The population of the island of Rhodes. Walls of old Rhodes. Rhodes Island - history

Rhodes(Rhodes) - the fourth largest island in Greece; its total area is 1398 km². He is considered to be the most beautiful tourist place in the Mediterranean. The nature here is amazingly beautiful, besides there are many historical monuments. Stunning examples of architecture and amazing natural resources become the object of attention of a large number of tourists. The historical part of the center of the island - the city of Rhodes - is included in the World cultural heritage UNESCO.

Video: Rhodes

Geographical position

The island is located in the southeast of the country and belongs to the Dodecanese archipelago. The land is washed simultaneously by two seas - the Aegean in the western part and the Mediterranean in the eastern. Main city The island lies 434 km from Athens. Geographically, Rhodes is closer to Turkey - they are separated by only 18 km. The shape of the island is similar to an ellipse - its length is 77 km, and its width is 37 km. According to data for 2011, 115,490 people live here permanently.

Rhodes and other islands Aegean Sea arose after the destruction of the Aegean - the mainland, which occupied the territory from the Ionian Sea to the shores of Asia Minor and southern Crete. Mountainous terrain prevails here, and calcareous and shale are common among geological rocks. They are made up of central mountains islands called Atabirium. They have three peaks - Akramit, Profitis Ilias and Atabiri directly. Their height is 823 m, 798 m and 1215 m respectively. Hills smoothly turn into plains, which occupy a much smaller part of the territory. It is worth noting that the land here is quite fertile. Rhodes has sandy and pebble beaches.

Climate, flora and fauna

The weather conditions of Rhodes are quite mild - average temperature does not exceed 18-20°. It is pleasant to be on the island at any time of the year thanks to warm winters and fresh summer. Northeasterly winds prevail in this climate zone. Among other features of the climate - a large number of sunny days and high humidity. Guides advise to go here from late spring to early autumn. In winter, the main part of the tourist infrastructure does not function.

Coniferous trees, plane trees and oaks can be found everywhere on the island. Among the flowers are capers and cyclamens, as well as a variety of field herbs. The most common representative of the animal world is a special kind of deer - platoni. He lives in the forest part of the island.

Historical information

The history of Rhodes begins with the New Stone Age. At various times it was controlled by the Minoans and Mycenaeans, and in the VIII century BC. the first settlements of the Dorian Greeks arose here. Among them were the policies-states of Lindos, Ialyssos and Kamiros, the island of Kos, as well as the current Turkish settlements - Knidos and Halicarnassus. They were called the Dorian hexapolis, which in Greek means "six cities" - a coalition of six cities.

In the 5th and 4th centuries BC. the island was occupied twice after the Persian invasion, but then it was liberated. After the first attack, Rhodes was rebuilt by the architect Hippodames. The following centuries are described as favorable period for the local population. During these years, science developed and oratory flourished. Among the well-known speakers, the names of Aeschines and Apollonius of Rhodes are mentioned. Talented astronomers were Hipparchus and Geminos.

In 164 BC. The government of Rhodes signed a cooperation agreement with Rome. About a century later, during the third apostolic journey, St. Paul introduced the inhabitants of Rhodes to the Christian religion. Since 395, the island became part of Byzantium. In the 7th century, the territory was occupied by Arab invaders, who ruled here for many years. In 1081, the throne of Byzantium went to Alexei Komnenos, who managed to free Rhodes from the Muslims.

At the dawn of the XIV century, power was assigned to the knights of the Order of St. John. They built an inner city fortress on Rhodes, named after the island. The construction held back the advance of the Egyptian and Turkish troops until 1522. After a long siege of the building by the soldiers of Suleiman the Magnificent, the religious-military order had to capitulate. Then the island also left some representatives of the indigenous population. The next year, Rhodes began to obey the Ottomans. Since then, the Turkish population has gradually moved here, after several centuries its numbers have increased markedly.

As a result of the failure of the Turks during the Italo-Turkish war in 1912, Rhodes passed to Italy. The Italians disposed of its territory until the Second World War. In 1943, German invaders came to the island. After the end of hostilities, Rhodes, along with all the nearby islands, went to Britain. After 3 years, at the numerous requests of the islanders, this territory was finally reunited with Greece.

Legends and myths about the island of Rhodes

There are many legends about the origin of the island and its name. According to one of the myths, one day Zeus decided to divide the world between the deities. At that moment, Helios was absent, so he got nothing. He began to complain to the supreme god about injustice, and then asked for a promise to give him possession of what would arise from the depths of the sea. While Helios was talking, an incredibly beautiful island appeared, which he took for himself. Then the lord of the sun met the beautiful nymph Rhodes, whom he later married. In honor of his beloved, he named the island.

Some residents of the island believe that the name comes from the word "rose" - in Greek writing it is rendered as "rhodon". This flower is a symbol of beauty and tenderness - it is not surprising that the magnificent Rhodes was compared with it.

Cultural development

For several centuries, Rhodes was the most important trading port in the east of the Mediterranean. Such a favorable location played an important role in the development of science, art and literature. The cultural life of the city was concentrated in central city- Rhodes.

Unfortunately, it was not possible to preserve samples of Rhodes painting to this day. The activities of artists are known only from written sources. Parasius and Protogenes worked here, the craftsmen drew inspiration from the colorful scenes of Greek mythology.

