Rhodes Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Rhodes
The city of Rhodes, capital of the eponymous island, has been famous since antiquity as the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Colossus of Rhodes. The enormous statue once stood over the harbor entrance and was destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 226 BC.
The name Rhodes comes from the ancient Greek word “rhódon” (rose), hence the island is sometimes referred to as the island of roses. Another theory suggests that it could derive from “erod”, which is the Phoenician for snake, since the island was once home to a huge population of snakes.
Due to its vicinity to Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Rhodes – inhabited since about 4000 BC – over the course of its long history has been exposed to many different cultures (architectural styles, languages, etc.). In 164 BC, the island fell under Roman control, and in medieval times was an important Byzantine trading post at a shipping crossroads between Constantinople and Alexandria.
The Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, commonly known as Hospitallers – for their mission to look after the welfare of the wounded and ailing crusaders, captured and established their headquarters in Rhodes in 1309. The supreme authority of the order was the Grand Master, hence the Grand Master's Palace located within the walls of Rhodes' Old Town. The citadel built by the Hospitallers is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe – declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
In the early 1520s the knights departed from the island, leaving it to the Ottomans. The Mosque of Suleiman, named after the Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, was originally built after the Ottoman conquest of Rhodes in 1522.
In 1912 Italian troops occupied the island and eventually destroyed much of its Ottoman heritage, whilst carefully preserving that of the Hospitallers. The British bombs that fell upon the city in 1944 claimed many a life and destroyed a great number of buildings, leaving large gaps in the urban tissue. In 1960 the entire Medieval Town of Rhodes was designated a protected monument.
Today, the city of Rhodes is an important Greek urban center and a popular international tourist destination. To find the place where the famous Colossus once stood, as well as to discover many other notable sights of ancient Rhodes still in place, follow this introductory walk.
The name Rhodes comes from the ancient Greek word “rhódon” (rose), hence the island is sometimes referred to as the island of roses. Another theory suggests that it could derive from “erod”, which is the Phoenician for snake, since the island was once home to a huge population of snakes.
Due to its vicinity to Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Rhodes – inhabited since about 4000 BC – over the course of its long history has been exposed to many different cultures (architectural styles, languages, etc.). In 164 BC, the island fell under Roman control, and in medieval times was an important Byzantine trading post at a shipping crossroads between Constantinople and Alexandria.
The Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem, commonly known as Hospitallers – for their mission to look after the welfare of the wounded and ailing crusaders, captured and established their headquarters in Rhodes in 1309. The supreme authority of the order was the Grand Master, hence the Grand Master's Palace located within the walls of Rhodes' Old Town. The citadel built by the Hospitallers is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe – declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
In the early 1520s the knights departed from the island, leaving it to the Ottomans. The Mosque of Suleiman, named after the Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, was originally built after the Ottoman conquest of Rhodes in 1522.
In 1912 Italian troops occupied the island and eventually destroyed much of its Ottoman heritage, whilst carefully preserving that of the Hospitallers. The British bombs that fell upon the city in 1944 claimed many a life and destroyed a great number of buildings, leaving large gaps in the urban tissue. In 1960 the entire Medieval Town of Rhodes was designated a protected monument.
Today, the city of Rhodes is an important Greek urban center and a popular international tourist destination. To find the place where the famous Colossus once stood, as well as to discover many other notable sights of ancient Rhodes still in place, follow this introductory walk.
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Rhodes Introduction Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Rhodes Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: Greece » Rhodes (See other walking tours in Rhodes)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 13
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Author: holly
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Greece » Rhodes (See other walking tours in Rhodes)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 13
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Author: holly
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Marine Gate
- Hippocrates Square
- Socrates Street
- Medieval Clock Tower
- Fortifications of Rhodes
- Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
- Street of the Knights
- Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
- Church of Our Lady of the Castle (Museum Square)
- St. Paul's Gate
- Mandraki Harbor and Windmills
- Fort of St. Nicholas
- Colossus of Rhodes
1) Marine Gate
Just south of Kolóna’s fishing port, the Marine Gate forms one of the most fabulous maritime entrances into the walled town of Rhodes, flanked by two large round towers. Historically, this was the point of arrival for visitors coming by sea, designed to create a strong and ceremonial first impression. The gate was completed in 1478 during the rule of the Knights Hospitaller and deliberately modeled on the Gate of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon in France, a structure built roughly two centuries earlier.
Built directly beside the water, the gate occupied a narrow strip between the sea and the city walls, a location that made it extremely difficult for attackers to assemble or mount a coordinated assault from this direction. The flanking towers were equipped with defensive mechanisms designed to drop projectiles or heated substances onto assailants approaching the entrance. It underwent restoration in 1951, following repairs to the north tower.
