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Top 10Rhodes Old Town

This medieval citadel at the heart of Rhodes Town, the capital of Rhodes island, is a “living museum” showcasing the ancient and the medieval areas of the city. The Knights Hospitallers occupied the city from 1309 and transformed it into a formidable stronghold, but in 1522 Suleiman the Magnificent, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, conquered the Knights. The walled city boasts outstanding buildings from both periods, including the Palace of the Grand Masters, Street of the Knights, mosques and hammams.



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1Palace of the Grand Masters

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Located in the citadel in the Collachium area, this is a replica of the original Knights’ palace destroyed in 1856. The Italians rebuilt it and it is a museum now.

2Hóra

The citadel is divided into two main areas, the Collachium and the larger Hóra (Bourg), home to some of the city’s busiest streets. Street cafés vie for attention with markets full of stalls.

3Street of the Knights

A cobbled street with arched bridges and lined with the Inns of the Tongues, this famous site dates from the 14th century. Although remodelled, it is recognised as one of the world’s finest examples of Gothic urbanism.

4Medieval City Walls

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The Knights built the walls on Byzantine fortifications to completely encircle and thus protect their city. The 4-km- (6-mile-) long walls contain a labyrinth of tiny alleyways.

5Archaeological Museum, Rhodes

Known for its amphorae collection and artifacts, this museum is housed in the Hospital of the Knights. Its infirmary is the main exhibition hall.

6Jewish Quarter

This area dates from the 1st century AD. The Plateía Martýron Evraíon has a very moving monument to the Rhodian Jews who died in WWII concentration camps.

7Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent

Erected as a triumphal mosque by Suleiman in 1522, the present structure was built in 1808 using materials from the original.

8Marine Gate

Dominating the Plateía Ippokrátous, Pýli Agías Aikaterínis, known as Marine Gate, is a mighty bastion of two towers and is the most magnificent of all the gates leading to the inner Old Town.

9Temple of Venus

Thought to date from the 3rd century BC, this temple was identified as dedicated to Venus due to the nature of votive offerings found by archaeologists. The remaining columns and fragments demonstrate that Rhodes was of major importance during the Hellenistic period as well as during medieval times.

10Municipal Museum of Modern Greek Art

This impressive collection features a permanent exhibition of important contemporary Greek art as well as several special themed exhibitions throughout the year.


Tip: A special combined ticket allows entry to some of the churches and museums here.


Tip: Head for the Plateía Ippokrátous, Plateía Martýron Evraíon and Sókra tou Sokrátous for the best choice of cafés.

Inns of the Tongues

The Knights Hospitallers, Order of St John of Jerusalem, were divided by nationality into groups known as “Tongues”. Each had their meeting place (inn), with their Coat of Arms, and these lined the Street of the Knights. The Inn of Provence and Chapelle Francaise are on the street’s north side, while on the south is Spain, one of the largest inns.

Visitor Information

  • Palace of the Grand Masters
  • Ippotón, Rhodes Old Town
  • 22413 65270
  • open 8:30am–3pm daily
  • adm €6, concessions €3
  • Archaeological Museum, Rhodes
  • Hospital of the Knights, Plateía Mouseíou
  • 22410 31048
  • open 9am–4pm Tue–Sun (to 3pm winter)
  • adm €6, concessions €4
  • Municipal Museum of Modern Greek Art
  • Symi Square, Rhodes Old Town
  • 22410 23776
  • open 9am–2pm Apr–Oct; winter: call ahead
  • adm €3, concessions €1
  • Temple of Venus, Rhodes Old Town
  • free