In the heart of a bygone era, a stoic knight, cloaked in shadows, stands vigil over his cherished blossoms—quaint villages that defy time. Encased within formidable ancient ramparts, these hamlets eschew the trappings of modernity. No glass skyscrapers disrupt their skyline, no hordes of camera-wielding tourists roam their streets, and the tranquility of their nights is unspoiled by the assault of neon and pollution.
A quaint village, Eleusa, formerly known as Campochiaro, lies near the verdant foothills of Mount Profitis Ilias, embraced by sycamore trees in Rhodes' lushest area. Established in 1935, this Italian-style village hosted woodcutters from Fiemme Valley in Trentino, East Italy, brought by Rhodes' governor, Mario Lago, to partake in an island-wide construction boom. Initially, Lago’s policies fostered harmony between the Italians and locals, but relations soured under the rule of his pro-fascist successor, Cesare Maria De Vecchi.
War and German occupation led to the evacuation of most settlers from a village between 1940–1943, with a few remaining until 1947. Following Rhodes' unification with Greece, the remaining Italians were expelled, and the village was renamed Eleusa.
For a unique experience in Eleusa, Rhodes, hiking is highly recommended. The serene trails offer a peaceful escape. You can:
Make your way to a local tavern and indulge in a culinary adventure. Savor the unique taste of cheese-stuffed color zucchini, savor pumpkin pancakes topped with tomatoes and onions, and enjoy tender goat meat simmered in a rich wine sauce accompanied by beans.
The village is nestled in the heart of the island, making a rented car the most convenient mode of transport. With pre-downloaded maps, navigating the quiet expanses to find this quaint hamlet should be a breeze.