The art of making pottery has developed since the reign of the Mycenaeans. Its heyday dates back to the 7th-6th centuries. BC e. Among the characteristic features, one can note the application of drawings of horned animals and their alternation with garlands of flowers. Ancient pottery is now represented in local archaeological museums.

Sculpture making was also common in the region. The Rhodes masters mastered a unique technique of work - when creating the figures, not marble was used, but light concrete, which was then plastered. From the 5th century BC e. a school of sculpture was even opened here; in the Hellenistic era, it was considered the leading one in Greece. Eminent masters from many Greek cities- Their number exceeded 100 people. The most famous of them are Briascides of Athens and Lysippos of Sicyon. In 292 BC. Haress of Linda, a talented follower of the second sculptor, built the famous Colossus of Rhodes, which was placed at the entrance to the city. The statue, dedicated to the god Helios, stood for only 66 years and was deformed by a natural disaster. This work of art belongs to the seven wonders of the ancient world. worldwide notable works Rhodes sculptors- "Sleeping Eros" and "Nike of Samothrace". Many creations are kept in museums of different countries.

Writers and philosophers moved to Rhodes to live. Among the famous inhabitants are the poet Apollonius and the student of Socrates Aristippus of Cyrene. The gifted orator Aeshin organized an oratorical school here. In addition to oratory, philological, mathematical, physical, geographical and astronomical sciences flourished. In the treatment centers - asclepias - medicine was studied and developed.

Famous sights of Rhodes

Rhodes fortress - a building that served as the location of the knights of the Order of St. John. In the event of an attack by enemies, it was a haven for the inhabitants of the city. The fortress was built in the XIV century, it stood for several centuries, maintaining its integrity during the attack of opponents and strong earthquakes. In 1856, due to an accidental explosion, the structure collapsed. The restoration was undertaken by the Italians in the first half of the 20th century. Now mosaics brought from the island of Kos are preserved here and organized thematic exhibitions dedicated to the history of the island.

The Acropolis is the elevated and fortified part of the city of Rhodes. The settlements of the ancient Greeks were organized here. The building served as a shelter during the onset of enemy troops.

Butterfly Valley is a popular phenomenon in the municipality of Petaloudes. This area is unique in that beautiful four-spotted bears fly here in the summer.

Kamiros is the remains of an ancient settlement with a surviving central square, residential areas and a water supply system.

Lindos is a coastal settlement with two picturesque harbors. The city's Acropolis is the second largest in Greece. In its southern part, the ruins of a small ancient temple of Athena Lindia remained.

Seven Sources - natural Park, in which you can get acquainted with an interesting design designed to store water. It includes a large spring that makes its way upstairs in seven places. The stream flows into the Lutanis River, and then enters a special tunnel. From there, the liquid flows into an artificial lake, which is the only drinking water reservoir on the island. The attraction is located near the village of Kolymbia on east coast Rhodes.

Church of the Assumption of the Virgin - a temple in the village of Asklipio, which was built in the XIV century. It is decorated with frescoes created by the artist Michael of Chios in 1676-1677.

Medieval castles are located in many cities and are a striking example of the architecture of this period.

Holidays in Greece ‹ Dodecanese ‹ Rhodes ‹ History

Rhodes island. Story

Greece. Dodecanese. A story about. Rhodes

Rhodes(Greek Rhodos - island of roses), a large fertile island off the southwestern coast of Asia Minor with a favorable climate and rich vegetation. Around 1400 BC Rhodes was occupied by the Achaeans, driven out around 1100 BC. e. thence by the Dorians. The Dorians divided the territory of the island between three cities - Lind, Ialis and Kamir, which, together with Halicarnassus, Cnidus and Kos, made up the so-called Dorian Hexapolis (Greek: Union of six cities). The exceptionally favorable position of Rhodes for maritime trade with Asia and Egypt was the reason why the island soon became an important trading center. Of the cities of Rhodes, the most rapid development was Linds, who founded the cities of Rhegium and Gela in the epochs of Greek colonization. Already in ancient period the export of ceramic products from Rhodes begins, primarily the so-called Rhodes vases, decorated with ornamental friezes with images of animals. Became in the VI century. BC e. tyrant Linda Cleobulus was later numbered among the Seven Wise Men. Soon after the liberation from the short-lived Persian rule, the cities of the island of Rhodes become members of the Athenian Maritime Union.

In 411-407 BC Rhodes regains political independence; the three cities united into one state founded a new capital on the northern tip of the island called Rhodes, the layout of which was developed by Hippodames after the model of Piraeus. This contributed to the rapid transformation of Rhodes into shopping mall world importance. After the death of Alexander the Great, Rhodes sought to defend its independence from the Hellenistic monarchies and, through strict neutrality, ensure the unimpeded trade. The maritime law of Rhodes was in general use until the imperial era. In 305-304 BC. e. The city of Rhodes managed to successfully withstand the siege of the troops of Demetrius Poliorcetes. In memory of this event, at the entrance to the harbor of Rhodes, a bronze statue of Helios, the patron god of the island, was erected, about 37 m high, made by Haret from Lind. The Colossus of Rhodes, considered one of the seven wonders of the world, in 227 BC. e. collapsed as a result of an earthquake. Along with Athens and Alexandria, Rhodes becomes one of the centers of Greek culture. The Rhodes school of sculptors enjoyed fame in the following era as well (the Bull of Farnese, Laocoön). Famous poets, philosophers and scientists worked on Rhodes, including Apollonius of Rhodes, Panetius and Posidonius. The Rhodian school of rhetoric flourished. All this made Rhodes a major center of education, especially popular among the noble representatives of the Roman youth. Tiberius Gracchus, Pompey, Cicero, Caesar, Lucretius and Tiberius studied at Rhodes.

