Marine Gate
Ah, here we are — the Marine Gate, or as we called it, the Sea Gate. Built back in 1478 by my fellow Knights of St. John — a fine bit of work, if I may say so. It served as one of the grand entrances to the city, right from the harbor. In those days, this place was always full of life — merchants, sailors, knights… and the occasional spy, of course.Take a good look at those towers — tall, round, and strong. We designed them that way so enemy cannonballs would glance off. Clever, eh? And there — the archway. Above it, you’ll spot carvings of the Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptist, and St. Peter, keeping watch over all who passed through.Mind your head as we go in — not because of the arch, but because in my day, there was always a bucket of water waiting to surprise new recruits. Some traditions, thankfully, didn’t survive the centuries.Come along then — the streets of the old town await!
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
Now this place brings back memories.You now stand before what we once called the Hospital of the Knights. We began building it in 1440, and — true to tradition — it took nearly 50 years to finish. Grand Master Pierre d’Aubusson oversaw its completion in 1489. He was very proud of it, and rightly so. The sick were cared for upstairs, while the ground floor held stables and supplies.Today, it’s the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, filled with statues, pottery, mosaics, even jewelry. The courtyard is a gem itself, with mosaic floors and a proud stone lion carved from local stone.There’s a small fee to enter — but I promise, it’s worth it.
Cathedral of Our Lady
Now look ahead — that proud stone building is the Cathedral of Our Lady, or as the locals call it, Panagia tou Kastrou.When I first came to Rhodes, it was already standing, built in the 11th century by the Byzantines. A fine church even then… though I daresay we made a few improvements.In the 14th century, we knights rebuilt it in the Gothic style — tall arches, pointed windows, the works. We dedicated it to the Virgin Mary, our guiding star in many a storm. It stood at the very heart of our spiritual life — weddings, ceremonies, and of course… confessions. Some longer than others.But time, as always, brings change. After the Ottomans took Rhodes in 1522, the cathedral became a mosque — the Cantouri Mosque. Minarets were added, the bells silenced, and the prayers spoken in a different tongue.Then, centuries later, in 1940, the Italians arrived. They restored the church, removing many of the Ottoman additions — perhaps a bit too enthusiastically, if you ask me.
Street of the Knights
Ah… now this, my friend, is a road that remembers. Welcome to the Street of the Knights — or, as we called it, "Ippoton." Not much has changed since my day… and that’s saying something after 700 years!This cobbled path stretches from the Church of Our Lady of the Castle behind you, all the way up to the Palace of the Grand Master . It was the very heart of knightly life in Rhodes.Each building along this street once housed a different "langue" — that’s what we called the national divisions of our Order. France, Italy, Spain, England… each had their own residence here. You can still see the different coats of arms above the doorways. A bit like medieval dormitories — but with more armor and considerably less sleep.At night, the street grows quiet. And some say — if you walk it alone in the silence — you might just hear the faint sound of hooves on stone… echoes of the knights returning home after patrol. Or perhaps it’s just the wind.Go on — take a slow walk. Feel the grooves in the stone where countless boots, hooves, and wheels have passed.
Palace of the Grand Master
Ah, now this is more like it — welcome to the Palace of the Grand Master. Or as we simply called it — the Castello.Built in the early 14th century, this was the heart of our Order: part fortress, part residence, and entirely impressive. Here we held councils, welcomed kings, and, on occasion… argued over wine rations.When the Ottomans took Rhodes, they turned the palace into a prison — not quite as glamorous. Then in 1856, a nearby gunpowder magazine exploded and blew much of it apart. Very rude.The Italians arrived in 1912, restored the palace, and used it as a summer residence for King Victor Emmanuel III… and later, Mussolini — though I imagine he preferred the title “Grand Master.”Today, the palace is a museum and a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s a small entrance fee, but inside awaits centuries of stories — some grand, some grim, all worth hearing.Now then… shall we step inside the halls of history?
Medieval Moat and Walls
The first stones were laid by the Byzantines in the 7th century, dividing the city into three parts: the Acropolis, the Upper Town, and the Lower Town. But when we Knights took Rhodes, we knew those old walls wouldn’t be enough.So we rebuilt, reinforced, and extended them — nearly two-fifths longer. Towers, gates, a mighty moat — and in 1480, it all paid off. The Ottomans, led by none other than Mehmed II, came with a massive army. But these walls held. And so did we.Stretching nearly 4 kilometers, 12 meters thick in places — this was no decoration. It was survival in stone.Today, you can walk through the old moat — about 2.5 kilometers, if your legs are feeling brave. It’ll take 25, maybe 30 minutes. No longer full of water or traps, I promise… but the sense of power? Still very much there.So go on — take the walk.
Clock Tower (Roloi)
The Clock Tower, built in the 7th century, was damaged by an explosion in 1856 but was rebuilt with Baroque elements by Fethi Pasha. The tower has undergone several renovations since then but remains functional. A steep staircase leads to the top, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Old Town of Rhodes. Please note that there may be an entrance fee to access the tower.
Mosque of Suleiman
The Mosque of Suleiman is on top of the Medieval Town's hill at the end of Socratous Street. The mosque dates back to the 16th century, following the conquest of Rhodes by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1522, as a symbol of his victory. It was the first mosque built in Rhodes and took its current form after being rebuilt in 1808. The monument received an honorary distinction from Europa Nostra in 2006.
Socratous Street
A short walk from Hippocrates Square will take you to Socratous Street, the main shopping street. Socratous Street has been a bustling commercial center for centuries, where local merchants have historically traded their goods. Nowadays, along Socratous Street, there are plenty of souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants. At the end of the street stands the Suleiman Mosque, a significant landmark.
Church of the Virgin of the Burgh
Now here stands a place close to the heart — or rather, what remains of it.This was the Church of the Virgin of the Burgh. One of the very first churches we Knights Hospitaller built here in Rhodes, likely in the 14th century. A fine Gothic structure in its day — with pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and quiet beauty.It served the Catholic faithful of the town until the early 1500s. But when the great Siege came in 1522, the Ottomans brought more than soldiers — they brought fire and ruin. The church was destroyed during the battle, and never rebuilt.Today, only three arches and a small chapel remain. But if you stand still, listen closely, and let the wind carry your thoughts, you may just catch the faint memory of chants that once filled this space.