The exterior is decorated with a series of sculpted reliefs, including an image of the Virgin holding Christ, alongside figures of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Peter. Also visible are several coats of arms: those of France, the Order of Saint John, and the House of d’Aubusson, whose grand master oversaw the gate’s construction. On the interior side, further relief work includes an effigy of an angel accompanied by the heraldic emblems of the Order of Saint John.
Built directly beside the water, the gate occupied a narrow strip between the sea and the city walls, a location that made it extremely difficult for attackers to assemble or mount a coordinated assault from this direction. The flanking towers were equipped with defensive mechanisms designed to drop projectiles or heated substances onto assailants approaching the entrance. It underwent restoration in 1951, following repairs to the north tower.
The exterior is decorated with a series of sculpted reliefs, including an image of the Virgin holding Christ, alongside figures of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Peter. Also visible are several coats of arms: those of France, the Order of Saint John, and the House of d’Aubusson, whose grand master oversaw the gate’s construction. On the interior side, further relief work includes an effigy of an angel accompanied by the heraldic emblems of the Order of Saint John.
2) Hippocrates Square
Upon entering the Old Town through the Marine Gate and its imposing towers, visitors arrive at Hippocrates Square, a natural starting point for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square functions as one of the Old Town’s main gathering places and is centered on the Syndriváni, a fountain introduced during the Italian period, easily recognized by its decorative upper element and the pigeons that congregate around it.
Standing at the southeastern corner, the long, arcaded facade belongs to the Kastellanía, originally the commercial tribunal and courthouse of the Knights Hospitaller. Completed in 1507 and restored during the Italian administration between 1925 and 1935, the building now houses the municipal library and historical archives. On the northern side stands the small Syndriváni Mosque, a modest Ottoman-era structure dating to the late 18th century.
Turning your attention to the western side of the square, Socrates Street begins here, drawing visitors deeper into the Old Town. The surrounding buildings are a mix of medieval structures and later Ottoman- and Italian-period adaptations, many featuring arcades at street level and upper floors converted into cafes, shops, and terraces. Several of these buildings incorporate reused medieval stonework, visible in door frames and wall sections.
Standing at the southeastern corner, the long, arcaded facade belongs to the Kastellanía, originally the commercial tribunal and courthouse of the Knights Hospitaller. Completed in 1507 and restored during the Italian administration between 1925 and 1935, the building now houses the municipal library and historical archives. On the northern side stands the small Syndriváni Mosque, a modest Ottoman-era structure dating to the late 18th century.
Turning your attention to the western side of the square, Socrates Street begins here, drawing visitors deeper into the Old Town. The surrounding buildings are a mix of medieval structures and later Ottoman- and Italian-period adaptations, many featuring arcades at street level and upper floors converted into cafes, shops, and terraces. Several of these buildings incorporate reused medieval stonework, visible in door frames and wall sections.
3) Socrates Street
Every historic resort town has a principal shopping street, and Rhodes is no exception with its lively Socrates Street. Named after the ancient Greek philosopher, this cobblestoned artery is lined with shops, cafes, bars, eateries, and small entertainment venues. Activity builds steadily through the afternoon and evening, often continuing late into the night, giving the street a constant sense of movement.
A walk along Socrates Street can easily turn into a longer exploration. Stalls and storefronts display clothing, textiles, footwear, sweets, souvenir figurines inspired by ancient Greek themes, and a wide range of local handicrafts. Many vendors are multilingual, reflecting the international character of the Old Town and adding to the animated, colorful atmosphere that attracts visitors throughout the day.
As you move along the street, layers of the city’s past come into view. Nearby are stretches of the medieval fortifications of the Old Town, along with Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and small squares, gardens, and courtyards branching off the main route. As you reach the upper end of the street, you come upon the Suleymaniye Mosque, an early Ottoman monument completed in 1522.
A walk along Socrates Street can easily turn into a longer exploration. Stalls and storefronts display clothing, textiles, footwear, sweets, souvenir figurines inspired by ancient Greek themes, and a wide range of local handicrafts. Many vendors are multilingual, reflecting the international character of the Old Town and adding to the animated, colorful atmosphere that attracts visitors throughout the day.
As you move along the street, layers of the city’s past come into view. Nearby are stretches of the medieval fortifications of the Old Town, along with Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and small squares, gardens, and courtyards branching off the main route. As you reach the upper end of the street, you come upon the Suleymaniye Mosque, an early Ottoman monument completed in 1522.
