THE MEDIEVAL CITY ON THE GREEK ISLAND OF RHODES
Rhodes Old Town is a splendid medieval citadel in the city of Rhodes, with a rich history, ancient ruins and architectural wonders. You are sure to enjoy a visit to the walled town of Rhodes, located on the top part of the Island of Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea.
The historic Old Town of Rhodes is the highlight and pride of the city, attracting visitors from near and far, for its fascinating history and culture, and not to be missed. This town is sure to captivate you as it did me.
The ancient town is very well-preserved, considering it dates as far back as 5th century BCE and has endured numerous attacks and invasions.
Unlike many other old towns around the world, the medieval city of Rhodes has never been abandoned, continuously inhabited throughout the years.
The Old Town of Rhodes was famous for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World, an enormous ancient Greek statue which no longer exists.
However, the most influential period in which the town flourished was the latter part of the Middle Ages.
Today, the medieval city is still a functioning town with a population of 6,000 people and has an area of 104 acres.
Rhodes Old Town is a popular tourist attraction with magnificent ancient ruins and reconstructed monuments to appreciate as you take a walk through history.
Knights of St John
Rhodes Old Town is most famous for the Order of the Knights of Saint John who occupied and ruled the city of Rhodes, for more than 200 years, from 1309 to 1522.
These legendary Knights were formidable builders and constructed the fortified town, with impressive walls for defence against attacks.
They were a Catholic military order of fighting monks who came from 7 different lands in Europe and represented all Catholics. They had wealth and power, and were sanctioned by the Pope.
These monks were also proficient in medical care, providing treatment and assistance to the poor, ill and dying, in their hospice. Hence, they were also known as the Knights Hospitallers.
The buildings of the Knights of Rhodes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blending architectural styles – Gothic, Renaissance and Byzantine.
Palace of The Grand Master of The Knights
The crowning jewel of Rhodes Old Town is the Palace of the Grand Master, who was the leader of the Order of the Knights of Saint John of Rhodes.
This grandiose castle stands at the highest point of the walled city, with imposing round towers. It was the headquarters of the Knights, a fortress and a symbol of power, originally built in the 1300’s.
In 1522 the Ottoman Empire took over the island from the Knights, and used the site for their military. In 1912 when Italy took over Rhodes, it was found to be in disrepair, due to earthquakes and an explosion. It was almost completely rebuilt in the 1940’s by the occupying Italians to its original majestic splendour. Hence, the current building is quite new, and not a medieval building.
Shortly after the Greeks assumed control of the island, they converted it to a museum in 1948.
Today it is the Palace of the Grand Master Museum open to visitors and showcasing artefacts, armour, paintings, jewels, mosaics and more.
Street of The Knights
The main thoroughfare and the most popular street of the Old Town is the Street of The Knights, which stretches from Mandraki Harbour up to the impressive Grand Palace at the top.
Walking along this cobblestoned street you see the residential buildings where the Knights lived, called Inns. Each country had their own Inn and a coat of arms carved on the outside.
Today they are used as offices, consulates, museums and shops.
Knights' Hospital
The Knights of St John built their hospital in 1489 to treat their patients who were pilgrims and fighters, travelling and defending Christianity.
Today, an Archaeological Museum is located in the former Knights’ Hospital, an amazing Gothic building housing historic items from the island’s past, including statues of Greek Gods, earthenware, mosaics and most notably, tomb slabs of the Knights.
There is a courtyard and gardens to enjoy throughout the 2 levels of the Museum.
The most outstanding feature is the huge upstairs area which was the hospital ward for the sick and injured.
Artefacts inside the Archaeological Museum
There are several rooms here to explore the treasures of Rhodes. You’ll see artefacts from its long and colourful history.
The most noteworthy art piece in the Museum is ‘Aphrodite Bathing’ from 1st century BCE.
Lower Town of Rhodes Medieval City
Apart from visiting the awesome buildings and monuments of the Knights in the Upper Town of Rhodes Medieval City, there are interesting places to see and enjoy in the Lower Town.
Sites to visit in the Lower Town of Rhodes Medieval City include:
- Alexander The Great Square, the main plaza with an ancient Turkish style fountain (also called Hippocrates Square).
- Socrates Street, with a seahorse fountain and oodles of shops.
- Argyrokastro Square of the Jewish Martyrs.
- Our Lady of the Castle, a Byzantine Church.
- Ruins of Cathedral of Virgin Mary of The Burgh.
- Municipal Art Gallery of Rhodes, housing modern Greek art.
- Old Tribunal of the Knights, now a public library.
- Various Mosques.