For support of the Roman policy, after the victory over Antiochus III, Rhodes received, in addition to his old mainland possessions (Perea), Caria and Lycia. Most of Rhodes lost these territories as a punishment for the pro-Macedonian position during the 3rd Macedonian War. An even more cruel blow was for Rhodes the announcement of Delos in 166 BC. e. free port, which led to a reduction in the amount of customs duties from 1 million to 150 thousand drachmas. From 164 BC e. Rhodes becomes a true ally of Rome. In 88 Mithridates VI tried unsuccessfully to take Rhodes by siege. Cassius, who captured the island in 42 BC, brought many works of art to Rome, including the famous Laocoön sculpture group. In the imperial era, Rhodes maintained the appearance of political independence and a relatively high level of prosperity.

In 1309, after the desperate resistance of the Rhodians, the knights of the Jerusalem Order of St. John settled on the island. They remained in these lands for 213 years and were called the Knights of Rhodes. They represented all Catholic countries. The official languages ​​were Latin and French. The dominion of the Joannites is still reflected in the characteristic medieval appearance of Rhodes. The purpose of the Order was to win back the Holy Places from the Arabs, i.e. Jerusalem, and help the pilgrims. The far-reaching goal was an all-Christian kingdom. However, this goal did not prevent the Catholic knights from oppressing Orthodox Church Rhodes.

Monks-knights took a vow of poverty, chastity and obedience. They were led by the Grand Master. On the battlefield they went out in red cloaks under the armor so that no blood was visible, and the knight did not show that he was wounded until he fell dead. During their reign, the knights rebuilt the city - impregnable walls, churches and majestic palaces - all this has been perfectly preserved to this day and bears the name of the medieval, or old, city. The city was well protected from attacks, but in 1522, after a six-month siege, the knights were forced to surrender the city to the Turks. They themselves crossed over to Malta and became known as the Knights of Malta. Interestingly, after the capture of Malta by Bonaparte, the Order temporarily found shelter in Russia. It is also curious that not only the buildings built by the knights have survived to this day, but the Order itself exists today.

In 1522, the Turks took possession of Rhodes for nearly four centuries. But by a happy coincidence, the Rhodians had more freedoms and privileges than the inhabitants of other Greek territories. They were engaged in trade and crafts and had a relatively high standard of living. Turkish rule in Rhodes ended with the Italian occupation in 1912. The Italians also contributed to the architecture of the island. They reconstructed some ancient monuments, carried out archaeological excavations and erected many public buildings. The most significant of them are the Palace of Government, the National Theater and the Courthouse.

Towards the end of the Italian occupation of the island, high in the mountains, a dacha was built for Mussolini, which he never could visit. Now she, abandoned and dilapidated, is hiding from the eyes of tourists. But for all its unkemptness, it leaves an indelible impression. The Italian occupation lasted until 1943. During World War II Rhodes was occupied by the Germans. And only in 1948 did the long-awaited reunification with Greece take place.

Rhodes island, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is a favorite holiday destination for many tourists.

The island attracts guests with the cleanest beaches, mild climate. There are many on the island ancient castles that attract with their unusual architecture.

The wild beaches of Cape Praso are a place of pilgrimage for windsurfers.

About the island of Rhodes

The island is part of Greece. It is washed by two seas - the Aegean from the northwest and the Mediterranean - from the southeast. Like many Greek islands, Rhodes was formed as a result of the breakup of the Aegean mainland.

Eat legends associated with this island. According to one legend, the island appeared as Zeus' gift to the sun god Helios. Zeus was so fascinated by the beauty of Helios that he created an island that is in no way inferior to the beauty of the young god. Rhodes was called the "Island of Roses" or "Island of Butterflies". Legends also say that one of the wonders of the world was located on this island - the statue of the Colossus of Rhodes. The colossus was destroyed by an earthquake that happened in these parts in 220 BC.

The size of the island of Rhodes is 77 kilometers long, 36 kilometers wide. The island is inhabited by about 130 thousand inhabitants, and almost half of them (75-80 thousand) live in the capital - the city of Rhodes.

The capital is conditionally divided into Old and New town. The old town of Rhodes is the center ancient culture and ancient architectural monuments.

Climate

The climate on the island is very mild. But on the coast from the Aegean Sea it is cooler, the beaches are pebbly, and there are waves on the sea. On the other side of the island, washed by mediterranean sea, the climate is better, there are practically no waves, and the beaches are sandy and sandy-pebble. Despite the fact that the island of Rhodes is the southernmost of the Greek islands, sometimes there can rise strong winds especially in the evenings.

The most comfortable time for relaxing on the island is from June to September, when the water warms up well (up to 20-25 degrees), and the average air temperature is 28-30 degrees. Due to the proximity to the sea and the humidity in Rhodes, there is no debilitating stuffiness.

Resorts and beaches of the island of Rhodes

Glistra (best beach on the island). Located near Lindos.

