Welcome to Rhodes
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Maybe it is rather futile to advise one how to approach these islands,
or which would be the fastest or most convenient route. There are many
ways - by airplane, by ship, yacht or boat, even by swimming. The best
way to discover these islands, however, is the road of history.
Then one's soul becomes one with the Aegean; one does not want to part from these islands and the sea. If we go, memory will haunt us and call us back. Follow then an archaic, Hellenistic, Byzantine or postbyzantine itinerary, and you shall see Rhodes.
The largest island of the Dodecanese. Here the sun rules all the year long, summer extends and branches into other seasons, warming them with its breath.
The famous Colossus which used to stand in the port of Rhodes, Mandraki, in Antiquity was one of the seven wonders of the world.
The city of Rhodes, at the north end of the island, presents a dual face. The old town is encircled by medieval castles; there are narrow lanes, stone mansions, churches, the Knights' Castle, Knights' Hospital and the Castello. Then the new city extends beyond these suggestive walls - with its wide streets, beautiful buildings, glamorous hotels and shops full of characteristic items of Rhodian folk art.
Places to see in the old town:
- The Knights' Castle. It was completed in the 14th century and today reminds us of the Crusaders, defenders of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.
- On both sides of the old town's central road - known as the Knights' Way - lie the Inns of the seven nations that made up the Knights' Order of the 12th century.
- The Knights' Hospital, an impressive two-storied building of the 15th century with a central yard, now houses the Archaeological Museum and its rich collection, including the famous Venus of Rhodes.
- Characteristic items of traditional local art can be seen in the Folk Art Museum.
- At the end of the Knights'Way lies the palace of the Great Magisters, housing a brilliant collection of Western-type 16th and 17th century furniture, Roman and proto-Christian mosaic floors from Kos as well as various proto-Christian sculptures.
Lindos
The view from
the Acropolis of Lindos is enchanting - Modern Lindos is a hospitable white-painted
village, built at the foot of the Acropolis; its narrow lanes, red-tiled
roofs, old houses and bright azure sea cannot be forgotten by the visitor.
Only 2
km. to the west from the town of Rhodes, where Monte Smith is, lies the
Acropolis of Ancient Lindos. Here we can see many impressive finds, as
are the ruins of a Temple of Apollo, of the ancient Stadium and the School
of Music. The island has superb beaches for comfortable holidays.
Many cultural events take place in Rhodes during the summer months: e.g.
"Sound And Light" (beginning of April - end of October), performances
in the palace of the Great Magisters as well as folk dances by Nelli Dimoglou
(June to October) in the theater of the old town.
Rhodes has good asphalt-paved roads. Buses connect the town to the rest of the island. Travel agencies daily organize trips and visits to archaeological sites, areas of historic interest and other places worth seeing in the locality.
How to get there
Rhodes is accessible by boat from Piraeus, by air from Athens and other international airports. Mandraki is a port of entry and exit. Port, customs and sanitary authorities are here, as well as a yacht refueling station.
Useful telephone numbers
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