Rhodes Town

In Greece, it is common for classical and contemporary towns or cities to coexist. In Rhodes Town too  the Old Town is located amidst the New Town, but is completely set apart by medieval double walls and a moat and seems frozen in time.

Rhodes Town is located on Rhodes Island, the largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. The beautiful beaches, exquisite architecture, historical monuments, luxurious resorts and archaeological sites of Rhodes Town attracts visitors from all over the world.

Rhodes Town has a long history and was inhabited by the Minoans, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Italians. It was also once part of Alexander’s vast empire. Due to this, we see several multi-cultural influences on the island.

New Town

The New Town resembles today’s typical cityscape with modern architecture. You will find plenty of upscale resorts, hotels, restaurants, bars and also experience an amazing nightlife. The Mandraki Harbour, located in the New Town is believed to be the site of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The giant 33m tall statue, dedicated to Colossus, son of the Sun God Helios was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC and was never rebuilt. The harbour, with its ancient windmills, Fortress of St. Nicolas and bronze statues are a sight to behold.

Elli beach is the main beach in the city and the waters here have a pleasant shade of blue. It is located on the northernmost tip of the city and island. It is a great place to relax (if it is not too crowded!) and has plenty of beach bars, umbrellas and sunbeds. There is also an underwater aquarium located here that houses marine species of the Mediterranean.

Old Town

Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which will transport you back in time to the medieval era. The intricate network of alleys and streets, ancient structures and dozens of shops and eateries are a delight to explore.

The fortifications of Old Town were mainly constructed during the period of the Knights Hospitallers, a Christian Military Order that worked with an aim to help the sick and poor and also prevent the spread of Islam. Ironically, they were overthrown by the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century.

The Walls of Old Town begin from the Palace of the Grand Masters and complete a crescent-shaped loop with 11 gateways. From the Liberty Gate, you will be led to the Knights’ Quarters through the Knights’ Street. You will cross several imposing buildings which were once the residences of the Knights.

Palace of the Grand Masters

Located in the Knights’ Quarters, this palace and fortress was constructed in the 14th century by the Knights Hospitallers. The exterior of the Palace remains the same as it was when it was built. However, an accidental explosion had destroyed the interior, and was revamped by the Italians in the early 20th century as a residence for Mussolini. The Palace houses several artworks, sculptures and artefacts spanning across centuries.

Archaeological Museum of Rhodes

The Museum is located in the 15th-century building of the Knights’ Hospital and displays several artefacts like mosaics, sculptures and urns from various periods. The most popular artefact is the ‘Aphrodite of Rhodes’, a marble sculpture of a naked girl that dates back to the 1st century BC.

Apart from this, Old Town has several towers, ruins of ancient temples and a good number of mosques. A few places on the walls and towers are accessible by the public and serve as observation decks to take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean. Among the mosques, the Suleiman Mosque constructed by the Ottomans is most notable. It is an impressive structure in pink and white with a prominent minaret.

Why should you visit?

Old Town is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world and the unique structure of Rhodes Town is very compelling. For those who wish to add a dash of history to their beach vacation, Rhodes Town is the place to be!