4) Medieval Clock Tower (must see)
The Clock Tower of Rhodes stands at one of the highest points within the Old Town. The structure visible today dates primarily to the Ottoman period, although an earlier tower is known to have existed on the same site. In 1856, a gunpowder explosion, caused by stored munitions in the nearby Church of Saint John, severely damaged large sections of the medieval city, including the earlier clock tower. Following this event, the tower was rebuilt under the supervision of Fethi Pasha, an Ottoman statesman and military official active in Rhodes during the mid-19th century. The reconstruction introduced decorative elements influenced by Baroque architecture.
During Ottoman rule, the clock tower served as a public timekeeping structure for the walled city. In an urban environment where commercial activity, administrative schedules, and access through gates were regulated, a centrally visible clock provided a shared temporal reference.
The tower has a square plan and rises through multiple interior levels connected by a narrow wooden staircase consisting of fifty-three steps. These steps lead to a small upper chamber beneath the clock mechanism. The ascent passes through confined interior spaces where photographic displays and informational panels document the tower’s damage, rebuilding, and subsequent restoration phases carried out in the 20th century.
From the upper level, visitors obtain open views across the Old Town’s dense roofscape, the surrounding fortifications, Mandraki Harbor, and the coastline beyond the city walls. The tower remains mechanically functional, and its clock faces continue to mark time. Admission to the tower includes access to the terrace cafe located at ground level, adjacent to the entrance, which occupies part of the surrounding historic structure.
During Ottoman rule, the clock tower served as a public timekeeping structure for the walled city. In an urban environment where commercial activity, administrative schedules, and access through gates were regulated, a centrally visible clock provided a shared temporal reference.
The tower has a square plan and rises through multiple interior levels connected by a narrow wooden staircase consisting of fifty-three steps. These steps lead to a small upper chamber beneath the clock mechanism. The ascent passes through confined interior spaces where photographic displays and informational panels document the tower’s damage, rebuilding, and subsequent restoration phases carried out in the 20th century.
From the upper level, visitors obtain open views across the Old Town’s dense roofscape, the surrounding fortifications, Mandraki Harbor, and the coastline beyond the city walls. The tower remains mechanically functional, and its clock faces continue to mark time. Admission to the tower includes access to the terrace cafe located at ground level, adjacent to the entrance, which occupies part of the surrounding historic structure.
5) Fortifications of Rhodes (must see)
The first and most defining feature of Rhodes’ Old Town is its system of fortified walls. Extending for roughly four kilometers, these massive defenses were designed to protect the city from invading powers and corsairs who controlled the Mediterranean and Aegean sea routes during the Middle Ages. Long considered among the strongest fortifications of their time, the walls ultimately fell to the Ottoman forces in 1522 after a prolonged siege.
Much of the fortification visible today reflects the extensive strengthening carried out by the Knights Hospitaller in the late 15th century, particularly in anticipation of the siege of 1480. Building on earlier Byzantine defenses, the Knights transformed the city into a highly sophisticated fortified complex. The walls were divided into distinct sectors, each maintained by one of the Order’s langues, or national divisions, a system that shaped both construction and defense strategies.
The circuit includes an intricate combination of curtain walls, bastions, towers, gates, and a broad defensive moat. Several gates survive, each differing in form and scale according to its function and period of construction. At certain times of day: at sunrise, or after dark when the walls are illuminated, the stonework takes on a dramatic presence that emphasizes both its scale and craftsmanship.
Sections of the fortifications are accessible to visitors, including portions of the ramparts and selected towers, offering insight into medieval military engineering and daily defensive life. Access points and ticketing vary depending on the area, and some sections are reached independently rather than through a single entrance.
Much of the fortification visible today reflects the extensive strengthening carried out by the Knights Hospitaller in the late 15th century, particularly in anticipation of the siege of 1480. Building on earlier Byzantine defenses, the Knights transformed the city into a highly sophisticated fortified complex. The walls were divided into distinct sectors, each maintained by one of the Order’s langues, or national divisions, a system that shaped both construction and defense strategies.
The circuit includes an intricate combination of curtain walls, bastions, towers, gates, and a broad defensive moat. Several gates survive, each differing in form and scale according to its function and period of construction. At certain times of day: at sunrise, or after dark when the walls are illuminated, the stonework takes on a dramatic presence that emphasizes both its scale and craftsmanship.
Sections of the fortifications are accessible to visitors, including portions of the ramparts and selected towers, offering insight into medieval military engineering and daily defensive life. Access points and ticketing vary depending on the area, and some sections are reached independently rather than through a single entrance.
6) Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes (must see)
The Palace of the Grand Master was once the administrative seat of the Knights Hospitaller and the symbolic heart of the Knights’ Quarter. During the Ottoman period, the building fell into neglect and was later used as a prison. In 1856, a gunpowder explosion caused severe damage, leaving much of the structure in ruins. The palace was extensively reconstructed during the Italian administration in the 1930s. The rebuilding did not follow the original medieval layout and introduced new interior elements, including sculptures and mosaics transferred from other Dodecanese islands.
Despite these issues, the palace remains visually commanding, dominating one of the highest points of the Old Town. The interior incorporates architectural fragments such as columns and capitals reused from ancient sites. The reconstructed rooms feature coffered wooden ceilings and windows fitted with translucent stone panels that soften the interior light. Many of the grand halls are decorated with large-scale Hellenistic and Roman mosaics, primarily brought from Kos.
Visitors enter between two imposing semicircular towers and ascend a broad marble staircase to the upper level, where spacious ceremonial rooms are intentionally sparsely furnished to emphasize architectural form and mosaic decoration. Among the most notable scenes are representations of the Nine Muses, a sea nymph riding a hippocamp, and the head of Medusa, along with marine motifs featuring fish and dolphins.
The ground floor, once used for storage and logistical purposes during sieges, encloses a large courtyard populated with classical-style statues. Today, this level hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions that outline the history of Rhodes from antiquity through the medieval period and up to the Ottoman conquest, offering broader historical context alongside the palace’s own story.
Despite these issues, the palace remains visually commanding, dominating one of the highest points of the Old Town. The interior incorporates architectural fragments such as columns and capitals reused from ancient sites. The reconstructed rooms feature coffered wooden ceilings and windows fitted with translucent stone panels that soften the interior light. Many of the grand halls are decorated with large-scale Hellenistic and Roman mosaics, primarily brought from Kos.
Visitors enter between two imposing semicircular towers and ascend a broad marble staircase to the upper level, where spacious ceremonial rooms are intentionally sparsely furnished to emphasize architectural form and mosaic decoration. Among the most notable scenes are representations of the Nine Muses, a sea nymph riding a hippocamp, and the head of Medusa, along with marine motifs featuring fish and dolphins.
The ground floor, once used for storage and logistical purposes during sieges, encloses a large courtyard populated with classical-style statues. Today, this level hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions that outline the history of Rhodes from antiquity through the medieval period and up to the Ottoman conquest, offering broader historical context alongside the palace’s own story.
7) Street of the Knights (must see)
The Street of the Knights is lined with the former inns of the Knights Hospitaller, each once housing members of a specific langue of the Order. The street is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe, notable for the coherence of its architecture and its limited later alteration. The buildings on both sides are constructed primarily of local limestone, carefully dressed to present a unified and imposing facade that remains consistent from start to finish.
At the upper end of the street, immediately after leaving the Palace of the Grand Master, the route is visually anchored by a stone archway spanning the roadway, marking the transition from the palace complex into the residential quarter of the Knights. As you proceed downhill along the center of the street, the facades are punctuated by small square windows set high in the walls and arched doorways at ground level, proportioned to admit mounted riders or carts. Along the way, carved coats of arms, inscriptions, and commemorative plaques appear on both sides, identifying individual patrons and phases of construction as you continue toward the lower town.
Roughly halfway down the street, the Inn of France comes into view on your left-hand side. Continuing toward the lower end of the street, look across to your left to see a small enclosed garden with an Ottoman fountain. This garden forms part of the courtyard of the 15th-century Villaragut Mansion, restored in 2002. The courtyard is generally closed to the public and accessible only on special occasions or through institutional arrangements. Near the lower end of the street, on the north side, the route opens toward the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, housed in the former Knights’ Hospital.
During the day, as you walk this stretch, the street is heavily trafficked by visitors and tour groups, which can obscure its original function as a ceremonial and administrative route linking the Knights’ residences to the Palace of the Grand Master. In the evening, with fewer people moving along the route, the architectural sequence, from palace to inns to lower town, becomes easier to read, clearly revealing the street’s original role within the medieval city.
At the upper end of the street, immediately after leaving the Palace of the Grand Master, the route is visually anchored by a stone archway spanning the roadway, marking the transition from the palace complex into the residential quarter of the Knights. As you proceed downhill along the center of the street, the facades are punctuated by small square windows set high in the walls and arched doorways at ground level, proportioned to admit mounted riders or carts. Along the way, carved coats of arms, inscriptions, and commemorative plaques appear on both sides, identifying individual patrons and phases of construction as you continue toward the lower town.
Roughly halfway down the street, the Inn of France comes into view on your left-hand side. Continuing toward the lower end of the street, look across to your left to see a small enclosed garden with an Ottoman fountain. This garden forms part of the courtyard of the 15th-century Villaragut Mansion, restored in 2002. The courtyard is generally closed to the public and accessible only on special occasions or through institutional arrangements. Near the lower end of the street, on the north side, the route opens toward the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, housed in the former Knights’ Hospital.
