginning of which refers to the first siege by the Turks (1480) and the devastating earthquake of 1481, late Gothic art develops, influenced by the art of the Italian Renaissance. During the years of the second period, fortifications and public buildings were restored after the destruction caused by the siege of the Turks and the earthquake.

Of all the Grand Masters Special attention d'Aubusson gave the strengthening of fortifications. The fortress walls surrounding the city had a perimeter of 4 km and also had a moat, which in many areas was double. Fortifications included walls that protected the city from the land, the walls of the port and the walls of port piers. Each "language" was assigned a special place, which he had to protect in the event of an enemy attack. In general, the fortress had seven gates: the gate of St. Paul at the northern end of the fortress, which communicated with the Nallac tower on the edge of the northern pier of the port, the gate d'Amboise, built in 1512, the gate of St. also the gates of St. John, the gates of St. Catherine or the gates of the Mills, the second name of which is due to the 14 mills standing on the pier (only 3 have survived), the Sea Gate in the center of the Commercial Port and, finally, to the north - the Port Gate. In some areas, the fortifications were reinforced with towers - the tower of Spain, the tower of the Virgin, the tower of St. Paul (on the edge of the northern pier) and the tower of St. Nicholas (on the edge of the southern pier).

Turkish rule

Suleiman Mosque

After the capture of Rhodes by the troops of Suleiman the Magnificent in 1522, the Greeks were expelled from the fortified city and settled outside it in the newly formed quarters, which were called "marasia". The Turks who settled in the city did not need to build new houses. They used existing buildings, to which they made additions, adapting them to their own needs. The churches were turned into mosques with added minarets, while the houses of Christians with attached "sahnisi" fully met the needs of the new owners. Only a few mosques, three temples, some commercial premises and market warehouses.

Replacing the Turks in 1912, the Italians rebuilt the city, eliminating the extensions made by the Turks. They also built a building in the port of Mandraki and around the medieval city.

New town

The new city arose as a result of the resettlement of residents to the territory outside the fortress walls after the capture of Rhodes in 1522. However, the main buildings and restoration work mainly date back to the time of the Italian occupation (the general plan of the city was drawn up in 1926 and implemented by the architect Florestano di Fausto). At the same time, the Italians adorned it with Neo-Gothic and Venetian buildings, many of which have survived to this day, thus creating a special look for the city, especially in the port area. The modern city has concentrated on its territory the majority of the employed population of the island and is characterized by a carefully thought-out layout with wide streets and a large number of parks and squares. The city's highly developed tourist industry has resulted in the emergence of many hotels that are distinguished by exquisite amenities and modern aesthetics. This also includes most of the recreation centers, thanks to which life in the city continues until the morning, giving it a cosmopolitan flavor.

In the eastern part of Rhodes is the port of Acanthia, and to the east it is followed by the Commercial Port, on the site of which in ancient times the so-called Great Port was located. In this area, in ancient times, there was "Deygma" (lit.: "Sample (of goods)") - a complex of richly decorated buildings that played the role of a shopping center. Unfortunately, nothing has survived from this complex, as well as from the ancient agora and the famous theater of Dionysus, placed by archaeologists near the Grand Port. The third port of ancient Rhodes was a military port and is identified with the current Mandraki, which is located to the west of the Commercial Port. Mandraki is one of the most scenic spots throughout the island, where life is in full swing throughout the year. The picture, consisting of fishing boats, sightseeing boats and yachts of the island's guests, acquires a special charm if we remember that, according to tradition, it was here that the Colossus stood with his legs wide apart, who supervised the ships that arrived at the port. At those points where the feet of the Colossus rested on the ground - in front of the tower of St. Nicholas and on the opposite pier - now stand on columns two bronze statues of deer, which are a kind of emblem of modern Rhodes. The pier of St. Nicholas is also decorated with three mills - the only surviving of the thirteen windmills the reign of the Knights.

Most of Mandraki is occupied New Market(architect Florestano di Fausto) - an impressive building from the time of the Italian occupation. Currently, there are many visitors coming here to restaurants, cafes and shops. This is a meeting place not only for guests of the city, but also local residents. Behind the New Market, near Piazza Rimini, the park of the Palace of the Grand Masters, appropriately equipped for performances of light music. In the same area, itinerant artists of Rhodes set up their easels every morning, who paint portraits of passers-by with incredible accuracy and speed. Another gathering place for artists is located in the idyllic area of Platanakia on Orfeos Street in the Old City, near the Porta d'Amboise.