- Lanes and alleys with hidden gems of the Old Town.
Our Lady of The Castle Church
Our Lady of the Castle, a Byzantine Church, is the oldest in Rhodes Old Town, built in 11th century. It was originally Orthodox, then converted to the Knights’ Cathedral. During the Ottoman rule, it was made a mosque, called Enterum.
Located at the end of the Street of the Knights you can visit and see remains of frescoes inside.
Art Gallery of Rhodes
The Municipal Art Gallery of Rhodes is an art museum featuring modern Greek art from the last 2 centuries.
It is located in another medieval building of the Knights Order, in Symi Square.
Mosques of Old Town Rhodes
There are 7 mosques now in the Old Town of Rhodes from the Ottoman era. However, these were originally churches before being converted.
The grandest is the Mosque of Suleymaniye, from the early 16th century.
Shops and Restaurants in Rhodes Old Town
A plethora of restaurants and cafes are located all throughout Rhodes Old Town, some hidden in narrow lanes in quiet parts of town.
I enjoyed some delicious Greek food at the Golden Olympiad Restaurant and Socratous Garden Cafe.
Socrates Street, a popular part of the old city and the main commercial street, has plenty of shops selling all manner of goods.
You can find souvenirs of the Knights here, if you’re interested.
Ruins of Cathedral of Virgin Mary of The Burgh
This Gothic Roman Church dates from the early 1400’s to the early 1600’s when it was destroyed during the Ottoman siege and WWII. The ruins also include a chapel that existed. Both monuments had been built by the Knights Hospitaller and attract many visitors today.
You can find these ruins inside the Old Town of Rhodes, near the Gate of the Virgin Mary.
Cannon Balls
There are piles of stone cannonballs around the Old Town.
Ottoman besiegers fired cannonballs into the old town in 1480 and 1522 to expel the Knights Hospitallers from the Island of Rhodes. They succeeded the second time.
How To Visit Rhodes Old Town
- Flying into Rhodes, you will land at Rhodes International Airport, 15km from Rhodes Old Town.
- You can visit by ferry from Athens on Greece’s mainland, from other Greek islands, or from the coast of Turkey.
- Arriving via the main port of Rhodes by boat or cruise ship, you will find yourself on the doorstep of the Old Town, accessible through the main Sea Gate, or Liberty Gate.
- If you are coming from other parts of the Island of Rhodes by car/taxi or bus, parking is available outside the walls of the Old Town.
- From the New Town of Rhodes, you will find the medieval walled town located next door, walking distance.
- The Old Town is mainly for pedestrians only, so walking is the only way to explore the streets inside the walls. Only residents’ cars are allowed inside.
Gates of Rhodes Old Town
There are 11 different gates into the Old Town of Rhodes.
All of the gates are quite imposing, some with towers, some ancient and others more modern, built to allow for vehicles.
The Sea Gate was the main entrance to the Old Town from the harbour, built in 1478.
Each gate is unique with its own design and all were built at different times throughout history, and by different rulers. Some were destroyed and rebuilt.
Every gate is a symbol of the city’s past.
Medieval Moat
Finally, a medieval moat surrounds the fortified walls of Rhodes Old Town, which is now parkland, providing a nice walking / jogging trail of approximately 5km around the perimeter.
Access to the moat is through several of the gates.
For general information about the Island of Rhodes check government website.
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12 Comments
I love history and would love to visit Rhodes. So much history every step you take!
The museum itself looks like such a fun and historical place to visit. I do like towns that hold this much history – they are fantastic.
The cobblestone streets of Rhodes must be so charming to walk through. I can already imagine the beauty of the Old Town!
Omg! This place is one of my dream places to visit with my friends.
Wow! What a wonderful place to add to my list. I love exploring different places.
Greece is on my list of places to visit. It sounds like I must see Old Town of Rhodes now!
I’ve read about Rhodes before, but your in-depth breakdown and those photos really made it pop so much more for me. I really need take the family!
I love Greece and Rhodes is the only Island I have not visited in Greece. Will definitely look at this as currently looking for a break for myself and my daughter
oh wow! Rhodes is gorgeous! I’ve never been but would love to explore it soon, really beautiful.
I just returned from my trip to Malta where the Knights actively built their strongholds. Rhodes reminds me of Valetta with its Grand Palace. Great pics!
When would you suggest Rhodes to be able to explore the old town with fewer crowds? The old town looks amazing, though we’d want to avoid high season as much as possible.
Hi Sonia, I went in April and it wasn’t too busy. Weather was lovely too. Rhodes can get very hot in Summer. Suggest visiting shoulder season.