During the day, as you walk this stretch, the street is heavily trafficked by visitors and tour groups, which can obscure its original function as a ceremonial and administrative route linking the Knights’ residences to the Palace of the Grand Master. In the evening, with fewer people moving along the route, the architectural sequence, from palace to inns to lower town, becomes easier to read, clearly revealing the street’s original role within the medieval city.
8) Archaeological Museum of Rhodes (must see)
One of the most significant buildings in the Old Town, the Knights’ New Hospital now houses the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes. The structure not only preserves finds from ancient sites across the island but also reflects the wealth, organization, and engineering skill of the Knights Hospitaller during their rule. Construction of the hospital began in 1440 and was completed in 1489 under Grand Master Pierre d’Aubusson.
At the center of the complex lies a large rectangular courtyard, surrounded by arched porticoes. One section is marked by a Hellenistic lion statue, while other areas display stone cannonballs recovered from several sieges of the city, including those of 1480 and 1522. From the courtyard, a broad stone staircase leads to the former infirmary hall, a vast vaulted space supported by stone columns. Once sparsely equipped, the hall now displays medieval artifacts, including carved tombstones of Knights, many bearing heraldic coats of arms.
The remaining rooms on the upper floor, including the former refectory, have been divided into gallery spaces presenting pottery, grave goods, and architectural fragments from sites such as Ialysos and Kameiros, much of it uncovered during Italian-era excavations. These galleries are arranged chronologically, guiding visitors through Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods.
Another section of the museum, located in the former service areas of the hospital, displays Classical sculpture and funerary steles, including a notable stele dedicated by Krito to her mother Timarista, dated to around 410 BC and carved in the Athenian style. Nearby are an Archaic kouros and a small marble head of Zeus found near his sanctuary on Mount Atávyros.
Additional rooms feature Hellenistic and Roman statuary, including two celebrated representations of Aphrodite. One, known as Aphrodite Thalassia, is notable for the erosion of her facial features caused by prolonged contact with seawater. The other, Aphrodite Bathing, depicts the goddess crouching as she arranges her hair and dates to the 1st century BC, likely a Roman copy of a 3rd-century BC original. Nearby, a sculpture garden presents a mix of stylized animals set among planted courtyards.
At the center of the complex lies a large rectangular courtyard, surrounded by arched porticoes. One section is marked by a Hellenistic lion statue, while other areas display stone cannonballs recovered from several sieges of the city, including those of 1480 and 1522. From the courtyard, a broad stone staircase leads to the former infirmary hall, a vast vaulted space supported by stone columns. Once sparsely equipped, the hall now displays medieval artifacts, including carved tombstones of Knights, many bearing heraldic coats of arms.
The remaining rooms on the upper floor, including the former refectory, have been divided into gallery spaces presenting pottery, grave goods, and architectural fragments from sites such as Ialysos and Kameiros, much of it uncovered during Italian-era excavations. These galleries are arranged chronologically, guiding visitors through Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods.
Another section of the museum, located in the former service areas of the hospital, displays Classical sculpture and funerary steles, including a notable stele dedicated by Krito to her mother Timarista, dated to around 410 BC and carved in the Athenian style. Nearby are an Archaic kouros and a small marble head of Zeus found near his sanctuary on Mount Atávyros.
Additional rooms feature Hellenistic and Roman statuary, including two celebrated representations of Aphrodite. One, known as Aphrodite Thalassia, is notable for the erosion of her facial features caused by prolonged contact with seawater. The other, Aphrodite Bathing, depicts the goddess crouching as she arranges her hair and dates to the 1st century BC, likely a Roman copy of a 3rd-century BC original. Nearby, a sculpture garden presents a mix of stylized animals set among planted courtyards.
9) Church of Our Lady of the Castle (Museum Square)
Museum Square is defined by several key monuments that reflect the layered religious and administrative history of Rhodes. Standing on the northern side of the square, the Church of Our Lady of the Castle dominates the space and is one of the most important ecclesiastical buildings in the Old Town. The structure originated in the 11th century as an Orthodox Byzantine cathedral. In the early 14th century, between 1319 and 1334, the Knights Hospitaller reconstructed it into a Gothic three-aisled basilica, adapting it to serve as their Latin cathedral.
During the Ottoman period, the building was converted into a mosque known as the Enderun Mosque, with additions such as a minaret, later removed during restorations carried out in the Italian period. Today, as you approach the main entrance facing the square, the church houses a permanent exhibition of icons, medieval sculptures, and ecclesiastical artifacts.