To the north of the port you can see a number of very interesting buildings. The first of these is the Church of the Annunciation, which is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rhodes, which was built by the Italians as a cathedral dedicated to St. John. The church is followed by the buildings of the Archbishop and the Palace of Government, whose architecture is a mixture of Byzantine, medieval and Spanish styles. A little further north is the Murat Reiz Mosque, built on the site catholic church Saint Anthony. It was the building of Suleiman II the Magnificent, which was a Turkish cemetery for nominal persons. On the extreme northern section of Mandraki rises the building of the Aquarium - one of the best of its kind. The aquarium represents the fauna of not only the Greek, but also the tropical seas, which are located in 25 tanks located like an intricate labyrinth. From here begins the coast of Rhodes with well-maintained beaches, which from May to October take many vacationers.

A visit to the lush Rodini Park with canals and small lakes, as well as the zoo, is also worth visiting.

Everywhere in the New Town you can find recreation centers (discotheques, bars, taverns with Greek music), most of which are located behind northern section city wall, west of Mandraki. Near the Miauli embankment is the casino of Rhodes, and the national theater is located on Vasilissis Olgas Square. The performance of art groups performing folk dances very often takes place in the summer months at the Folk Dance Theater, which is located in the Old Town on Andronikou Street. In addition, the city of Rhodes presents its guests with ample shopping opportunities. It is home to the world-famous market for perfumes and drinks, as well as a wide range of umbrellas. The island is also famous for its wines, especially the CAIRO brand champagne.

Gallery

Ancient Theater - Acropolis of Rhodes

Remains of the Temple of Aphrodite, circa 3rd century BC e.

Laocoon and his sons; Palace of the Grand Master

Rhodes is one of the most popular islands Greece. There are many reasons for this, but the main ones are excellent beaches located on southeast coast, many castles, a beautiful medieval capital, as well as the southern wild coast with Cape Praso - one of the best places in Europe for windsurfing. In this article, we will describe the main cities of Rhodes, their attractions, as well as tell you about the most interesting places on the island and about the excursions that you will probably be offered here.

Rhodes City: Palace of the Magisters

In the northern part of the Greek island is the city of Rhodes, the capital. It has two sides. One part of the city of Rhodes is a fabulous settlement of the Middle Ages, which is surrounded by ancient fortifications. Street of the Knights of St. John crosses it. It has preserved its medieval appearance so well that it seems as if it was transferred here from the filming of a film dedicated to the life of our ancestors. The Palace of the Grand Masters rises at the end of the street. It was built in the 14th century. Very beautiful gates lead to the palace-fortress, huge towers rise on both sides. Inside the building - luxurious halls, decorated with wood carvings and lined with expensive furniture from different eras. The Palace of the Magisters is at the same time a fortress. It has fortifications, as well as extensive underground warehouses. In the 40s of the 20th century, the palace-fortress was restored, and today it receives numerous tourists.

Modern Rhodes

The second side of the city of Rhodes - modern resort town. Here you will encounter a bustling evening life, innumerable shops, beautiful buildings and wide streets. Hundreds of hotels are located in the Rhodes city area - from very modest to chic. In addition, there are many bars and restaurants, trendy discos, casinos and clubs. All this contributes to the fact that tours to Rhodes are very popular today.

The Colossus of Rhodes

Mandraki is a port, which is the main attraction of the capital. It was here, according to legend, that the Colossus of Rhodes, considered one of the 7 wonders of the world, was located. It was a bronze statue 37 meters high, which was created by the sculptor Haret in 285 BC. e. She portrayed Helios, the god of the sun. During what happened in 227 BC. e. earthquake destroyed the statue. On the pillars there are now 2 bronze statues of deer, which are the emblem of Rhodes.

"Butterfly Valley"

Another place that you should definitely visit if you arrive in the city of Rhodes (Greece) is the "Valley of the Butterflies". This reserve is located about 30 kilometers from the city. Otherwise, it is called the Petaludes Valley (this is the name of the municipality to which the "Valley of the Butterflies" belongs). This is actually not a valley at all, but a narrow park stretching along the gorge to the top of the hill. Here you can admire the beauties of nature, picturesque bridges over clear streams, lush vegetation, waterfalls and, of course, colorful butterflies that sit on the crowns of trees and flowers.

