The town of Rhodes has been inhabited for more than 2,400 years. A city was first built here in 408BC, and when the crusading Knights of St John conquered Rhodes in 1309, they built their citadel over these ancient remains. The Knights’ medieval citadel, dominated by the Palace of the Grand Masters, encircles the Old Town, which was entered through one of the 11 gates built into the defending wall. Koskinoú (St John’s) Gate, which leads into the Bourg quarter, has the best view of the city’s defences.
The Knights of St John were Crusaders who conquered Rhodes after leaving the Holy Land.
Koskinoú
(St John’s) Gate, one of the entrances to the Bourg quarter.
Plateía Ippokrátous Square, in front of the Marine Gate, the square has a medieval fountain.
This area was the Jewish quarter from 1st century AD until Germans occupied Rhodes during the Second World War, and has the city’s remaining synagogue.
The walls, dating from 1330, are up to 12m (40ft) thick and 4km (2 miles) long.
This Marine Gate (Pýli Agías Aikaterínis), with twin towers, is the main route into the Old Town from the harbour.
The Library of Ahmet Havuz has a collection of exquisite and rare Arabic and Persian manuscripts.
First built in 1523, the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent commemorates the Sultan’s conquest of Rhodes.
The final line of defence for the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Masters now has two permanent exhibitions.
Housed in the flamboyant Gothic Knights’ hospital, built in 1481, the Archaeological Museum has a large collection.
Lining the Street of the Knights are the various Inns of the Knights, one for Germany, Spain, France and Italy.
Keeping watch The castle of St Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, now operates as a lighthouse.