One of the most beautiful islands of the Mediterranean got its no less wonderful name in honor of the beloved god Helios. In addition, it is also called the island of knights, because for a long time this corner of paradise belonged to the Knights of the Order of John and the Knights-Hospitallers who created the unique architecture of this fabulously beautiful land.
The real pearl of the Mediterranean is the island of Rhodes (Greece). Attractions (photos are presented in the article) it attracts many tourists from all over the world. Here you can see the most interesting archaeological treasures that store the unique history of ancient times, as well as unique natural beauties. The capital of Rhodes is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The article provides information about the attractions of Rhodes: photos and descriptions, a brief history and much more.
General information
The island of Rhodes is the fourth largest in Greece. Location: south-eastern part of the state, in the Aegean Sea. It is part of the Dodecanese Islands and is located 270 miles from Athens, the capital of Greece.
Rhodes is the most beautiful island of the Greek archipelago. You can fall in love with him from the first minutes of his stay. A wonderful and fertile land is washed by the waters of two seas - the Mediterranean and the Aegean. Travelers are attracted by a huge number of both natural and archaeological sites of Rhodes, which are worth seeing in order to feel the atmosphere of ancient centuries. The rich history of the island, filled with all kinds of legends and myths, is associated with the names of figures of the greatest art of the ancient era and famous rulers.
Interesting architectural buildings of the past, containing the rich history of these places, are located in all parts of the island - within the city of Rhodes and in small towns scattered throughout the island. Sights of Rhodes (see photo in the article) provide unlimited opportunities for those tourists who more like an informative vacation. Although combining a beach holiday with excursions is a perfectly acceptable and convenient option for these places. Despite the rather rapidly developing tourism infrastructure, architectural monuments from antiquity and the Middle Ages are well preserved here.
Rhodes city: sights of the old part
Acquaintance with the island usually begins with its capital. The city of Rhodes is located at its northern outskirts. Like many cities in Greece, it harmoniously combines ancient and modern architecture. However, its main feature is the unusual Gothic architecture, which is not entirely characteristic of Greece. The fabulous Old Town is located behind thick fortified walls, and its palaces, castles and other ancient buildings are perfectly preserved to this day.
Its territory is divided into Collakio and Chora. Part of Collakio is a quarter of the knights. The old ancient buildings of Knights Street (Hippoton), which crosses the city, keep the ancient secrets of the Knights Hospitallers. This historic street leads to the huge Castello Palace (Palace of the Grand Masters). Its interior is richly decorated with luxurious historical furniture and magnificent mosaics. There is also the Small Palace and the building of residences of chivalry orders (eight in total) on the same street. The first is decorated with the arms of the masters.
In the Choir, residential quarters were mostly located. Sights of Rhodes in this part: Turkish baths, Orthodox churches and two mosques. All this is valid now.
More about the Palace of the Grand Masters
This large structure is protected by massive battlements with round towers. The palace was built by the knights on the highest part of Rhodes. Here, in different eras, the Byzantine fortress and the Temple of Helios were located. For several centuries, the palace was a symbol of the power and authority of the Order of the Knights of St. John, but once it fell under the pressure of the Ottoman Empire. During the period of basing the united Turkish, Egyptian and Algerian fleet on the island (in the middle of the 19th century), a strong explosion of powder depots occurred, which significantly damaged the building. Then for almost a hundred years it was desolate.
During the years of the Italians' rule in Rhodes, a new history of the palace began after its restoration with the use of preserved ancient drawings. This happened in the years 1937-1940. The palace at that time was intended for the summer residence of Mussolini, which was never here. Today, the Palace of the Grand Masters is a museum institution. This is one of the important and significant historical sites of Greece. The attraction of Rhodes (photo above) is very attractive.
Socrates street
One cannot ignore in the Old City this street, which serves as the main shopping center. It is here that you can buy unusual and most diverse souvenirs, as well as just relax in a relaxed atmosphere with a cup of coffee in one of the city's cozy coffee shops, called "Caracus". Its interiors are made in the style of the XIX century.