Aquarium

It is very interesting to observe underwater world seas. The city of Rhodes (Greece) offers guests an interesting aquarium, which operates as a research institution and as a museum. Since 1930 there has been a biological station here. The collection originally included living and formalized inhabitants of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas that wash the island. However, in 1963 the concept changed. The aquarium today is an underground labyrinth with 25 pools built into the walls. They contain the rarest and interesting inhabitants the seas surrounding Rhodes. These are coral polyps, octopuses, crabs, clams, starfish, hedgehogs and various types of fish.

Lindos

What other interesting places does the island of Rhodes offer its guests? Its sights are numerous, but it is worth talking about Lindos separately. This is one of the most important tourist sites. Its Acropolis is the second largest and largest in Greece. They are rightfully proud of the island of Rhodes, the sights of which are simply impossible to describe without mentioning it. It can be reached on foot or on donkeys, acting as the "city taxi" of the city of Lindos. The main attraction of the Acropolis is the temple of Athena Lydia. He was visited by King Menelaus of Sparta, known to us from the Iliad, as well as Alexander the Great.

Lindos (Rhodes) is the oldest city on the island. More than 3 thousand years is its age. In ancient times, Lindos (Rhodes) was a port state with active trade links with Mediterranean cities. Today it is small resort area located on the Mediterranean Sea west coast). It captivates with the charm of the seaside provincial town. This place has all the conditions for recreation: beautiful sandy beaches, many cafes and restaurants, fountains, winding streets.

A large number of attractions you will find in Lindos. Here is the ancient Greek Acropolis, which rises above the city. Here is the temple of Athena of Lindos. In addition to ancient buildings, the Byzantine churches of the Archangel Michael and St. John, as well as the chapel of St. Paul, have survived to this day.

Piyes-Kalitheas

If you follow from the capital to the southeast, then the first stop should be made in Piyes-Kaliteas, resort village located 7 km from the city. In 1928-29 it was built up almost completely according to the project of P. Lombardi, who is the architect of the building of the European Parliament, located in Strasbourg.

Faliraki

A little to the south (10 km from the airport and 14 from the capital) begins Falirakion (Filaraki, Rhodes). Reviews about visiting this ultra-modern resort area are always the most positive. This is a trendy place where you will find many discos, bars, water park and amusement park. Perhaps the local beach is the best equipped in Rhodes. It offers umbrellas, sun loungers, bars and restaurants, as well as various water sports. The beach with golden sand stretches for 4 km. And it is here that you will find a place reserved for nudists, the only one on the island.

Faliraki keeps ancient monuments. Several local quarters date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. One can single out among the sights the Church of St. Nektarios. The picturesque area of the village is the embankment, where there are all kinds of bars, restaurants and cafes.

You can take a 40-minute boat trip along the coast to the city of Rhodes, round trip. Its cost is 6.5 euros. Here you will also see the largest stable on the island, where both adults and children under six years old can take riding lessons (they cost 20 euros). You can just watch or take part in preparing a horse or pony for a walk. A trip to Mount Placida will cost you 25 euros, and to Tragana (pebble beach) - 30 euros. In addition, you can make horse riding to the ancient monastery, located at the lake of St. John, for 60 euros.

Kallithea

From Faliraki to Kallithea is only 10 minutes by bus. This city is famous healing terms located by the sea, nightlife, beaches. You can also go scuba diving here. Along east coast Rhodes stretches Kallithea and includes the villages of Psinthos and Koskina.

Entrance to the Baths of Kallithea will cost you 4 euros, for children - free of charge. Most of the salons in Faliraki, in addition to the usual spa services, also offer "fish peeling". Your feet are placed in an aquarium with fish, which cleanse the skin with a light tickle, toning it. Such a pleasure costs 8 euros, and its duration is 30 minutes.

Gulf of Afandou

The next stop should be made behind Cape Ladiko. Here begins the sand and pebble bay of Afandu, or Apandon - big beach with undeveloped infrastructure, but almost always calm. There is a 16th century church of Panagia Katholiki with ancient frescoes.