At the southeastern edge of the square, near the Arnáldou Gate, stands the Inn of England. When facing the gate, the building appears just inside the medieval walls, marking the point where the fortified Collachium, the Knights’ administrative quarter, gives way to the commercial town beyond. Originally constructed in 1483 to house members of the English langue of the Knights Hospitaller, the building was destroyed in the gunpowder explosion of 1856 and later reconstructed in 1919 during the Italian period, following the original plans.
During the Ottoman period, the building was converted into a mosque known as the Enderun Mosque, with additions such as a minaret, later removed during restorations carried out in the Italian period. Today, as you approach the main entrance facing the square, the church houses a permanent exhibition of icons, medieval sculptures, and ecclesiastical artifacts.
At the southeastern edge of the square, near the Arnáldou Gate, stands the Inn of England. When facing the gate, the building appears just inside the medieval walls, marking the point where the fortified Collachium, the Knights’ administrative quarter, gives way to the commercial town beyond. Originally constructed in 1483 to house members of the English langue of the Knights Hospitaller, the building was destroyed in the gunpowder explosion of 1856 and later reconstructed in 1919 during the Italian period, following the original plans.
10) St. Paul's Gate
Saint Paul’s Gate is an outer defensive work of the Old Town’s fortifications. The gate opens at the northwestern edge of Kolóna Harbor, historically the city’s inner and commercial port. This basin has long been animated by fishing boats and local maritime traffic, with Mandráki Harbor and the military harbor of Saint Nicholas lying immediately to the north.
The bastion associated with Saint Paul’s Gate is notable for its careful military design. It contains twelve cannon embrasures, placed to cover the waters of Mandráki and Kolóna, as well as the harbor entrance channel leading toward the Saint Nicholas mole. Like the Saint Athanasius Gate and the d’Amboise Gate, Saint Paul’s Gate was originally equipped with a drawbridge, operated by a system of beams and counterweights. Evidence of this mechanism survives in the form of vertical slots in the exterior wall, where the drawbridge beams were once housed.
On the inner side of the fortifications, within a semi-cylindrical tower immediately south of the gateway, a marble relief displays the coat of arms of Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller Pierre d’Aubusson, alongside those of the Order of Saint John and Pope Sixtus IV. Beneath these heraldic symbols is an effigy of Saint Paul the Apostle, accompanied by a Gothic inscription reading “Sanctus Paul”. Together, these elements date the construction of this section of the northern walls to the late 1470s, during a broader program of fortification and repair directed by d’Aubusson.
During World War II, Saint Paul’s Gate suffered heavy damage and came close to collapse. It was reconstructed in the early 1950s, preserving both its structural form and key decorative elements. Just east of the gate, the foundations of the former Naillac Tower, now vanished, provide a clear vantage point overlooking Mandráki Harbor, the fortifications, and the entrance to Kolóna.
The bastion associated with Saint Paul’s Gate is notable for its careful military design. It contains twelve cannon embrasures, placed to cover the waters of Mandráki and Kolóna, as well as the harbor entrance channel leading toward the Saint Nicholas mole. Like the Saint Athanasius Gate and the d’Amboise Gate, Saint Paul’s Gate was originally equipped with a drawbridge, operated by a system of beams and counterweights. Evidence of this mechanism survives in the form of vertical slots in the exterior wall, where the drawbridge beams were once housed.
On the inner side of the fortifications, within a semi-cylindrical tower immediately south of the gateway, a marble relief displays the coat of arms of Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller Pierre d’Aubusson, alongside those of the Order of Saint John and Pope Sixtus IV. Beneath these heraldic symbols is an effigy of Saint Paul the Apostle, accompanied by a Gothic inscription reading “Sanctus Paul”. Together, these elements date the construction of this section of the northern walls to the late 1470s, during a broader program of fortification and repair directed by d’Aubusson.
During World War II, Saint Paul’s Gate suffered heavy damage and came close to collapse. It was reconstructed in the early 1950s, preserving both its structural form and key decorative elements. Just east of the gate, the foundations of the former Naillac Tower, now vanished, provide a clear vantage point overlooking Mandráki Harbor, the fortifications, and the entrance to Kolóna.
11) Mandraki Harbor and Windmills (must see)
Mandráki Harbor, historically the principal port of the ancient city of Rhodes, today serves primarily as a marina, with private sailboats moored along its long eastern quay. In the summer months, the southwestern quays are animated by excursion boats offering short cruises along the coast to Líndos and to nearby islands.
