Browse Topics | Rhodes Guide

Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John

The palace of the Grand Master, is probably the most emblematic work of architecture in Rhodes and undoubtedly the symbol of the island’s medieval town. It was built in the 14th century under the command of Grand Master M. de Villeneure, on the foundations of another Byzantine fortress that did not manage to survive the repeated Arab-Persian attacks from the 7th century and on.

Medieval clock tower (Roloi)

The Clock Tower (Clock Tower) is the highest point of the Old Town of Rhodes. However, at first glance, it is hardly noticeable at all. The best time to visit it is after dusk, as its illumination turns it into an even more impressive sight.

Rhodes monuments, historical and archaeological sites

The first traces of life on the island of Rhodes are lost in the fog of myth. The first inhabitants are said to have been the aborigines Heliaden, agreements of the protective god Helios and the Telchines, a strange kind of people who supposedly resembled demons. These were, according to tradition, skilled sailors and skilled craftsmen who taught the ancient Rhodians how to forge and process stone.

Rhodes Greece: Quick facts

The most popular of the Dodecanese Islands and one of the most popular of all the Greek islands, Rhodes is a multifaceted place, almost like a small country, with a history that has stirred romantics for centuries. It also has some of the best beaches the most interesting archaeological sites in Greece, fine restaurants and an intense nightlife.

Rhodes history

The first traces of life on the island of Rhodes are lost in the fog of myth. The first inhabitants are said to have been the native Heliades, children of the protective god Helios and Clymene the Oceanid, and the Telchines, a strange kind of people who supposedly resembled demons. These were, according to tradition, skilled sailors and skilled craftsmen who taught the ancient Rhodians how to forge and process stone.

Filerimos

Mt. Filerimos (Philerimos, Φιλέρημος in Greek), is situated about 15km from Rhodes Town, on a hill 267m. high, also located near the village of Trianta, and stands on the same site as the Doric city of Ialysos in ancient times.

Kallithea (Kalithea)

Kallithea (Kalithea) beach is one of the most popular among the locals. It is composed of many small creeks covered with pine-trees. The waters are deep, so you will have to be a bit careful when swimming there.

The Medieval Castle of Lindos

Within the walls of the Acropolis of Lindos, lies the Medieval Castle, the Governor's Palace of the Castle of the Knights of St John, consisting of three buildings, with only two remaining today.

The Byzantine castle of Lardos

The castle was built in the 12th century, during the Byzantine Era, by the Knights of the Order of St. John, whose main interest as soon as they arrived on the island in 1309, was to construct protective fortresses, preferably overlooking the sea, in order to defend themselves from the enemies.

Filerimos Monastery & Castle

In a quiet and shady pine forest on the hilltop of Filerimos, which is located on one of the first ancient towns of the island, Ialysos (Ialyssos), stands the astonishing Byzantine castle of Filerimos. Built during the Byzantine Era, this castle lies within a cluster of buildings of major historic importance amongst Byzantine, Hellenistic and Medieval structures and monuments, including the Temples of Athena Polias and of Zeus.