Kolymbia

Kolymbia is a young and small developing resort located 5 km from Afandou. It is located near Rhodes and until recently was a small village. But a lot has changed lately: expensive restaurants, fashionable hotels, souvenir shops and shops have appeared. Of the attractions, the nearby village of Archangelos should be noted. The local craftsmen of this village make pottery and handmade carpets. In addition, you can visit the Valley of the Seven Springs, a very beautiful place.

The west windward coast of the island is more humid, wooded and fertile than the rest of it. If you move from the capital from north to south, you can see the excavations of Kameiros, the ancient city, as well as Kastro Kritinias, the most impressive knight's castle of Rhodes.

Ialyssos and Ixia (Rhodes)

These are resorts washed by the Aegean Sea. Mount Filerimos, towering here, divides the valley into 2 cities: Ixia and Ialyssos (Rhodes). On top of it you can find the ruins of ancient temples dedicated to Zeus and Athena. The capital, the city of Rhodes, is about 7 kilometers from here. Winds often blow in this place, which contributes to the development aquatic species sports: yachting, windsurfing, kitesurfing. In addition, jeeping, mountain biking, horseback riding are offered. If you are interested in history, you can visit not only the ruins of the temples of Zeus and Athena dating back to the Ancient Greek period, but also the church of St. Nicholas built by the Byzantines.

Ialyssos and Ixia (Rhodes) are prosperous and very popular resorts. This is due to the fact that their location is very good: they are located between the capital of the island and the airport.

Excursions in Rhodes

The sights that we have listed are only a small part of what you can see while on vacation on this island. A street agency or a hotel will surely offer you many options. exciting journey, For example:

To the islands of Tilos and Symi (cost - from 25 euros);

- "Pirate journey" around the islands with the search for hidden treasure;

Sightseeing tour around the island with a barbecue;

Visit to "Greek night" with mass sirtaki.

Of course, this list does not include all excursions in Rhodes. Keep in mind that traveling with a rented car or bus on your own will cost less than those bought from a tour operator or street agency. However, if this is your first time on the island, it is better to use the services of guides (their cost is included in some tours to Rhodes). They will tell you everything about the history of the island, which they know and love, and will surely be able to infect you with love for this piece of land, which is washed by the waters of two seas.

Greece - unique country, which boasts archipelagos of islands in various parts of the Mediterranean basin. Every corner of Hellas is attractive in its own way, but in the east of the Mediterranean there is no equal to the island of Rhodes. There are many archaeological sites and historical buildings, as well as unique natural objects. You cannot describe the whole island in one article, so we will divide the story into parts and today we will talk about the capital of this wonderful place. Let's talk about the weather, history and sights of the capital, as well as other interesting facts about the city of Rhodes. Join the journey through the streets of the ancient Greek city!

At a cursory glance, the island of Rhodes in Greece is of little note. Here's what the "dry" facts about Rhodes say:

Located in the southeast of Greece;
Area 1401.5 km2;
The permanent population is 115,490 inhabitants;
Coastalthe line is stretched for 220 km;
The official language is Greek.

But the statistics do not at all convey the aesthetic beauty and uniqueness of these places. Whether it's when we read interesting facts about the island of Rhodes.

So, for example, Rhodes is one of those washed by two seas Greek islands: from the west, its shores are framed by the waters of the Aegean Sea, and from the east - by the Mediterranean. This neighborhood has led to the emergence of a unique natural attraction, which is romantically called the "kiss of the two seas." To admire this spectacle, you need to go to Cape Prasonisi, located in the south of the island.

Agree, now the desire to make a trip to Greece to Rhodes manifested itself much more than when we simply told the characteristics of the island. Therefore, to begin with, we bring to your attention interesting facts about the city of Rhodes. A small selection of 15 observations will act as a kind of aperitif, and then we will move on to a full-fledged dish - detailed description Rhodes.

