Rodhos

A millennia-old chronicle: from city-states to the Knights

The history of Rhodes is inextricably linked to its strategic position. Founded in 408 BC through the union of the island's three great city-states — Lindos, Ialysos and Kameiros — the city of Rhodes rapidly became a leading commercial and cultural center of the Hellenistic world. It was during this golden age that the legendary Colossus was erected, the giant bronze statue dedicated to Helios that dominated the entrance to the harbor. After the decline of Greek independence, the island passed under Roman and then Byzantine rule, always maintaining a key role along the maritime routes to the Holy Land.

The decisive turning point came in 1309, when the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem took possession of the island, transforming it into a mighty Christian stronghold at the heart of the Aegean. For over two centuries, Rhodes was the bulwark against the Ottoman advance, until the capitulation of 1522 following a heroic siege. Turkish rule lasted until 1912, when Italy occupied the Dodecanese, launching a vast program of restoration and public works that gave the modern city its present-day appearance, before its definitive reunification with Greece in 1948.

The Palace of the Grand Master

Atop the Old Town rises the Palace of the Grand Master, the citadel within the citadel. Originally built in the 14th century as the administrative seat and residence of the head of the Order of the Knights, the building impresses with its imposing crenellated towers and the appearance of an impregnable fortress. Although much of the original structure was damaged by an explosion in 1856, the palace was meticulously rebuilt during the Italian period. Inside, spacious halls house precious Hellenistic and Roman-era floor mosaics from the island of Kos, along with exhibitions recounting the daily life and deeds of the Knights.

The Port of Mandraki and the myth of the Colossus

Mandraki is Rhodes' ancient military harbor, today bustling with yachts and excursion boats. At the harbor entrance, where legend has it the feet of the Colossus of Rhodes once stood, two columns now rise topped with bronze statues of a stag and a doe (Elafos and Elafina), symbols of the city. Along the pier stand three characteristic medieval windmills and the Fortress of St. Nicholas, which serves as a lighthouse. This spot is the beating heart of modern Rhodes, where an evening stroll blends with the sea breeze and the scenic view of the walls reflected in the water.

Lindos: the island's white pearl

Located about 50 kilometers south of the capital, Lindos is an unmissable stop. It appears as a cascade of white Cycladic-style houses clinging to the rock, dominated by a spectacular acropolis encircled by medieval walls. Climbing on foot or donkey-back through the winding lanes, you reach the Doric temple of Athena Lindia, perched on a cliff plunging into the sea. The view over St. Paul's Bay, with its heart shape and turquoise waters, is one of the most iconic images of all Greece. Lindos retains a timeless charm despite its touristic popularity.

Traditions and flavors of the Dodecanese

The cuisine of Rhodes is a triumph of local ingredients enriched by Middle Eastern influences. You cannot leave the island without trying 'pitaroudia', crispy chickpea fritters with mint and onion, or 'melekouni', a traditional sweet made from honey and sesame typical of weddings. Wine production has ancient roots: local wines, especially those grown on the slopes of Mount Attavyros, are among the best in Greece. Folk traditions come alive during religious festivals (panigiria), where lyre music and group dances bring entire villages together in a ritual of conviviality that unites generations.

When to go and how to experience the island

Rhodes enjoys a privileged climate with over 300 sunny days a year. Spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) are the best times to visit: temperatures are pleasant, nature is lush, and crowds are moderate. Summer is ideal for those seeking beach life and nightlife, though the heat can be intense. To experience the island authentically, it is advisable to rent a car to venture beyond the classic routes, visiting mountain villages such as Embonas or Siana, where Greek hospitality (philoxenia) still manifests itself in its purest and most genuine form.