Agios Pavlos- for lovers of diving and diving.

Tsambika- a great beach for families.

Faliraki- ideal for families with small children, a gentle entrance to the sea.

Rhodes hotels and their prices

You can consider the option of inexpensive private hotels, where an economy option will be offered for the minimum price (approximately 1100-1270 rubles per day) hotel holiday without much frills.

Taverns and the average cost of lunch

Food in a tavern will cost 20-30 euros (with wine a little more expensive) per person. Wine costs between 5-8 euros. You can consider food options in beach restaurants - lunch for two will cost 12-15 euros there.

Nightlife and Entertainment

If tourists prefer youth and leisure, then it is better to relax in Faliraki, Kallithea, Ixia or Ialiso - it is in these resort towns that all night life islands. Round-the-clock bars and discos, clubs and entertainment centers are ready to provide their guests with the best.

Attractions and excursions

Seven sources. There is a legend associated with this place. If you go through the tunnel, inside which the water of seven sources is connected, you can write off 7 sins from yourself and look younger by 7 years. Before entering the tunnel, you need to take off your shoes and walk through the tunnel barefoot.

Kritinia Castle. Built on the highest rock of the island by ancient knights to watch enemy ships from afar. Today, the castle has an excellent observation deck, from where a wonderful view of the island spreads.

Monastery of Our Lady Tsambika. The miraculous icon of the Holy Mother of God helps all those who are unsuccessfully trying to conceive a child. To do this, pilgrims must walk to the top of the mountain with prayers, holding a lit candle in the form of a baby in their hands.

Valley of the Butterflies Petaloudes. If you visit the island in July, you can enjoy the amazing beauty of the spectacle, when hundreds of butterflies fly from tree to tree.

How to get there

• By plane: daily flights to Rhodes from Athens and Thessaloniki, in the summer they connect additional flights from the islands of Lesbos and Crete. Travel time is 30-50 minutes. From Russia are performed regular flights to Athens. There are also charter flights from Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Ufa, Kazan, Rostov and other cities).
• Maritime communication . You can also get to Rhodes by ferry - from Egypt, Turkey, Israel and Italy. There are ferries from Crete. Travel time is 1-1.5 hours.

Since the holiday destination is very popular in recent years, tickets must be purchased in advance otherwise, at the height of the season, you run the risk of flying past the rest in the truest sense of the word.

Those who prefer to explore the sights of the island on their own can rent a car (50 euros per day). Travel by car around the island of Rhodes small villages and villages that most accurately convey the atmosphere of Rhodes. A map of the island of Rhodes will help you with this.

In addition to numerous souvenir trinkets, you can take away from the island cheese from Embona, marinated caper leaves, guilt local production (especially from Embona).

Rhodes island on video

We offer you to watch a video trip around the island of Rhodes, which will reveal all the secrets of this popular island.

Rhodes is a divine holiday destination. Everyone should visit it at least once. And if you have already visited it or have any questions, please leave a comment below.

Rhodes- the fourth largest Greek island, with total area 1398 km², located in the southeast of Greece, in the Dodecanese group of islands in the Aegean Sea, 270 nautical miles from the capital of Greece, Athens. The island of Rhodes is washed by the Aegean Sea from the west, and the Mediterranean from the east. administrative center is the city of Rhodes, located in the northeast of the island. Rhodes is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean". He is rich natural beauties, archaeological sites and, of course, an interesting history. With the decision of UNESCO, the historical part of the city of Rhodes is included in the list of world cultural heritage.
Geographical position
Rhodes- the fourth largest of the islands Greek archipelago. The area of ​​the island is 1398 sq. km. Rhodes belongs to the group of the Dodecanese Islands, is 246 nautical miles away from Piraeus, and its population, according to the 1981 census, is 90,963 people. Rhodes is an elliptical island, its maximum length is 77 km, maximum width– 37 km. Rhodes was formed after the breakup into parts of the Aegean - the mainland, stretching from the Ionian Sea to the coast of Asia Minor and the southern coast of Crete. The relief of the island is mountainous. Geological rocks - limestones and shales form in the center of the island mountain system Atabirium with three peaks - Acramit in the southwest with maximum height 823 m, Atabyria in the center and Profitis Ilias in the north. This mountain range passes into small, but fertile plains. The coast of the island has countless, mostly sandy beaches, open bays and capes - such as Zonari in the northeast, where the city of Rhodes is located, Lardos or Fokas in the east, Armenistis in the west and Prasonisi in the south, connected to the main territory of the island by a narrow strip of land and during sea level rise turns into island. Characteristic representatives of the flora are conifers, sycamore, oak, thyme, cappers, cyclamons and many other types of field herbs. A characteristic species of fauna since prehistoric times has been a special kind of deer - Platoni, which lives in the forests of the island.
Story
Rhodes(Greek Rhodos - island of roses), a large fertile island off the southwestern coast of Asia Minor with a favorable climate and rich vegetation. Around 1400 BC Rhodes was occupied by the Achaeans, driven out around 1100 BC. e. thence by the Dorians. The Dorians divided the territory of the island between three cities - Lind, Ialis and Kamir, which, together with Halicarnassus, Cnidus and Kos, made up the so-called Dorian Hexapolis. The exceptionally favorable position of Rhodes for maritime trade with Asia and Egypt was the reason why the island became an important trading center. Of the cities of Rhodes, the most rapid development was Linds, who founded the cities of Rhegium and Gela in the epochs of Greek colonization. Already in ancient times, the export of ceramic products from Rhodes began, primarily the so-called Rhodes vases, decorated with ornamental friezes with images of animals. Became in the VI century. BC e. tyrant Linda Cleobulus was later numbered among the Seven Wise Men. Soon after the liberation from the short-lived Persian rule, the cities of the island of Rhodes become members of the Athenian Maritime Union.