The harbor is protected by a breakwater jetty approximately 400 meters long, at the end of which stands the Fort of Saint Nicholas. Originally constructed by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century to defend the harbor entrance, the fort remained in military use into the modern era and saw action during World War II. It now incorporates a lighthouse, which continues to guide vessels entering the harbor from the north.
Although popular imagery often suggests otherwise, the ancient Colossus of Rhodes did not stand at Mandráki Harbor. This long-standing myth, frequently repeated on souvenirs and promotional material, has no archaeological support. Instead, the harbor entrance is marked by two modern columns, erected during the Italian period in the early 20th century, each topped with a bronze statue of a stag and a doe, which have become symbolic emblems of Rhodes.
Along the jetty leading toward the fort stand three restored medieval windmills, once used to grind grain unloaded from ships anchored in the harbor. Historical sources suggest that as many as a dozen windmills may originally have lined this structure. The surviving three have been carefully renovated and today form one of Mandráki’s most recognizable landmarks.
The harbor is protected by a breakwater jetty approximately 400 meters long, at the end of which stands the Fort of Saint Nicholas. Originally constructed by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century to defend the harbor entrance, the fort remained in military use into the modern era and saw action during World War II. It now incorporates a lighthouse, which continues to guide vessels entering the harbor from the north.
Although popular imagery often suggests otherwise, the ancient Colossus of Rhodes did not stand at Mandráki Harbor. This long-standing myth, frequently repeated on souvenirs and promotional material, has no archaeological support. Instead, the harbor entrance is marked by two modern columns, erected during the Italian period in the early 20th century, each topped with a bronze statue of a stag and a doe, which have become symbolic emblems of Rhodes.
Along the jetty leading toward the fort stand three restored medieval windmills, once used to grind grain unloaded from ships anchored in the harbor. Historical sources suggest that as many as a dozen windmills may originally have lined this structure. The surviving three have been carefully renovated and today form one of Mandráki’s most recognizable landmarks.
12) Fort of St. Nicholas (must see)
The Fort of Saint Nicholas stands at the end of the Mandráki breakwater, guarding the entrance to the harbor and marking one of the most strategically important points in Rhodes’ medieval defenses. In the early 15th century, the site was initially occupied by a guard tower built by the Knights Hospitaller to control access to the port. Following the Ottoman siege of 1480, the tower was substantially reinforced and expanded into a fortified structure designed to withstand artillery attack. The completed fort took its name from a chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas located within its walls.
The fort played a significant defensive role during the sieges of 1480 and 1522. In 1480, the strengthened harbor defenses helped repel the Ottoman assault, allowing the Knights to retain control of Rhodes. During the second siege in 1522, however, the Ottomans eventually forced the Knights’ surrender, leading to their departure from the island in early 1523.
The fortification was designed specifically to counter the increasing use of cannon warfare, with thick masonry walls and a compact layout that reduced exposure to direct fire. Much of this structure remains intact, contributing to the fort’s strong visual presence at the harbor entrance. In later periods, the fort continued to serve military purposes and was adapted during World War II, after which a lighthouse was installed to guide vessels entering Mandráki Harbor.
Today, the Fort of Saint Nicholas is primarily appreciated from the outside. Visitors can walk along the breakwater leading to the fort, which follows the line of earlier defensive works and offers views back toward Mandráki Harbor, the medieval walls, and the windmills. This route provides a clear sense of the fort’s role within the wider harbor defense system and its enduring place in the maritime landscape of Rhodes.
The fort played a significant defensive role during the sieges of 1480 and 1522. In 1480, the strengthened harbor defenses helped repel the Ottoman assault, allowing the Knights to retain control of Rhodes. During the second siege in 1522, however, the Ottomans eventually forced the Knights’ surrender, leading to their departure from the island in early 1523.
The fortification was designed specifically to counter the increasing use of cannon warfare, with thick masonry walls and a compact layout that reduced exposure to direct fire. Much of this structure remains intact, contributing to the fort’s strong visual presence at the harbor entrance. In later periods, the fort continued to serve military purposes and was adapted during World War II, after which a lighthouse was installed to guide vessels entering Mandráki Harbor.
Today, the Fort of Saint Nicholas is primarily appreciated from the outside. Visitors can walk along the breakwater leading to the fort, which follows the line of earlier defensive works and offers views back toward Mandráki Harbor, the medieval walls, and the windmills. This route provides a clear sense of the fort’s role within the wider harbor defense system and its enduring place in the maritime landscape of Rhodes.
13) Colossus of Rhodes
According to legend, the Colossus of Rhodes stood astride the entrance to Mandraki Harbor, with one foot on each side of the harbor mouth, allowing ships to sail between its legs as they entered the port.