Antiquity

The city was founded by people from the island policies of Kamir, Ialis and Lind. This event took place in 408 BC.
Thanks to the convenient geographic location, ancient Rhodes in the Mediterranean became a major center of transit trade. According to historical data, earlier there were as many as 5 ports in the city. However, only three of them have been located so far.
Ancient Rhodes is known for the fact that it was in this city that one of the wonders of the world, the Colossus of Rhodes, was erected. A bronze monument about 36 meters high towered over the harbor, welcoming the incoming ships. The sculpture was dedicated to the sun god Helios, who is the patron saint of the city. Moreover, the Greek myths say that Rhodes was an island that Helios carried on his own hands from the sea.
Ancient Rhodes was badly damaged by an earthquake in 226 BC. e. Colossus also suffered in this catastrophe. At first, they wanted to restore the destroyed monument, but the Oracle warned the Greeks against making this mistake: the prophet said that this act could greatly anger Helios. The fragments of the statue remained on the ground until foreign invaders captured Rhodes and sold the fragments of the Colossus to a Jewish merchant. He simply melted the remains of the wonder of the world into bronze ingots and took them to another country.
Later, Rhodes was repeatedly subjected to devastating earthquakes of varying power. Nevertheless, a large ancient heritage has been preserved here. Of the monuments, the most valuable for the world and the country are the interesting ruins of the temple of Athena Poliada and the stadium, which is an analogue of the stadium in Olympia. To date, this is the only antique copy that has survived to this day.

Middle Ages

Medieval Rhodes received its interesting facts thanks to the arrival of the Knights of St. John (Hospitallers) to these lands. In 1309 the city became the seat of the order.
The Rhodes knights significantly strengthened the defenses of the settlement. The city was surrounded by a high and thick stone wall, the length of which was 4 km. The fort was equipped watchtowers and 7 gates, near which there was an armed guard.
From the inside, the city was also divided by a wall. A smaller part, it was called Collachio, was completely given over to knighthood. Here was the Palace of the Grand Masters, Cathedral, hospital and other administrative buildings. For the most part, Burgo, or as it was also called Chora, was settled by ordinary people. Houses, markets, churches, public buildings, etc. were erected in this area.
Knighthood helped the townspeople defend Rhodes and fend off foreign raids for more than two centuries. But in 1522, the Hospitallers were defeated during the siege of the city by the Ottoman troops. So Rhodes fell under the rule of the Turkish ruler Suleiman the Great.
As a result of the change of power, local residents were forced out of the city walls. The expelled townspeople had to settle down in a new place, and this is how the New Town (modern part of Rhodes) got its development.

Modern city

The modern look of the New Town was greatly influenced by the Italians, who in the 20th century ousted the Turks from Rhodes. They restored the appearance of historical buildings lost under the Ottomans, and also built many new buildings stylized as neo-Gothic and Venetian styles. Today, these buildings form the face of the city.
Due to the special value of the heritage, the city is included in the list of specially protected areas. The international organization UNESCO monitors the careful attitude to historical values.
Modern Rhodes includes two more small settlements in its territorial composition: (181 inhabitants) and Sguru (914 people). In total, about 50 thousand inhabitants live in the city.
Rhodes has a comfortable climate. The winter here is warm and mild, and the summer is hot, but not at all sultry, because. refreshing breezes often blow from the seas. The lowest temperature (-3°C) for the city was recorded in January, and the highest (+38°C) in July.
Beach holidays are a separate advantage of Rhodes. A gorgeous sandy coast stretches along the city, washed by the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Capital beach - most popular place for holidays in Rhodes. From May to October, thousands of foreign tourists and local residents manage to visit it.

As can be seen from a brief selection of facts, the city of Rhodes has a rich and eventful history, which began in the 5th century BC. The city survived during this time several earthquakes and numerous sieges, but managed to maintain a magnificent historical heritage. And today this place continues to be a cult, and therefore deserves attention and more detailed study.

A brief summary in which we have listed interesting facts about the city of Rhodes already gives an idea of the main historical events. But about very interesting history the islands and its capitals are worth talking a little more about.

The first settlers appeared on the island in 1400 BC. They began to build cities, and Lind, Yalis and Kamir were considered the most important at that time. Only 1000 years later, in 408 BC. the natives of these settlements built the capital of the island, which was called Rhodes, which means “city of roses”. The ancient city developed rapidly, thanks to brisk trade: dozens of foreign and Greek merchant ships passed through 5 ports daily.

Rhodes flourished in the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC. At that time, the city was ruled by the Hellenes, who constantly emphasized the economic and political significance of the capital. However, in the 4th century BC. the island falls under the influence of the Byzantines, which continues until the 14th century AD. During this period, Rhodes was an important naval base, as well as the residence of an Orthodox metropolitan. Under the Byzantines, many churches appeared in the city, some of which have survived to this day.