In 411-407 BC Rhodes regains political independence; the three cities united into one state founded a new capital on the northern tip of the island called Rhodes, the layout of which was developed by Hippodames after the model of Piraeus. This contributed to the rapid transformation of Rhodes into a commercial center of world importance. After the death of Alexander the Great, Rhodes sought to defend its independence from the Hellenistic monarchies and, through strict neutrality, ensure the unimpeded trade. The maritime law of Rhodes was in general use until the imperial era. In 305-304 BC. e. the city of Rhodes managed to successfully withstand the siege of the troops of Demetrius Poliorket. In memory of this event, at the entrance to the harbor of Rhodes, a bronze statue of Helios, the patron god of the island, was erected, about 37 m high, made by Haret of Lind. The Colossus of Rhodes, considered one of the seven wonders of the world, in 227 BC. e. collapsed as a result of an earthquake. Along with Athens and Alexandria, Rhodes becomes one of the centers of Greek culture. The Rhodes school of sculptors enjoyed fame in the following era.
For support of the Roman policy, after the victory over Antiochus III, Rhodes received, in addition to his old mainland possessions, Caria and Lycia. Rhodes lost most of these territories as a punishment for the pro-Macedonian position during the 3rd Macedonian War. An even more cruel blow was for Rhodes the announcement of Delos in 166 BC. e. free port, which led to a reduction in the amount of customs duties from 1 million to 150 thousand drachmas. From 164 BC e. Rhodes becomes a true ally of Rome. In 88 Mithridates VI tried unsuccessfully to take Rhodes by siege. Cassius, who captured the island in 42 BC, brought many works of art to Rome, including the famous Laocoön sculpture group.
In 1309, after the desperate resistance of the Rhodians, the knights of the Jerusalem Order of St. John settled on the island. They remained in these lands for 213 years and were called the Knights of Rhodes. They represented all Catholic countries. The official languages ​​were Latin and French. The dominion of the Joannites is still reflected in the characteristic medieval appearance of Rhodes. The purpose of the Order was to win back the Holy Places from the Arabs, i.e. Jerusalem, and help the pilgrims. The far-reaching goal was an all-Christian kingdom. However, this goal did not prevent the Catholic knights from oppressing the Orthodox Church of Rhodes. The fortress of the city of RhodesThe monks-knights took a vow of poverty, wisdom and obedience. They were led by the Grand Master. On the battlefield they went out in red cloaks under the armor so that no blood was visible, and the knight did not show that he was wounded until he fell dead. During their reign, the knights rebuilt the city - impregnable walls, churches and majestic palaces - all this has been perfectly preserved to this day and bears the name of the medieval, or old, city. The city was well protected from attacks, but in 1522, after a six-month siege, the knights were forced to surrender the city to the Turks. They themselves crossed over to Malta and became known as the Knights of Malta.
In 1522, the Turks took possession of Rhodes for nearly four centuries. But by a happy coincidence, the Rhodians had more freedoms and privileges than the inhabitants of other Greek territories. They were engaged in trade and crafts and had a relatively high standard of living. Turkish rule in Rhodes ended with the Italian occupation in 1912.
Towards the end of the Italian occupation of the island, high in the mountains, a dacha was built for Mussolini, which he never could visit. Now she, abandoned and dilapidated, is hiding from the eyes of tourists. But for all its unkemptness, it leaves an indelible impression. The Italian occupation lasted until 1943. During World War II Rhodes was occupied by the Germans. And only in 1948 there was a reunification with Greece.

Turkish rule
In 1480 Rhodes was unsuccessfully besieged by the troops of Sultan Mohammed II. July 28, 1522 Suleiman I the Magnificent began the siege with an army of 100,000 people. The knights and inhabitants of the island resisted. At the same time, the besieged repaired destructible walls. After making an agreement with Suleiman, the knights left Rhodes, taking with them all their property, while the Rhodians remained to endure terrible disasters. The entry of the Turks into the city was followed by a terrible massacre of the inhabitants, which was stopped only by the sultan himself, seeing the blood of the Greeks flowing like a river. Turkish captivity lasted 390 years. The rebellious Greeks were subjected to torture, deprived of their property, and generally expelled outside the city walls, inside which only Turks and Jews lived. In 1912, during the war with the Turks, the Italian army landed on Rhodes and occupied the island. The Italians remained until 1943, when they were replaced by the Germans. After the defeat of Germany, the struggle of the Rhodians for independence was crowned with success, and on March 7, 1948, the Dodecanese Islands were reunited with Greece.
Cities of the island of Rhodes
Afandou- one of big villages on the island. There is a golf course and a long beach;
Archangelos- the second largest city on the island;
Asklipio- a village that does not have access to the sea, on the territory of which are located old church and castle;
Faliraki - cultural capital islands of Rhodes. The best place for parties and celebrations. Although, in hotels located north of the city, a more relaxed environment. For example, couples and families in love are more likely to stay in hotels near the water park, rather than avid party-goers. Here you will find good beaches and appreciate the state public transport and quality of roads;
Haraki- a small fishing village located near Lindos. The sheltered beach is surrounded by a chain of restaurants;
Ixia- resort on west coast islands, located in close proximity to the city of Rhodes;
Kallithea- here you can go snorkeling;
Laerma- a landlocked village. There are monuments and restaurants here;
Lardos - market Square with restaurants and shops;
Lindos - picturesque village, location of the ancient acropolis;
Pefkos- small tourist resort located near Lindos. Initially, livestock farms and private apartments were located here, however, over time, the settlement grew into a city;
Rhodes- the largest city on the island, and also local governments sit here;
Theologos- traditional village

