- Monolithos castle was built in 1480 by the Knights of Saint John.
- Few ruins remain, however the location offers great views of the sea and the two islets opposite to it.
- Access to the castle is by a staircase cut into the rock.
- The distance from Rhodes is about 70Km (1h 30min drive).
- The route from Rhodes town to Monolithos offers some of the best scenery on the island.
Under the orders of Grand Master D’Aubusson, and after having overcome the difficulties of transporting the building materials needed for its erection on the rocky outcrop, the castle of Monolithos was finally built, constituting one of the most important fortifications of Rhodes, due to its strategic location that allowed a clear view of the Mediterranean. The extremely challenging accessibility route and position also made it very difficult for enemies, including Ottomans, to seize the castle, forcing them to retrieve empty-handed.
Today only some external parts of the fortifications remain, but they are in a quite well reserved condition. But what also makes it worth embarking on an arduous attempt to climb the steep hill, are the magnificent churches, the two 15th century chapels of St. Panteleimon and St. George and the breathtaking view of the mountain of Akramytis, the village of Monolithos right below it, the island Halki and of course the vast Aegean Sea.
Monolithos Castle Location
The castle of Monolithos is a 3km drive from the village of Monolithos. As soon as you reach the rocky outcrop, then you need to continue your adventure on foot, following the steep footpath leading to the castle.
From the city of Rhodes the distance is about 70km (1h 30min drive). The scenery while driving to the castle is one of the most beautiful on the island, it it is well worth making some stops to admire the landscape and the views towards the smaller islands and islands close to Rhodes.
