ABOUT RHODES

USEFUL LINKS

PALACE OF THE GRANDMASTER (BYZANTINE MUSEUM)

Walking up the street of the Knights, at the top and to the right is the Grand Master’s Palace which also serves as the Byzantine Museum. Opposite the palace amongst the ruins from different historical periods, one can determine the ruins of the Catholic Church of St. John.

The Grand Masters Palace was built below the Acropolis of Ancient Rhodes where originally the Temple of the Sun God stood. In the same place, in the 7th century, there was also a Byzantine Palace, and then in the 14th century the Knights of St John built the palace as the residence of the Grand Master as an administrative center. It was destroyed in 1856 by a large explosion of gun powder that was hidden in the basement of the of St John Church.

The Grand Masters Palace was then rebuilt according to the original drawings by the Italians in 1940. In 1988 it hosted the summit of the EEC. It occasionally holds exhibitions and major cultural events.

Address: Street of the Knights, Medieval City, Rhodes 851 00, Greece
Telephone number: +30 22413 65270

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF RHODES

The Hospital of the Knights was built in 1440 and completed by the Grand Master d’ Aubusson (1476 – 1503).

This monumental and bioclimatic designed building now houses the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, which exhibits archaeological finding from different parts of Rhodes and the surrounding islands.

Address: Street of the Knights, Medieval City, Rhodes 851 00, Greece
Telephone number: +30 22413 65257

OUR LADY OF THE CASTLE CHURCH (“PANAGIA TOU KASTROU”)

The original core of the building was probably built in the 11th century AD. After Rhodes was taken by the Knights of St. John and between the year1319 and 1334 the Byzantine church was converted into a Gothic basilica. During the period of Othoman rule, this church was turned into a Muslim mosque (Enterum Cami).

Address: Apellou st, Medieval City, Rhodes 851 00, Greece
Telephone number: +30 22413 65256

MEDIEVAL CITY OF RHODES

In the heart of Rhodes, in the medieval city, a haunting and mysterious air wafts through the streets, summoned back to life through the centuries. The famous Order of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, the Hospitallers, has left an indelible mark on the island. If one walks around the always lively town, can almost hear the hoofbeats of the horses and the whispering voices of history.

The town was never deserted or abandoned. It is one of the rare survivors of the medieval world; it stands unscathed, in all its vibrant beauty. In 1988, UNESCO declared the architectural complex of the Knights of Rhodes to be World Heritage Site.

The feeling of exploring the medieval streets of Rhodes is difficult to put into words. Time seems to have stopped in the middle ages, and the atmosphere is shrouded in the haze of its knightly past. The cobbled streets and Gothic towers challenge the traveler to unlock their deepest secrets.

ANCIENT IALLYSOS

Ancient Ialyssos was one of the three most powerful city states of Rhodes till the Hellenistic times. It is located on the hill of Filerimos, southeast of Rhodes Town.

THE KALLITHEA SPRINGS

Located in the Eastern part of the island, nine kilometers from the city. The opening of the initial installation of Kallithea was on July 1st 1929, and has attracted a large number of patients and scientists from all around the world. The therapeutic waters of Kallithea are used for many conditions. The Kallithea Springs again opened its doors on July 1st 2007, after an extensive restoration project for this magnificent monument. It is an exceptional combination of nature, monumental architecture and unique history.

Next to the monument you can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea or stroll around the picturesque cove with its stunning natural beauty and artistic compositions crafted into pebble mosaics.

Address: Kallithea, Rhodes, Tel.: 22410 37090 – 22410 65691, Website: www.kallitheasprings.gr