mythological legends
Nymph Rhodes, according to Pindar in one of his odes, was the daughter of Poseidon and Amphitrite and the beloved of the god Helios. When the gods divided the earth among themselves, Helios, faithful to his duty, made his daily trip around it. Therefore, during the division, the sun god was absent. When Helios returned, Zeus, not wanting to leave him deprived, decided to make a division again. However, meanwhile, Helios saw how a large beautiful island. Helios asked for this island for himself, deciding that his land was worthy in order to marry the nymph Rhodes there. From this union were born seven sons, who were named Heliads, and a daughter, Electryon. The firstborn son of Helios Kerkaf had three sons - Lind, Kamir and Yalis. The brothers divided their father's possessions among themselves, and each of They founded the city to which he gave his name.
Another myth, associated with the name of Rhodes, as well as with its first inhabitants, tells that this island was originally inhabited by the Telchines, the sons of Thalassa. The Telkhines were extraordinarily skilled in the crafts associated with fire and metals, as well as in magic. Poseidon fell in love with Gaul, the sister of the Telchines, and she bore him six sons and a daughter, Rhodes, who gave her name to the island. Once Aphrodite turned to the Telchines with a request that they allow her to come to the island, but she was refused. Enraged, Aphrodite cursed them, wishing that they would enter into an incestuous relationship with their own mother, and that the whole earth would be flooded with water. The Telkhines, warned in advance by Zeus, left the island in time, leaving their sister on it. For a long time, the plains of Rhodes were flooded with water. When Helios fell in love with the nymph Rhodes, he warmed her with his rays, and the water that covered the island thus evaporated.
The myth associated with the settlement of the Minoans on Rhodes tells of Alphemene, the grandson of King Minos. Wanting to avoid the fulfillment of the prophecy that he was destined to kill his father Katreya, Alphemenes left Crete and settled in Rhodes, where he founded a settlement called Kritinia in memory of his homeland. At the top of Atabyria, Alphemenes erected a temple in honor of Zeus. Many years later, Catreus arrived on the island in search of his only son. From a distance, Alfemen did not recognize his father and, deciding that this was a sea robber, killed him. Thus the prophecy was fulfilled. Having learned the terrible truth, Alphemenes prayed that the earth would open up and swallow him, and this prayer was fulfilled. Alphemenes, whose tragic image is somewhat reminiscent of Oedipus, was revered by the Rhodians as a hero.
Another mythical hero, Tlepolem, is associated with the establishment of the Dorians on the island. Tlepolem was born in Tiryns and was the son of Hercules and Astyoche. He left his homeland and settled in Rhodes after the murder of his father's uncle. Tlepolem himself died near Troy at the hands of an ally of the Trojans, the leader of Sarpedon. In honor of Tlepolem, the Rhodians celebrated the feast of Tlepolemia.
In one of the sanctuaries of Rhodes, Helena the Beautiful was also venerated., which had the epithet Dendritida (Wood). The following myth is connected with this cult. After the Trojan War, Helen arrived in Rhodes, where the widow of Tlepolem Polixo reigned. Upon learning of the arrival of Elena, Polixo decided to avenge the death of her husband. The queen ordered the warriors to seize Helen and hang her on a tree. Therefore, Elena received the nickname Dendritida.

Despite the fact that interesting places are scattered throughout Rhodes, I give the palm among its attractions without a shadow of a doubt to the old part of the capital of the island. If the city as a whole has become for me a kind of quintessence of everything that is collected on this amazing island, then its old part clearly claims the role of a precious stone in a golden ring, whose name is Rhodes.

The old city, the photo of which is most often found on the covers of guidebooks around the island, is picturesque and in many ways unique place, which has preserved the appearance and spirit of a real medieval port, where peoples, cultures and religions intersect. Since the city of Rhodes was founded back in 408 BC, today different epochs intersect behind its walls - from antiquity to the 20th century.

And despite the fact that the old part of Rhodes is a real museum city, people still live in it simple people: looking at their modest houses with unlocked doors and curtains not completely closed, you think that they feel quite comfortable in the epicenter of the cultural life of the city.

For those who came to Rhodes as a guest, visiting the Old Town is an opportunity to touch history and make many personal discoveries, because even if detailed guide map you can explore its streets, if not endlessly, then for a very long time.

