Old Town – Medieval city of Rhodes
Old Town – Medieval city of Rhodes a pearl in the Mediterranean. UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the few medieval cities still with walls and moat, a wonderful place where it is pleasant to get lost in its alleys and squares. Its walls and house walls are colored differently according to the seasons or the daily weather. The old town is full of life with all kinds of clubs, shops, bars, restaurants and night clubs. The “tour of the medieval walls” that begins from the Palce of The Great Master (check timetables on site), a walk in the moat and along the The Street of the Knights are absolute must.
The old town in Rhodes, Greece is a historical marvel that has stood the test of time. This fortified medieval city is one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in Europe and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The old town, also known as the Medieval City of Rhodes, was built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century, following their conquest of the island from the Byzantine Empire. The Knights constructed a series of walls, towers, and gates to protect the city from invaders, and the walls still stand today.
Walking through the old town is like taking a step back in time. The narrow streets are lined with medieval buildings, including churches, palaces, and mansions. The architecture is a blend of Gothic, Byzantine, and Ottoman styles, reflecting the various cultures that have influenced Rhodes over the centuries.
The most famous landmark in the old town is the Palace of the Grand Master, which was the headquarters of the Knights of St. John. Today, it houses a museum that showcases the history of Rhodes, as well as art and artifacts from the medieval period.
Another must-see attraction in the old town is the Street of the Knights, a cobblestone street lined with the residences of the knights. Each residence bears the coat of arms of its original occupant, providing a glimpse into the lives of the knights who once lived there.
In addition to its historical significance, the old town is also a vibrant center for shopping, dining, and nightlife. The streets are lined with shops selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs, as well as restaurants and cafes serving traditional Greek cuisine.
Overall, the old town in Rhodes is a unique and enchanting destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the past while also providing modern amenities and entertainment. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Greece, and a true testament to the enduring beauty and resilience of European history.
Old Town the Bourg
Old or medieval town of Rhodes: the labyrinth of streets in the Bourg starts from Socratus, the hub of bazaar-style shops, overlooking shady squares, with cafes and outdoor taverns. The architecture blends neo-classical, medieval and Levantine features. Among houses dense with rickety wooden balconies, the Ottoman mosques stand out. Of all the attractions listed, do not miss the Hospice of the Italian Nation (1392) on Kisthiniou ‘, and the Panagia tis Nikis (Our Lady of Victory) built by the Knights in 1480 after the apparition of Mary miraculously brought to victory against the Turks.
Old Town the Collachium
This area encloses the Road of the Knights and the Grand Master’s Palace. From the new city, the main accesses are the Amboise and Eleftherias gates. The first, which introduces the palace from Dimokratias, was commissioned in 1512 by the Grand Master of Amboise. Eleftherias was built by the Italians and leads from Eleftherias to Platia Symi. From here a vaulted passage extends up to Apellou ‘.
Old Town Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque
The Soleiman Mosque, also known as the Mosque of Suleyman, is a historical monument located in the city of Rhodes, Greece. The mosque was built during the Ottoman Empire’s rule over Rhodes, in the 16th century, and is considered one of the city’s most important landmarks.
The mosque was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent, who was the Ottoman Empire’s longest-reigning sultan. It was built by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, who was also responsible for the construction of many other important mosques throughout the empire.
The mosque’s exterior features a unique blend of Ottoman and Byzantine architectural styles, with a domed roof and a minaret that rises above the surrounding buildings. The mosque’s interior is equally impressive, with intricate carvings and decorations adorning the walls and ceilings.
After the Ottoman Empire lost control of Rhodes in the early 20th century, the mosque was converted into a museum, which showcased various historical artifacts and works of art. In 2002, the mosque was restored and reopened for worship, becoming the first mosque to be used for religious purposes in Rhodes since the Ottoman era.
Today, the Soleiman Mosque remains a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. Its rich history and stunning architecture make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Rhodes.
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Old Town the Hammam
The Hammam, the Turkish bath, was commissioned by the pascia ‘Mustafa’ in 1765. For decades it was a place of relaxation of the oriental aristocracy, then frequented by Greeks , tourists and the Turkish minority. The sectors were separated for men and women, then housed men and women in a single room every other day. It is now closed to the public.
Plateia Arionos , Medieval City
Old Town the Jewish quarter
East of Hippocrates square, the Bourg embraces the Ovriaki ‘: the Jewish quarter of Rhodes from the 1st century BC until the German occupation in 1944, when the inhabitants were deported to Auschwitz. Continuing east along Aristotelous, we arrive at Plateia Evraion Martyron (square of the Jewish martyrs), dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Nazi concentration camps. In the center of the square a bronze fountain in the shape of a seahorse, and in the north the Admiralty: a solemn medieval palace. The synagogue is based in Simiou ‘.
