Rhodes is the largest member of the Dodecanese Archipelago. The prosperity of the island was mentioned by Homer several times since it acquired colonies in Asia Minor and in the territory of modern day France even in times before Christ. The city was built on the grounds of three ancient palaces in 408 BC and it was put on the map by being named one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Colossus of Rhodes. The modern city mixes the ancient network of streets and the medieval gothic buildings with oriental style minarets and mosques.
The center of the town is the Hippocrates Square decorated with a fountain. There’s a nice view of the lively square from the terraces of the surrounding taverns and restaurants. The busy streets with several little shops are like a Turkish bazaar which is no coincidence since we are in the Turkish district. The Osmanli as in the case of very conquered area, left their mark on this place in the form of Turkish baths, mosques and minarets.
In the harbor stands St. Steven’s Cathedral which is well known for its clock tower and next to it, is the ornamented building of the prefecture, a remnant of Italian occupation. Lia Agora, the Moorish style marketplace and the beach fit well into this environment. The Johannite military order worked on Rhodes from 1306 to 1522. The street of the knights which is one of the most pleasant parts of the city starts from the palace of the grand master. The surprisingly sound ancient monument itself would warrant a visit to the island of Rhodes. The order of the militant monks who wore red vests decorated with the crucifix over their chain armor became extremely wealthy by obtaining with papal assistance the fortune of their rival, the dissolved order of the temple.
Their fleet of black galleys played a significant role in commercial shipping. Meanwhile, they were continuously working on fortifying their towns. The 15 meter thick castle walls rebutted even two Ottoman attacks but they could not defy the 100,000 strong army of Suleiman I and the sultan conquered Rhodes. Afterwards, the knights were expelled to the island of Crete, then Malta and their order has been known as the order of Malta ever since.
The second most visited place of the island is Lindos. The harbor can be seen clearly from the mountain where Apostle Paul was believed to have found shelter from the stormy sea. The white houses frame the mountain like a collar on which the gray citadel stands. First the temple devoted to Athena was erected on the 120 meter high cliff, then a castle was built on this place in Byzantine times which was later altered to a real fortress by Johannite knights. The Acropolis of 8.5 square meters can be reached only after a long walk up the stairs. Riding a donkey for this journey is not so tiring and much more exciting. By the way, the donkey is a characteristic means of transport in Greece so it’s worth getting familiar with it.
Because of increase tourist trade, the village has been beautifully renovated. Almost every house has opened a shop, tavern, bar or ice cream bar where we can find the indispensable souvenirs or taste the specialties of Greek cuisine. Luckily, multistoreyed hotel blocks are unknown here. Instead, rather familiar six or eight room guest houses can be found. The residents can make a trip to the Valley of Butterflies a specialty of Rhodes.