How to get to the Old City

To get to the Old Town, first of all, you should purchase a ticket to the city of Rhodes, the cost of which, depending on where you are staying, ranges from 1.1 to 9 euros. The most high price for tickets to the capital - from Cape Prasonisi, since you will have to travel through the entire island. Buses from major settlements depart to Rhodes about once an hour, and tickets can be bought both at special kiosks at the bus stop, and simply from the driver - there is no difference in cost, but you can immediately buy a return ticket at kiosks. To get to the Old City, the easiest way is to go to final stop, which is located in the area and is closely adjacent to the city walls.

If you have already stopped in the capital, then you can easily get to the Old City on your own two feet. In order not to go astray, take a map of the capital of the island from the hotel, and if this is not possible, just follow the signs "Old Town" - "Old Town". Entrance to the territory of the Old City is free.

Before you set off to explore Old Rhodes, I recommend you stop by the kiosk located on the north wall tourist information and absolutely free to take another card here - detailed plan, on which each object of the Old City is highlighted in a certain color, depending on which era it belongs to. And even if you prefer to set the age of this or that building yourself, such a map will definitely help you not to get lost in the web of narrow streets, sometimes quite winding.

There is another way to get acquainted with the old part of Rhodes - expensive and exotic. Today, tourists have the opportunity to take an hour-long flight in a small plane over the island, and its route is designed in such a way that, closer to completion, make a turn just above the Old Town. To do this, you will have to go to Diagoras Airport. However, such a pleasure will cost 500 euros and is unlikely to replace a full visit to the historical part of Rhodes.

A bit of history

Before talking about the main monuments of the Old City, I consider it necessary to conduct a small historical educational program.

The city of Rhodes, as mentioned above, was founded by the ancient Greeks in 408 BC. At the same time, the city was originally of particular importance, becoming the capital of the island and uniting the once independent policies, Kamiros and Ialyssos.

Since the ancient Greeks had mostly stone temples, it is their remains that today remind us of the ancient past of the city of Rhodes. Unfortunately, no traces of the famous Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the world, have been preserved in the city, so we can only guess about its appearance.

After that, the island was successively dominated by the Romans and the Byzantines who replaced them. In those days, the capital of the island was surrounded by powerful walls, some of which have survived to this day. IN Byzantine period the island was repeatedly attacked until the Genoese finally captured it in 1248, and the weak Byzantium was forced to accept the loss of Rhodes.

One of the highlights of the island's history came in 1306, when the Genoese sold it to the Knights of the Order of Saint John, also known as the Hospitallers. For more than two centuries of stay on the island, the Johnites turned it into a real fortress, the core of which was the city of Rhodes. It was at this time that the city was surrounded by new powerful walls that made the capital of the island almost impregnable.

Of course, the Turkish Sultan did not like the fact that the base of Christian warrior monks - and the Hospitallers, like the Templars, had the status of a spiritual brotherhood at that time - was located in close proximity to its borders. In many respects, this is why at the end of the 15th - beginning of the 16th centuries, the Ottoman Empire, which was at the peak of its power, threw all its forces into knocking out the knights from the island. It was possible only on the second attempt, after a six-month siege, and even then as a result of betrayal. Prior to this, the garrison of the fortress, consisting of 7 thousand men at arms, successfully repelled the attacks of the 100 thousand Turkish army.

The knights, after being expelled from the island, soon settled in Malta, and the time of Turkish rule began in Rhodes. Numerous mosques of the Old City belong to this period, some of which are still in operation. In addition, the Turks converted mosques and Christian churches - such examples can also be found in Rhodes.

The biggest loss to the Old City during the Ottoman period was the destruction of the Palace of the Grand Masters, caused by the explosion of a gunpowder store in 1856.

For a long 390 years, the island was ruled by the Turks, until in 1912 the weakening Ottoman Empire was driven out of Rhodes by the Italians. It is the latter that today's Rhodes owes much to the fact that the seemingly lost monuments of previous eras literally rose from the ashes. In particular, in the 1930s, at the insistence of Benito Mussolini, the Palace of the Grand Masters was restored.

Only in 1948 the island became part of Greece again.

Walls of old Rhodes

The first thing that begins acquaintance with the old part of Rhodes is the impressive city walls. Moreover, if from the sea the city is protected by one row of walls, then on land border- just three rows. Today, tourists can walk along the walls themselves, and along the bottom of the moat between them. And even now, walking along the moat, you can find narrow dark passages in the walls, through which it is easy to get into the city. Who knows, perhaps it was through them that scouts and saboteurs made sorties when the Rhodes fortress was under siege.

Despite the fact that there are nine entrances to the Old City, special attention deserve, first of all, the Amboise Gate and the Sea Gate. The former are notable for the fact that directly behind them is a zahab or stone bag. There are similar elements in many fortresses and they were used as a trap: at the very height of the siege, the outer gates suddenly opened, allowing part of the besiegers to get inside, where the inner gates stood in their way, at this time the outer entrance was closed again, and the soldiers who were trapped methodically shot with bows.

The Sea Gate is perhaps the most beautiful of the entrances to Old Rhodes. Massive towers are made in the same manner as the Neapolitan fortress Castle Nuovo, as well as the city gate Torres De Cuart in Spanish Valencia. Above the entrance are depicted the Virgin and Child, the Apostle Peter, as well as the patron saint of the Order of the Hospitallers, St. John.

Monuments of antiquity

The oldest objects on the territory of the old part of Rhodes date back to the ancient Greek period of the history of the island. Unfortunately, now they are in a deplorable state: even relatively well, if I may say so, the surviving temple of Aphrodite is only a foundation and construction details laid out here and there.

