The Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a showcase of defensive architecture spanning from the 5th to the 16th century.
It’s a cultural jewel where ancient temples, Byzantine churches, knights' castles, and Ottoman mosques coexist. Despite its historical significance, around 6,000 people still call it home, making it a unique living museum.
The ancient Greeks established the historic center of Rhodes in 408 BCE, making it the island’s capital and merging the once-independent city-states of Lindos, Kamiros, and Ialysos. During this era, the famous Colossus of Rhodes was constructed, a wonder of the ancient world that no longer exists. Today, at the entrance of Mandraki harbor, two pillars topped with deer statues mark where the Colossus once stood.
By the dawn of the Common Era, the island was under Roman control. They constructed a nearly 4-kilometer wall around the Old Town—a structure that still stands today. Throughout history, this prime seaside location has attracted the attention of various neighboring powers, particularly during the Byzantine era. In 1248, the Genoese took control but contributed little to its architectural heritage. In stark contrast, the Knights of Saint John made significant enhancements. After acquiring Rhodes in 1306, they transformed it into an impressive fortress encompassing an area of 420,000 square meters.
The Turkish Sultan found the presence of a Christian knightly order on Rhodes unacceptable. He had long desired the island and was further provoked by the establishment of a Christian military-monastic brotherhood there. Despite his repeated attempts over decades, the Sultan’s forces could not breach the defense of the island’s 7,000 soldiers. However, in 1522, Rhodes fell under Ottoman control. As the knights fled to Malta, the Sultan initiated the construction of mosques within the Old City and even demolished the Church of the Apostles for this purpose. It was during the Ottoman era that the Grand Master’s Palace was destroyed in 1856 due to a gunpowder explosion. The palace was later restored in the 1930s, funded by Benito Mussolini.
In 1912, Italy seized Rhodes from the Ottoman Empire, but it was not until 36 years later that it became a part of Greece.
The Old Town features a network of nine gates. A good starting point for explorers can be the Sea Gate, which transports visitors back to the medieval era, or the Ambuaz Gate, famously constructed by knights to outwit their foes. From there, simply meander through the maze of over 200 narrow streets. If curiosity piques and you wish to delve deeper into the city’s history, consider joining a guided tour or enlisting the services of a local guide.
Head towards Mandraki Port, adjacent to the ancient walls of Rhodes' Old Town.