At the center of Rhodes' old town lies Hippocrates Square, blending the echoes of history with the vibrant pulse of a bustling tourist hub. Here, ancient structures mingle with the lively scene of modern eateries, shops, and bars.
Tracing the exact origins of Hippocrates Square is a challenge, with its roots lost in the mists of time. Known as Castellania during the era of the Knights Hospitaller, it later became recognized as the Mosque Square under Ottoman rule.
In 1924, under Italian rule, Rhodes experienced a devastating fire; it obliterated all the shops around the central square and its adjacent streets. Following this disaster, the Italian authorities, led by the Governor of the Dodecanese, initiated a comprehensive reconstruction effort. This entailed both the repair of existing structures and the construction of new ones. Despite these efforts, there remained a sense that something was still missing.
During the restoration of Rhodes' historic district, lead architect Armando Bernabiti revised the original design to reflect the square’s connection to the medieval, Ottoman, and Italian periods. At its heart, he placed a fountain combining Ottoman and Byzantine design elements. Today, Hippocrates Square stands as the largest within Rhodes Old Town, where the town’s labyrinthine alleyways converge.
At the heart of Hippocrates Square stands the striking Syntrivan Fountain, crafted from white stone with touches of blue ceramic. Shaped like a tower with window details, it is topped by an owl figure. Since its inception in 1934, which was widely covered by the local press, the fountain has become an iconic spot. Every visitor to Rhodes city makes sure to capture a memory with this fountain as a backdrop.
The square is surrounded by heritage buildings from various periods. These structures radiate the diversity of styles and cultures that have graced the island historically. Key attractions around Hippocrates Square include:
Locating yourself at Hippocrates Square is a breeze. Though it’s not expansive, its significance to the city is notable. Connected by streets named after illustrious thinkers like Hippocrates, Pythagoras, Socrates, and Aristotle, the square features a central fountain. Encircling the area are various eateries, cafes, and shops, providing a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee and recuperate from a day of exploring.
To reach Hippocrates Street, use Knights Street as a reference point, a major city landmark. From there, divert onto Ermou Street after passing Arnaldo Gate. Ermou Street then seamlessly transitions into Hippocrates Street, leading directly to the square. The journey from Knights Street to the square spans just over 200 meters.
