The medieval streets of Rhodes Old Town resonate with historical tales from the time when the Knights Hospitaller ruled this island. For over 200 years, these knights defended Rhodes from pirates and, following the collapse of the Byzantine Empire in 1453, from the Ottomans and Mamluks. The Order of the Knights of St. John significantly influenced the old town, earning it the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. Exploring this area reveals the fascinating history and captures the beauty of Rhodes.
Rhodes Town is essentially split into two parts: the Old Town (Medieval Town) and the New Town. Both areas have their unique charms, but the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, vividly evokes the medieval era of the Knights Hospitaller who ruled between 1309 and 1522.
The Old Town is encased within massive fortifications and divided into two sections: the Collachium to the north, where the knights resided, and the Bourg to the south, where the townspeople lived.
In the Collachium, notable sites include the Palace of the Grand Master, the Street of the Knights, the Archaeological Museum (formerly the Hospital of the Knights), and the church of Our Lady of the Castle.
The standout attraction is the Palace of the Grand Master. Near its entrance, the twin towers spur the imagination with images of knights in armor and damsels in distress. The palace’s main entrance opens to a vast courtyard lined with Roman emperor sculptures. An impressive staircase leads to the main exhibition halls showcasing stunning mosaic floors, medieval furniture, and beautiful decorative arts.
Originally a Byzantine fortress from the 7th century, the palace became the administrative center of the Order of the Knights by the early 14th century. It underwent numerous changes under the influence of the seven European ‘tongues’ that made up the order, as well as the Ottomans and Italians who followed the knights.
The Street of the Knights connects the Archaeological Museum to the palace and is lined on both sides by inns representing the different tongues. Early in the morning, you can almost hear echoes of horses’ hooves on the cobblestones.
The Archaeological Museum, previously the Knights’ Hospital, is a charming two-story building now housing ancient artifacts, a mosaic gallery, and a garden/cemetery. The cavernous main ward, quietly reflecting the past, is particularly haunting.
Across from the Archaeological Museum is the church of Our Lady of the Castle, once the Knights’ Cathedral. Dating back to the 11th century, its stunning interior vaulting stands out.
The Bourg, a larger area, features cafes, hotels, shops, museums, churches, mosques, a synagogue, winding cobblestone lanes, and bustling squares.
Ippokratous Square serves as the social hub of the Bourg. Here, a small fountain attracts both pigeons and people, and the Kastellania, notable for its broad staircase and balcony, now functions as a public library.
Not far from Ippokratous Square lies the splendid Mosque of Ibrahim Pasha from 1540, the oldest mosque in the Bourg.
Also in the Bourg is the church of Our Lady of the Burg, built in the late 14th century, retaining its sanctuary’s three apses and the church’s west wall.
Surrounding both the Collachium and the Bourg are impressive fortifications: a 4-km wall, up to 12 meters thick in some areas, reinforced with bastions, towers, and a moat. Several gates punctuate the wall, providing access to the Old Town.
Several gates stand out, such as the beautiful St. Paul’s Gate, the formidable Marine Gate, and the striking d’Amboise Gate.
The moat resembles a large park, featuring a jogging and walking trail spanning 2.5 km. The trail is lined with colorful wildflowers, with high stone walls and lush greenery encircling the path.
The Old Town’s history also includes periods of Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Italian rule, contributing to its rich, multicultural heritage.
The New Town offers a different vibe but is equally captivating. Mandraki Harbour is the heart of the New Town, bustling with locals and visitors enjoying the views. Fishermen gather to cast lines and chat about their catches. The harbor is lined with cafes, coffee shops, and ice-cream stands. The entrance of the harbor, marked by deer-topped columns, is said to be where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood.
At the end of the east jetty of Mandraki Harbour stands the formidable fortress of St. Nicholas, built by the knights in the 15th century and now serving as a lighthouse. Nearby are three 14th-century windmills. Overlooking the harbor are the Church of the Annunciation and the former Governor’s Palace, now a municipal office.
Elli Beach stretches north from Mandraki Harbour along the east coast, while Windy Beach runs south along the west coast.
With its rich history and vibrant present, Rhodes is a place that truly stimulates the senses, ignites the imagination, and enriches the mind.
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