Museums
Familiarity with the history and sights of Rhodes will be incomplete if you do not visit its museums, the largest of which is the Archaeological Museum, located in the former Hospital of the Knights. Opposite him is the church of the Order of St. John. The museum presents a rich collection of exhibits, including a statue of Aphrodite of Rhodes. The Byzantine Museum is located in the Palace of Masters. Of interest to tourists are the Aquarium Museum, the Museum of New Hellenistic Culture, and the Ethnographic Museum.
New town
The sights of Rhodes (Greece), more modern, located in the northern part of the city, absorbed the unthinkable wealth of cultures of all the nations that existed on the island after the fall of the Order of the Knights. In this regard, here you can see unusual buildings, in the architecture of which the Venetian, Arabic and Gothic styles were perfectly combined. Here you can also find the remains of ancient buildings, which include the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in the southern part of Simis Square. The following are the main attractions of the city of Rhodes, located in its more modern part.
Ancient port
The attractions of Rhodes are numerous. One of the most fascinating is a walk to the ancient port (today the port of Mandraki). Where the famous Colossus towered, there are now deer sculptures mounted on high pedestals.
The port housed the fortress of St. Nicholas, which has a lighthouse. It was built at the expense of the Duke of Burgundy by one of the Grand Masters. It looks especially attractive in the evening with backlight. The fortress used to be called the Tower of the Mills, since there were windmills nearby. Today they no longer fulfill their functions.
The antique port that existed 2 thousand years ago is very popular among tourists today. People come here to see with their own eyes that famous place where once there was one of the famous seven wonders of the world - the Colossus of Rhodes. Deer statues are the heraldic symbol of the city of Rhodes.
The ruins of the temple of Aphrodite
It is impossible to imagine the sights of Rhodes without this historical place. Near the port are the ruins of the temple. They testify to the former greatness of the structure built in Paphos in honor of the goddess of love.
The sanctuary of Aphrodite was founded in the 12th century BC. Subsequently, after its construction, people from Egypt, Greece and Assyria annually came to this temple to take part in the Mysteries (or aphrodisias). Their meaning was to mate a woman with a stranger. After the adoption of Christianity, this tradition ceased to exist. The stones of the temple were later used for the construction of factories. Now there are only ruins here, next to which there is an exhibition with the finds of archaeologists discovered by them in Paphos.
Rhodes Aquarium
This place belongs to the modern attractions of Rhodes. In the 1930s of the XX century, a hydrobiological station was created on the territory of the northern part of Rhodes, the purpose of which was to observe and study the diverse marine fauna and flora.
Over the past few years, this institution has transformed into a museum. Its employees continue to conduct research work. For tourists, the museum station is more commonly known as the Rhodes Aquarium. Its expositions show a wide variety of fish, seals, turtles, mollusks and corals.
Acropolis of Rhodes
It is impossible not to mention this attraction of Greece. The island of Rhodes is famous for the mountain of Monte Smith, located in the southwestern part of the city. It has the famous Acropolis of Rhodes. It should be noted that the mountain bears the name of Admiral of Britain - William Sydney Smith, and the Acropolis of Rhodes has never performed any defensive functions. Mostly cultural and religious events were held here, as evidenced by the remains of the amphitheater, the ancient stadium and gymnasium. Small fragments of temples that were built in honor of Apollo and Athena have also been preserved here.
Unfortunately, the antiquities of ancient times are preserved here a little. Yes, and in the 1930s, Italians reconstructed some of the old buildings, but as a result of this they lost their original appearance a little. Popular tourist sites of the Acropolis: a small theater Odeon, a stadium with single antique fragments, columns of the temple of Apollo (patron of the city of Rhodes). A magnificent panorama of the surroundings opens from the mountain itself.
Lindos
This unique attraction of the island of Rhodes once served as a reliable defense of the city. The Acropolis of Lindos in its significance and size is the second after the Athenian. Majestic walls located on a huge rock tower above the bay of St. Paul. A small path, meandering along a hill, has been leading to the building since those very ancient times. Amusing donkeys scurrying around it today, transporting tourists to the Acropolis and back to the city.