In 1309, the city was conquered from the Byzantines by the Knights Hospitallers, who radically transformed the appearance of the island capital. It was during this period that those medieval buildings for which it is famous today appeared in the city of Rhodes. The Hospitallers literally turned a small town into a fortified military fortress.

Knights ruled Rhodes for two centuries, until the Ottomans besieged the island in 1522. They did not make radical changes, only converted churches into mosques and made outbuildings to public buildings. Also, the Turks drove the locals out of the walls of the fortress. This was the reason for the formation of the New City, which is located right next to the fortress walls.

A new milestone in the history of Rhodes is the occupation of the territory by the Italians in 1912. They have made a huge contribution to the appearance of the modern city. The extensions built by the Turks were removed, and the mosques again became Christian churches. In addition, many buildings were erected in the New City, which today are considered architectural gems Rhodes.

And, finally, in 1948 the city returned under the Greek flag. Modern Rhodes is considered a major trading hub, as well as a popular tourist resort.

Myths, culture and art of Rhodes

The cult of Helios (solar deity) dominated Rhodes. All the islanders were obliged to him not only for protection and patronage, but also for the creation of the island. According to legend, Helios was absent during the division of the lands by the Gods, and when he returned, Zeus offered to hold the ceremony again. But then Helios saw an island emerging from the depths of the sea. He thought that this was a sign of providence and carried a piece of land out of the depths of the sea on his own hands. The lands were named after the beloved of God - the nymph Rhodes.

It is not surprising that the sun god was the main character of local art and culture. However, the locals also revered other gods. So, the Acropolis of Rhodes in Greece could boast of temples to Athena and Apollo. These structures were badly damaged as a result of various cataclysms, but today the ancient ruins have been restored and are once again ready to impress the residents and visitors of the city.

Unfortunately, there are no samples left of Rhodes painting that have survived to this day. But we have reached the objects of ancient ceramics and sculptures, striking in their beauty, as well as the works of local poets. In addition, Rhodes was famous as a center of philosophical and natural sciences.

famous landmarks

There are many historical monuments in the capital of Rhodes, but the following three are considered straight " calling card" cities.

The famous wonder of the world - the Colossus of Rhodes, a giant statue 36 meters high, was erected in the 3rd century BC, during the heyday of the city. The reason was the gratitude of the locals to the god Helios for taking the invader Demetrius away from them, who was besieging the island. whole year. To celebrate, the island people sold siege weapons, and ordered the erection of a statue with the proceeds.

The monument was made of bronze, iron and clay. The colossus turned out to be majestic and irresistible, but it did not please the eye of the Hellenes for long - only 50 years. A powerful earthquake destroyed the statue, and people were afraid to restore the sculpture for fear of incurring the wrath of the gods. So Rhodes lost its main attraction, but the glory of it lives on to this day.

Street of the Knights

Not a single one can do without a walk along the Street of the Knights in old Rhodes tourist trip. Despite its small length, only 200 meters, here it is considered the main city alley. It was founded in the Middle Ages: in those days, the national residences of the masters of the Order of the Hospitallers were located here. Under the Turks, administrative buildings were converted into barracks. The former appearance of the street was restored by the restoration carried out in the 20th century by the Italians.

Today in beautiful gothic buildings Museums and government institutions are located on Knights Street.

The center of the Collacio (knight's district), to which the street of the Knights leads, is the Palace of the Grand Masters. The fortress was built 700 years ago, and to this day this place continues to be main gem cities. First, the rulers of the knightly order lived here, then the Turks turned the building into a prison, and the Italians restored the appearance of the building again. Now the palace houses two museums that offer tourists to see the exposition of objects of antiquity and the Middle Ages.

Modern Rhodes

Of course, not only the ruins of ancient buildings and medieval buildings glorify the city of Rhodes.

Today, the island capital is a fashionable tourist resort, with comfortable hotels, fashionable shops, cozy restaurants and, of course, seaside beaches. Here everyone will find something to their liking, because you can go shopping, and explore the old city, and swim in the warm sea waters, and just bask all day on the beach under the scorching sun. And at night, guests of the capital are invited to have fun by numerous dance clubs, bars, casinos and discos.

We hope you enjoyed the information about the capital of the island of Rhodes and had a good time reading the article. We are sure that a real trip to this Greek resort will turn out to be no less pleasant. Go ahead, discover new regions of Greece, and get unforgettable impressions from the local beauties!

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