Located at the northern point of Rhodes Island in Greece, the medieval city of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Town and magnet for day-trippers, cruise shippers and vacationers alike! Concealed behind historic Old Town walls a whole world away from the Mediterranean resorts of the New Town, Rhodes Old Town is characterised by a network of winding cobbled lanes, sociable squares and charming ruins, all entangled with a large dose of Ottoman influence. And whether you’ve got one day or one week on this idyllic island, here are the 5 very best things to do in Rhodes town for any itinerary!
1. The Street of Knights
What is it? The cobbled Street of the Knights is one of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe.
Why go? Strolling this street makes it easy for one to imagine what it must’ve been like in the era of knights that ruled fourteenth century Europe. Cobblestones, stone walls and grand iron doorways are still intact as well as the medieval inns which hosted the soldiers of the Order of the Knights during a time when Rhodes Town was a thriving multinational trading port and city.
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/David Spender
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Jorje Lascar
2. Hospital of the Knights – Archaeological Museum
What is it? This Archaeological Museum once housed a state-of-the-art hospital built for the knights that ruled the island.
Why go? With all of the history that surrounds you, this museum helps you get a keen understanding of the highlights to walk home with. The fifteenth-century Hospital of the Knights was ahead of its time when it was built, a wealthy institution that served the needs of the prestigious Knights of Saint John. The exhibit halls that were once hospital wings now display some of the finest artefacts and ancient Greek marble statues from the island including two impressive statues representing Aphrodite, the Aphrodite of Rhodes and Aphrodite of the Sea.
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Jorje Lascar
3. Palace of the Grand Master
What is it? Like its name imbues, this historic palace was built for grand people and grand events. Today the massive space is a museum about the history of Rhodes.
Why go? To understand the Old Town, take time out to learn about the building of the massive walls and towers of this palace which was once critical in protecting the city. Today, it’s a museum that brings its guests on a journey of Rhodes’ history through artefacts and mosaics. It’s also a survivor, standing after a Turkish siege in the 16th century and an ammunition explosion in the 19th century. It was restyled in the 20th century as a holiday home for King Vittorio Emmanuele III of Italy.
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Luc Coekaerts
4. Medieval Clock Tower
What is it? This is one of the Old Town’s most notable structures, built in the seventh century with Byzantine architectural features.
Why go? From the top of this historic tower, you’ll find one of the most panoramic views of Rhodes’ port and the Old Town. Stone steps lead to the entrance past life-sized sculptures of knights in armour. It’s a great spot for photos and an evening drink with a view.
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Alessandra Kocman
5. Acropolis of Rhodes
What is it? The ancient Greeks built this scenic temple for the Greek god Apollo at the Acropolis of Rhodes, just outside of Rhodes Town.
Why go? Drive up to Agios Stefanos hill to visit the Acropolis of Rhodes to understand life here during ancient Greece. The central building features the Temple of Apollo which dates back to 300 BC. Walk among fascinating ruins including a zone of sanctuaries, Greek temples and more – all dating back to the Hellenistic and Late Hellenistic periods. Then admire the panoramic views of the island.
