Monuments

The architecture of the walled Medieval city of Rhodes is dominated by the Western European style of the time and was mixed with local Aegean additions during the Knights period (1309 – 1522).

To these unique styles of architecture elements were added by Muslim Turks who occupied the island in 1523. The medieval city of Rhodes then fell into the hands of the Italians who took the Island from the Turks in 1912, the ideal place to gather the monumental wealth of the Middle Ages.

Monumental is the Lady of the Castle, it is the largest and oldest surviving church in the Medieval city dating back to the 11^th century A.D. Its original form belonged to the architectural style of the Cruciform Church with a dome, but it was converted into a basilica with Gothic nave vaults in the Knights period. The church had different uses over time. Originally an Orthodox Christian Cathedral at the time of the Knights (1309 – 1522) it was established as the Catholic Christian Church and the Cathedral of the Latins, during the Turkish occupation (1522 – 1912) it was used as a mosque and then until recently as a Museum. Today the church is in the hands of the archaeologists in charge of restoration.

As well as the historical interests that draw many visitors, the Medieval City also hosts a wide variety of hotels, shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

2. Acropolis of Rhodes (Monte Smith Hill or St Stephens)

Visit the ruins of the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes and admire the important antiquities preserved in the beautiful archaeological park that is perfect for archaeological and ecological walks.

There you will have the opportunity to tour the restored ancient stadium of Diagoras and enjoy the sunset. Next to the stadium is a small marble theater which today hosts musical and theatrical performances, just as in antiquity. On the hilltop overlooking the Acropolis of the ancient Rhodes, where in-between the ruins stands some columns from the Temple of Apollo, testifying to the visitor all its ancient splendor. In the northern part of the Acropolis lie the broken ruins of the temples of Athena and Apollo.

 Free entrance

Opening Hours: Open Site
Approachable by: By car, by bus, by taxi, on foot

Address: Monte Smith Hill, Rhodes 85100, Greece

Built during the Italian occupation when the Governor of the Dodecanese was Mario Lago. It is of architectural interest as it is a combination of Byzantine, Arab Ottoman and Venetian lines. The construction started on March 26^th 1925, and on May 24^th 1927, the inauguration took place in the presence of local authorities and important personalities from Italy and Egypt.

It had elegant furniture from the most famous houses of the era, the latest machinery, facilities and services that other world class hotels did not have. In 1929 the casino opened attracting many visitors. When on November 22^nd 1936, the newly appointed Governor of the Dodecanese, Cesare Maria de Vecchi Conte di Val Gismon renovated it with a simpler style. It soon became a place of hospitality, accommodating large groups of jet-setters and celebrities of the era, as well as important historical events such as the signing of the Treaty establishing the State of Israel in 1948. After the incorporation of the Dodecanese to Greece, the hotel of the Roses became the property of the Greek State and the September 1955 administration of the company was “Astir SA”. Soon after it was passed to the city of Rhodes and in the mid 1970’s it stopped working until it was reopened by the company Casino Inc on April 2^nd 1999 and continues its illustrious career in tourism.

4. Lindos

On the southeast coast of Rhodes, fifty-five kilometers from the city of Rhodes lies the picturesque village of Lindos It is famous for its narrow cobbled streets and white houses. The houses having floors and patios paved with ornate designs from pebbles (chochlakaki), painted ceilings, sofrades and walls adorned with brightly colored plates is one of the reasons why this village has been declared a landmark.

Worth visiting are the Captain’s Houses with their high walls and vaulted entrances (pyliones), coats of arms and heavy wooden doors, which were built during the period from the 16^th to the 18^th century, the Church of Our Lady of Lindos with studding frescoes of the 15^th century in the village center, the Tomb of Kleovoulou a building of the 6^th century which is in fact  the tomb of a wealthy family of Lindos and the grave of the “Archokrateion” from the Hellenistic period. Of all the Captain’s houses the only one you are able to visit is the house of Captain Papakonstantis.

Standing on a the top of a one hundred and sixteen meter high cliff is the Acropolis of Lindos with the Temple of Athena Lindia from the 4^th century, the Propylaea [gates], the great Hellenistic Stoa and The Byzantine church of Saint John which was the governor of the Knights quarters. There is a second century BC carving at the base of the cliff.

For the Acropolis of Lindos:Opening Hours: Click HERE

Address: Lindos, Rhodes 85107, Greece
Telephone number: 22440 31258

For the Captain΄s House of Papakonstanti please contact: 22440 31613

5.    The Kallithea Springs

Next to the monument you can enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea or stroll around the picturesque cove with its stunning natural beauty and artistic compositions crafted into pebble mosaics.

The specially designed rooms hold works from past and present artists, a permanent exhibition of photographs show the past and future sources of Kallithea, this area often holds organized cultural and artistic exhibitions, festivals, concerts and many other events.

OpeningHours: Click HERE

Address: Kallithea, Rhodes 851 00, Greece
Telephone number: 22410 37090 – 22410 65691
Website: www.kallitheasprings.gr

The ancient city of Ialysos extends around the hill of Filerimos, where you can find an the Acropolis of Ialysos and its ancient ruins, you may also find ruins from the byzantine and Knights period such as, the temple of Athena Polias dating from 2^nd or 3^rd century BC. In the Doric temple stands the foundation of the statue of Athena and some columns and pits, where figurines, pottery and metal objects where found. At the same site indications were found that the temple apart from worshipping Athena it was also used to worship Zeus Polieus.

In the Southwestern area of Filerimos you can walk along the path named the Witness of Golgotha, this road was built by Latin Priests, and etched on 12 stone columns are the stations of the cross, the steps that the Lord made as he ascended Golgotha. At the end of this path one ends up in a small square, in the middle of which the imposing cross is located, identical that which existed in 1934. The view from a height of 267 meters is incredible.

Address: Filerimos, Ialysos 851 01, Greece
Telephone number: 22410 92202

7.   Ancient Kamiros

Ancient Kamiros was, with Lindos and Ialysos, one of the three ancient cities of the island, and an important commercial center for the Archaic of the Hellenistic Age. It was the most conservative of the three cities and supported the life and growth with agricultural production. It was discovered in 1929, during excavations in the region. It was built in the hillside overlooking the sea, without any fortifications .

In the archaeological site today are the ruins of the Hellenistic- Roman city of Kamiros and exact parts of houses and buildings, the Agora, the Doric Temple with a few arches, the Hellenistic Temple, the central street of the city, the ruins of the aqueduct and traces of the Temple of Athena. Near the archaeological site stands the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, in the same position as in the third century B.C. temple of Athena. It is located thirty kilometers southwest of Rhodes Town.

Opening Hours: Click HERE

Address: Ancient Kamiros, Rhodes 851 06, Greece
Telephone number: 22410 40037

8. The Vroulia

It is an ancient settlement located at the southernmost tip of the island of Rhodes opposite Prassonisi.

This ancient settlement had early organized city planning, but as finding have shown, life in the settlement was very limited. Today the small harbor is a safe haven for small fishing boats.