However, it’s worth noting that this dramatic image comes from later medieval accounts. Most modern historians and archaeologists agree that the Colossus of Rhodes did not stand astride the entrance to Mandráki Harbor, as such a pose would have been impractical and unsupported by ancient sources. No contemporary account places the statue spanning the harbor, and the idea is generally regarded as a later invention. The true location of the Colossus remains uncertain, though many scholars favor an inland setting, possibly near a sanctuary of Helios or on elevated ground overlooking the harbor.
The colossal bronze statue was erected in the early 3rd century BC to commemorate Rhodes’ successful defense against Demetrius Poliorcetes, who besieged the city for nearly a year. Ancient writers credit the sculptor Khares of Lindos, a pupil of Lysippos, with the project, which reportedly took twelve years to complete. The Colossus stood approximately 33–35 meters high, making it one of the tallest statues of the ancient world. Later sources relate that each of its fingers was as large as a man, though such details belong more to literary tradition than measurable fact. Stories claiming that Khares took his own life over a design flaw are also legendary and cannot be securely verified.
In 226 BC, an earthquake struck Rhodes, causing the statue to collapse at the knees. Ancient authors note that the fallen remains were considered awe-inspiring, and an oracle, traditionally identified as the Delphic Oracle, advised the Rhodians not to rebuild the monument. The fragments were therefore left where they lay for several centuries.
According to later historical accounts, the remains of the Colossus were finally removed in AD 653, when Arab forces captured Rhodes and sold the bronze as scrap. Medieval writers claim that the metal was transported by hundreds of camels.
However, it’s worth noting that this dramatic image comes from later medieval accounts. Most modern historians and archaeologists agree that the Colossus of Rhodes did not stand astride the entrance to Mandráki Harbor, as such a pose would have been impractical and unsupported by ancient sources. No contemporary account places the statue spanning the harbor, and the idea is generally regarded as a later invention. The true location of the Colossus remains uncertain, though many scholars favor an inland setting, possibly near a sanctuary of Helios or on elevated ground overlooking the harbor.
The colossal bronze statue was erected in the early 3rd century BC to commemorate Rhodes’ successful defense against Demetrius Poliorcetes, who besieged the city for nearly a year. Ancient writers credit the sculptor Khares of Lindos, a pupil of Lysippos, with the project, which reportedly took twelve years to complete. The Colossus stood approximately 33–35 meters high, making it one of the tallest statues of the ancient world. Later sources relate that each of its fingers was as large as a man, though such details belong more to literary tradition than measurable fact. Stories claiming that Khares took his own life over a design flaw are also legendary and cannot be securely verified.
In 226 BC, an earthquake struck Rhodes, causing the statue to collapse at the knees. Ancient authors note that the fallen remains were considered awe-inspiring, and an oracle, traditionally identified as the Delphic Oracle, advised the Rhodians not to rebuild the monument. The fragments were therefore left where they lay for several centuries.
According to later historical accounts, the remains of the Colossus were finally removed in AD 653, when Arab forces captured Rhodes and sold the bronze as scrap. Medieval writers claim that the metal was transported by hundreds of camels.
Walking Tours in Rhodes, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Rhodes
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rhodes is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Gates and Walls Tour
Owing to its geographical location, as a gateway to the Aegean Sea, Rhodes has always had a vantage position on trade routes between the West and the East – well protected against both foreign invaders and corsairs sailing the Mediterranean waters. The early defense system of Rhodes dates back as far as the 4th century BC.
Starting the Middle Ages – the year 1309, when the Knights... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Starting the Middle Ages – the year 1309, when the Knights... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Acropolis of Rhodes
The Acropolis of Rhodes on Monte Smith is an ancient archaeological site. The excavations and restoration works here began under the Italian administration of the island (from 1912 to 1945) and continue to this day. This historic location is home to several significant structures dating back to the Hellenistic period (3rd to 2nd century BC) offering a glimpse into the history and culture of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Medieval Town Walking Tour
The medieval town of Rhodes, where every street, square, or building evokes a story about ancient times, is a living museum in its own right. Being one of the best-preserved medieval walled towns in Europe, this enchanting area boasts several remarkable locations and is quite deservedly declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Welcoming you at its entrance is the Liberty (or Eleftherias) Gate.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Welcoming you at its entrance is the Liberty (or Eleftherias) Gate.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Mandraki Harbor Tour
Mandraki, one of the three harbors of Rhodes, is by far the most famous of them. For centuries, this “front door” of the island has welcomed visitors to Rhodes from far and away. In large part (and quite literally so), the reason for its popularity was the enormous statue of Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, that used to crown the harbor's entrance, adding a sense... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
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