Near the gates of St. Catherine, traces of ancient fortifications have been preserved, and not far from the tower of St., you can see the remains of a Roman shipyard.

Monuments of the Byzantine period

Unfortunately, they are not much better preserved. ancient Greek monuments because, during the reign of Byzantium, which was weakening every year, Rhodes was repeatedly attacked and ruined. First of all, these are small Orthodox churches, many of which are only ruins. Those that have survived to this day owe this, oddly enough, to the Turks, who converted Christian churches into mosques. In this sense, the church of St. Spyridon is remarkable, in which the Ottoman minaret has been preserved.

In addition, the remains of walls and several towers have survived to this day, located in the northeastern part of the Old City, almost directly behind the walls of the knightly period. An interesting fact: the Byzantine fortifications look more crude and simple than the fortifications of the period of domination of the Hospitallers, evoking associations with fantasy films.

Monuments of the knightly period

In addition to the already mentioned city walls, which you are unlikely to miss out on, most of the knightly monuments are concentrated along Hippoton Street, also known as the Street of the Knights.

At its western tip is the former headquarters of the order - the Palace of the Grand Masters. The knights approached the construction of the building with full responsibility, since the palace is a real mini-fortress, inside which you can continue to defend if the enemy breaks through the walls of the city. Today, the palace houses a museum, the exhibits of which relate both to the ancient past of the city and the island, and to the times of the Hospitallers.

At the eastern end of the street is the building of the 14th-century hospital that belonged to the order. The fact is that, in addition to participating in hostilities, the Knights of St. John built hospitals for pilgrims to the Holy Land and actively disseminated the achievements of Arab medicine among yesterday's barbarians who inhabited Europe.

Today, the building of the hospital houses the Rhodes Archaeological Museum. The most significant exhibits are the statue of Aphrodite and the head of the island's patron god Helios. The entrance ticket for adults is 6 euros.

Monuments of the Ottoman period

Together with traces of the domination of the knights, it is the architecture of the Ottomans that largely determines the appearance of the Old City. The minarets of mosques rise from behind the walls, the main and most beautiful of which is the mosque of Suleiman. Named after Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, under whom the Turks occupied Rhodes with great difficulty in 1522, it was built on the site of the Church of the Apostles destroyed by the Ottomans.

Tourists owe the opportunity to look at it from top to bottom to the nearby clock tower, also built during the reign of Ottoman Empire. Login to observation deck costs 5 euros, and this price includes admission to a small museum, as well as a free drink in a bar located next to the tower.

Among other Turkish monuments, it is worth highlighting the impressive Mustafa Mosque, which, due to the lack of a minaret, can easily be confused with a civil building; the building located next to it on Arionos Square Turkish baths; as well as the functioning mosque of Ibrahim Pasha.

However, the Ottoman heritage of old Rhodes is not limited to this - just if you set out to give a detailed description of each of the monuments, you will have to write a separate book.

Where to eat and relax

There are also restaurants in the Old Town. I don't think it's a good idea to have a full meal there. The thing is that a meal in the Old Town will cost 20-30 percent more than in any institution located a couple of blocks from the historical part of Rhodes, that is, the average check for two with alcohol will be 40-50 euros. At the same time, the serving size is at best the same. Let's add slower service here, because there are always a lot of people who want to eat here, and the absence of traditional restaurant compliments like tzatziki sauce, local moonshine or just chopped watermelon, and we can conclude that you should not satisfy your hunger in Old Rhodes unless absolutely necessary.

But if you want to drink a cocktail or smoke a hookah in the fresh air with a view of the Ottoman mosque or ancient ruins, then in Rhodes this can be done, perhaps, only in the Old Town. The cost of a cocktail in such bars is from 4-5 euros, a hookah - from 5-6 euros.

Where to buy souvenirs in the Old Town

After everything I saw, heard, touched and tasted, I, like many who visited the old part of Rhodes, had a desire to take something away as a keepsake. For this purpose, I went to Socrates Street, which runs parallel to Hippoton.

It is on it, as well as on the adjacent streets, that the bulk of the souvenir shops of the Old Town are located.

As for the souvenirs themselves, in addition to banal magnets, pens and key rings, the cost of which starts from 1 euro, you can bring home something more useful in a practical sense.

For example, it can be natural sponges, which are mined on the island of Symi, which, together with Rhodes, is part of the Dodecanese archipelago. The cost of a sponge starts from 10 euros.

In addition, it is impossible not to mention T-shirts, since the imagination of their creators went a little further than banal inscriptions in the spirit of "I love Greece". In particular, it should be noted very high quality and creative prints on the theme of the Crusader Knights, as well as inspired by the famous movie "300" in 2006.

Bargaining, by the way, in the shops of the Old Town is possible and necessary. Of course, this is not a 100% guarantee of receiving a discount, but very often the seller is ready to give up 5 to 20 percent of the original price.

If we try to sum up our walk through the Old City, then for me personally it is a unique example of how different, sometimes hostile cultures, religions and eras coexist peacefully in one place. Here, fussy guides and curious tourists coexist peacefully with leisurely locals, many of whom were born and raised within the walls of Old Rhodes. And although in different corners Europe and the world are preserved ancient cities, we can rightly say that Rhodes is one of a kind.