At the entrance to the fortress is a bas-relief of an ancient Greek ship. Further inside you can see the columns of the Gallery, the Byzantine temple of St. John and the famous residence of the Knights Hospitallers. The main religious building is even deeper - the temple of Athena Lindia, built in the IV century BC and dedicated to the patroness of the island. At the very foot of the Acropolis are the stands and the stage of the ancient theater that have been preserved and have been carved into the rock.
Nature
In all of Greece and in sunny Rhodes there are many noteworthy castles, churches, ancient ruins, small colorful villages. Rich and wonderful natural attractions of Greece. Rhodes is no exception. The climate here is quite mild, and more than 300 days a year are sunny. Turquoise waves of the seas, wonderful sandy beaches, as well as lush and vibrant vegetation - all this has allowed Rhodes to consolidate the glory of a paradise and a place blessed by the gods since ancient times. Below are the most remarkable natural corners of the island.
Kiss of two seas
On the green cape Prasonisi (southern part of the island) you can admire the rarest natural phenomenon called “Kiss of the Seas”. At this point, the stormy waters of the Aegean collide with the calm waters of the Mediterranean. Thanks to different temperatures and shades of water, when they are mixed during high tide, an amazing magical sight is created. In addition, Prasonisi is a paradise for surf lovers, as this place is always blown by the winds.
Butterfly Valley
The natural attractions of the island of Rhodes (Greece) include this fabulous valley, located 10 kilometers from the airport, near the village of Feologos. This unique natural park is a picturesque green valley with clean cool lakes, with wooden bridges built on them, as well as picturesque waterfalls.
This is a favorite place for millions of butterflies of various shapes and colors. They are attracted to this wonderful place by the aroma of resin of centuries-old plane trees, the solitude and peace of the valley. The number of butterflies has been declining in recent years, but they are carefully guarded here. You can come here only on foot, it is forbidden to make any noise here and you can’t even clap your hands, since any sounds frighten the butterflies, which leads to their death.
Walking along the shaded paths gives you the opportunity to enjoy peace and quiet. Here, if you wish, you can dine in a small restaurant with a view of a beautiful waterfall. On the stone steps you can climb to the monastery of the Virgin Kalopetra.
Seven sources
The natural attractions of the island of Rhodes, the photos of which are presented in the article, are amazingly picturesque. Not far from the village of Kolymbia, there is another natural park called Epta Piges (translated as “seven sources”). 7 underground keys are connected here, forming a small beautiful lake with a waterfall. This place is surrounded by pine trees and green plane trees. Huge dragonflies fly over the lake water.
You can get to the reservoir through a narrow tunnel, about which there are many legends. For example, according to one of them, a man who passes this tunnel dark with cool waters has 7 sins. Such a walk for women is more tempting. Hiking through this 200-meter tunnel gives you the opportunity to rejuvenate for 10 years.
Finally
Many tourists who have visited the island of Rhodes, believe that relaxing here, you can get a lot of the most unforgettable pleasant experiences. For faster sightseeing of the city and its environs, it is best to rent a car, especially since there are plenty of interesting places here. Reviews about the attractions of Rhodes are the most positive.
The resort is especially ideal for a relaxing family vacation. There is every opportunity to combine relaxing on a beautiful sunny beach with traveling by car to numerous historical places. Here you can have a beautiful wedding and celebrate any significant anniversary.
There is an opportunity to visit an ostrich farm on the island (near the Butterfly Valley), to visit the bee museum (Pastida village), where you can buy not only fragrant honey, but also cosmetics made on its basis.
In the famous village of the best winemakers Embonas, you can visit the wine festival. A very exciting trip to the neighboring island of Symi, where there are colorful houses like toys. For one trip it is impossible to see all the interesting places on the island. So, there will be an occasion to come back to this wonderful, paradise island.