Old Town, Rhodes: attractions and photos

The modern city of Rhodes, which has survived many centuries, stands on the same place as the ancient city . Located on the island of the same name and being its capital, it attracts tourists with magnificent beaches, luxurious hotels, a variety of natural and man-made monuments. The ancient city seems to be created for those who do not tolerate peace and tranquility, but prefers an active holiday with a lot of entertainment. Guests of Greece admit that life here beats both day and night, and the fascinating journey turns into a memorable holiday.

Excursion to the history

Rhodes is an old city, whose history began before our era, in 408 AD. The settlement became an ally of the Roman Empire, for more than 200 years it was owned by the Knights-Johannites, who dreamed of the Christianization of the East and oppressed the Orthodox Church in Greece. It is believed that it is to them that the city owes what it looks like now.

In the 16th century, the well-fortified Rhodes found itself in the hands of the Turks, and the knights fled to Malta, where they organized their order. Almost four hundred years, the indigenous population was under the yoke of the invaders, but the Rhodians had many privileges, which favorably affected the high standard of living.

At the beginning of the XX century, Italian troops appeared in the city, who won the war with the Turks. The conquerors had a significant influence on the appearance of the entire island as a whole, built new buildings and restored antique monuments.

After the outbreak of World War II, the Italians were pushed by the fascists, who in 1943 occupied the Old Town. Rhodes became part of Greece only a few years after the end of the German occupation.

Treasury, in which different epochs intertwined

The capital of the picturesque island is rich in interesting places for tourists, but many give the palm of the primacy of the old part of the city, protected by UNESCO. No wonder the locals consider it an authentic treasure house, which stores architectural pearls, the Old Town. Rhodes, which preserved the external appearance and spirit of the medieval port, is a truly unique corner in which religions, cultures and peoples intersect.

In the village founded several centuries ago, different epochs are intertwined, the track from which is left on local sights. The historical part of the city, no doubt, can be called a museum in the open. Everyone who came to learn something new is given a wonderful opportunity to explore the narrow streets and get acquainted with the unusual cultural monuments that Rhodes (Old Town) is famous for.

The sights, built several centuries ago, were perfectly preserved, and tourists are transported to the distant past, as if on a time machine.

City Walls

The first thing that visitors of the city see are the impressive walls that protected the inhabitants from the enemy. A masterpiece of military architecture was erected by skillful masters in several stages. Stone walls, which today can pass by everyone, are decorated with knightly coats of arms, and in summer local authorities arrange light and musical performances at the foot of the ancient sights, which tell of the affairs of bygone days.

Walking along the ditch, located below, you can find narrow lazy, allowing scouts to make their way into the camp of the enemy, when he was under siege of Rhodes. The old town is a perfectly preserved example of the fortification architecture of the Middle Ages, and the fortified walls stretching for four kilometers are the best evidence of this.

Ancient monuments

Of course, the most ancient monuments on the territory of the island's capital belong to the ancient Greek period, unfortunately, they are in a destroyed state. For example, from the famous temple of Aphrodite there was only one foundation, here and there you can see traces of ancient defensive structures and the ruins of a Roman shipyard.

Ruins related to the Byzantine period

From the Orthodox churches erected during the reign of Byzantium, only ruins have been preserved, and mosques have reached the descendants in good condition, which were converted from Christian churches by the Turks who captured the Old City. Rhodes is famous for the ancient church of St. Spiridon - a snow-white building with an Ottoman minaret.

In addition, tourists can see in the north-east of the resort several high towers that appeared in the Byzantine period. As the guests of the city say, the monumental fortifications look rough compared to those that remained from the knights of the Order of Malta.

Monuments of the Hospitaller Period

For several centuries it has preserved an ancient history, which manifests itself in every structure, the Greek Rhodes. The old city, whose photo will not leave indifferent any tourists, will surprise the main attraction, located on the street of the Knights. The Palace of Grand Masters, reminiscent of a mini-fortress, impresses with impressive size and luxurious decoration. During the Turkish rule, it was destroyed, and only in 1939 the magnificent structure was restored by the Italians.

Now here is a museum, exhibits of which will tell about the distant past of the country, and under the palace, according to archaeologists, there is an ancient temple erected in honor of Helios.

Ottoman architecture

Historians are convinced that the period of Turkish rule left a huge mark on the architecture of Rhodes. The structures erected at this time determine the external appearance of the historical part of the city. The Suleiman mosque built on the site of the destroyed Orthodox church is considered the most beautiful.

The restored building with pink walls is in harmony with the general atmosphere of the Old Town. The seven domes of the mosque, having different sizes, tower above the pearl of Greece, and the clock tower, located next to the religious building, allows everyone to look at the mosque from the top down.

Time travel

According to tourists, it is a unique example of how in a small territory different cultures and even epochs, the Old Town, coexist. Rhodes, which was replaced by several "masters" who left their mark on culture and architecture, is one of the most interesting settlements.

By evoking a lot of emotions in the historical part of the island's capital, you can wander for hours, enjoying the amazing beauty of one of the most ancient settlements in Europe.

The old city, which without exaggeration can be called the history of Rhodes in miniature, can not be circumvented in one day. A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with attractions is always waiting for new guests who want to make an exciting journey through time. Therefore, tourists dream to stay in a cultural object of world significance not for one day, but spend here at least a week.

Comfort and convenience for travelers

Rhodes, which has long developed a tourist infrastructure, offers excellent conditions for the accommodation of its guests. Numerous hotels in the Old Town of Rhodes are best booked in advance, as in the high season of comfortable rooms may not be.

Equipped in accordance with international standards, the Kresten Palace Hotel, the Hilton Rhodes Resort, the International Hotel, the Ibiscus Hotel, the Hotel Olympos are located close to the main attractions of the resort, which will be greatly appreciated by the travelers who have come in search of new impressions.