Located in the northeastern tip of the Island of Rhodes, the town is divided into the new town, in the north close to the harbor, and the beautiful 2,400 years old Medieval town in the south, considered one of the largest Medieval towns in Europe still inhabited.
The old town is surrounded by a 4 km wall with 11 gates designed and built in the 14th century by the Knightly Order of St John of Jerusalem. Built originally in a Gothic style, it was reconstructed under Ottoman rule in the 16th century. The combination of both eras, the culture and architecture, leads to a magnificent mosaic of Gothic buildings, castles, palaces, churches, and monuments, and Ottoman mosques, Hammams, and mansions.
TheTjoy.com recomends visiting the beautiful town’s attractions including;
- Visit the Gem in the crown in the old Town, the 14th century magnificent Gothic Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Rhodes, the Kastello, then stroll the beautiful streets of the Medieval town.
- Visit in the completely preserved street of the knights of Rhodes and its period inns. At the end of the street, in the Museum Square, you will find the 15th century Hospital of the Knights of Saint John, home to the interesting Archaeological Museum of Rhodes.
- Across the museum square visit the Church of Our Lady of the Castle, home to the Byzantine Museum, and its fine collection of frescoes and icons from the Byzantine period.
- Continue to the unique Turkish district, the old Haman, the Suleiman Mosque Street, and climb the top of the Clock Tower Roloi to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Rhodes.
- Visit the 16th century Kahal Shalom Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter, the oldest synagogue in Greece, and stroll the vibrant Sokratous Street, its cafes and small shops leading to the Harbor.
- In the Mandarki Port and its surroundings part of the new town, enjoy the neoclassic, Art Deco, and modern buildings and monuments built mostly by the Italians during their occupation of the island.
Virgin Mary Gate
Medievel Street
Avenue of the Knights
- Stroll the seafront with the circular market, cafes, restaurants, and clubs. At the entrance of the port enjoy the famous two columns with Deer statues, where the famous 30 meter high statue of the sun-god Helios used to stand. The 3rd century BC colossus of Rhodes was considered one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world.
- Also in the harbor the beautiful Medieval three Windmills of Rhodes.
- At the northern tip of town visit the underground Aquarium of Rhodes with its beautiful collection of Aegean marine life, enjoy the beautifully renovated historic Grande Albergo delle Rose, currently a Casino, and relax in the Elli beach.
- South of the Old Town spend some time and stroll the Rodini Park on Lindos avenue, a tranquil site where Peacocks are roaming free, and enjoy the water streams, ponds and bridges, and the small zoo. In ancient times, the park was the site of the School of Rhetoric.
- Two km east of the Old Town, you will find the ruins of the Acropolis of Rhodes, with the remains of the Stadium, the Theatre and the Pythian Temple of Apollo.
Spend at least one day visiting the town of Rhodes while you enjoy your beach summer vacation.
