In the Medieval Town of Rhodes (or Old Town) you may for sure enjoy one of the most interesting walks on the island. When you approach the walls of the Old Town of Rhodes, you are about to enter the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe. A bustling neighborhood of some 6000 people, who live and work in the same buildings in which the Knights of St. John lived six centuries ago. It's a thrill to behold. Medieval buildings, mosques, traditional fountains, oriental motifs, Byzantine and Gothic churches, shops and cafeterias are scattered throughout the Old Town of Rhodes, all blending together to create a unique and picturesque whole. There are roughly 200 streets or lanes that simply have no name.
Getting lost here is not a defeat; it's an opportunity. Whenever you feel the need to find your bearings, you can ask for Sokratous street, which is the closest the Medieval City comes to having a main street. The Palace of the Grand Masters, reconstructed by the Italians in 1940 after it was demolished by a gunpowder explosion in 1856, stands out because of its imposing entrance and well built towers and battlements. The interiors of the buildings, decorated with priceless treasures, are equally impressive.
Monolithos Castle, perched 236 meters above sea level near the village of Monolithos on the island of Rhodes, is a remarkable medieval fortress. Constructed atop the remnants of an older castle, its location on challenging natural terrain highlights the architectural ingenuity of its builders. This strategic position not only provided defensive advantages but also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, embodying the historical and cultural richness of Rhodes. The castle's enduring presence invites exploration of its past and appreciation of its rugged beauty.
Topics: Monuments in Rhodes
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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.
Topics: Monuments in Rhodes
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Ancient Kamiros, one of the three Dorian city-states mentioned by Homer, was a significant settlement alongside Lindos and Ialyssos on the island of Rhodes. This archaeological site reveals layers of history through its well-preserved ruins, offering insights into the urban layout and daily life of its ancient inhabitants. Kamiros provides a unique window into the classical past of Rhodes, showcasing the architectural and cultural heritage of the Dorian civilization.
Topics: Monuments in Rhodes
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