Fort of St. Nicholas
Rhodes Town
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Nestled at the northern tip of its namesake pier, at the end of the ancient breakwater in the Mandraki port area of Rhodes, stands a significant fortification. This defensive tower is the initial structure encountered by travelers entering the harbor.

Historical Significance

The fort’s vital location made it the target of intense sieges. Capturing this fort meant dominating the harbor, a crucial advantage in the Middle Ages for naval and trade supremacy.

Initially constructed as a modest 17-meter diameter round tower around 1465, the fortress was commissioned by the Grand Master Pedro Raimondo Zacosta. It was adorned with a depiction of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, and featured the crests of both Master Zacosta and the Duke of Burgundy, who provided financial support for the edifice’s construction.

Originally, a Byzantine church dedicated to the patron saint of sailors stood where the fort is now. Its construction was extravagantly expensive for medieval times, costing about 10,000 gold escudos!

 The tower suffered extensive damage during the siege of 1480. Pierre d’Aubusson took charge of the restoration and fortification efforts, adding a bastion to enhance its defenses. Within this protective outer layer, a small chapel was erected in honor of Saint Nicholas. The fort’s central tower was further secured with a tall stone wall and a surrounding moat.

The grand St. Nicholas Fortress reaches its end where the pier also concludes, blending into the coastline. The presence of numerous marble fragments scattered around the medieval stronghold or integrated into its structure indicates its construction during the earlier Hellenistic period. However, its original purpose remains a mystery.

A New Perspective on the Old Fort

The Saint Nicholas Fort reigns as the crown jewel of Mandraki harbor, presenting a picturesque scene from the sea and captivating hundreds of visitors on land with its charm. Adjacent to the fort, a fleet of yachts and sailboats are available for hire, offering a chance to embark on a sea adventure or simply to appreciate the fortress’s grandeur from the waves.

In 2007, the lighthouse was reinstated, and over the past decade and a half, extensive efforts have been made to restore the medieval fortress. The local government aimed to enhance visitor safety. However, the fortress interior remains off-limits to tourists. Instead, visitors can climb to an observation deck within the structure to enjoy the view of Mandraki at sunset and listen to the sound of the sea.

The picturesque landscape of Fort Saint Nicholas is enhanced by three remaining windmills, a reduction from the original thirteen built in 1483. These medieval mills were vital for grinding grain in the port and loading it directly onto trading vessels. The fortress was once known as the «Tower of Mills» until 1480 due to the cluster of windmills. Located near Mandraki Harbor, a visit to the fort can be quite the experience. Take the time to walk up to the fort for a closer look. Climbing to its viewing deck is especially recommended in the evening when it’s quieter, providing a serene sunset view over the Aegean Sea.

Getting to the Rhodes Fortress

If you’re planning a visit to the Fortress, consider catching a bus from Rhodes City or nearby towns. Alternatively, driving your own vehicle is an option; just follow the road signs to reach your destination.