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Answers for JAN/FEB 2022 Across: 1 Mexico, 5 Tip-off, 8 Beta, 9 Employer, 10 Parcels, 11 Opus, 13 Beast of burden, 16 Shut, 17 Admiral, 20 Sunshade, 21 Evil, 22 Canyon, 23 Taller. Down: 2 Elevate, 3 Isaac, 4 Overlook, 5 Type, 6 Prosper, 7 Feeds, 12 Obedient, 14 Squishy, 15 Examine, 16 Sauna, 18 Ideal, 19 Vain.

esCaPe to rhodes

by rebecca underwood, travel Journalist

Rhodes lalysos - photo by Region of South Aegean

For those tempted to escape for a while, consider an adventure on the beautiful Greek island of Rhodes, located on the on the crossroads between Cyprus, Turkey and Egypt and on the eastern shores of the glittering azure waters of the Aegean Sea.

The capital of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is known as the island of knights, and the city of Rhodes, in the north, attracts thousands of visitors captivated by its rich and colourful history. Fortified by towering walls and gates, this well preserved treasure was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

Prior to the Covid 19 pandemic I was fortunate the visit the island and I took a leisurely stroll around the medieval town and noted the unnamed streets and narrow meandering lanes. I was instantly mesmerised and distinctly aware that I was walking in the footsteps of the Knights of St John who ruled the region from 1309 until 1522 and I stopped to admire the imposing medieval buildings, the traditional fountains, the quaint shops crammed with colourful trinkets and the beautifully ornate Byzantine and Gothic churches.

Seeking a stylish place to stay, I checked into the luxurious, Kokkini Porta Rossa, a peaceful boutique hotel, located in the centre of the Old Town and a stone’s throw from the Gate of St. John. Built on the site of a knight’s residence, a small church dedicated to St. John and an armoury, the hotel presents many intriguing touches of a bygone era. At the end of 1522, when the Knights relinquished Rhodes to the Ottomans, a number of Greek, Turkish and Jewish families shared the property, and although it is now a hotel it has retained the warmth of a home.

The Kokkini Porta Rossa offers six spacious suites and I was privileged to be allocated the Katina suite, which measures 52 square metres. Features include a sumptuous king double bed swathed in cool, crisp Frette bedding, which ensured a deep slumber. The tranquil and comfortable open-plan sleeping and lounging areas offer intoxicating views of the castle wall, the hotel’s chapel and part of the Old Town and the gorgeous bathroom features a freestanding tub and a separate walk-in shower with a 40cm rainfall shower head; perfect for invigorating morning ablutions.

Up with the larks, I made my way to the western edge of the city and there on top of the Ayios Stefanos hill is the unmistakeable view of the unfortified Acropolis of Rhodes, which dates back to 200 BC. Climbing the hill, I entered through the entrance of the medieval castle of the Knights of St John and the Byzantine Chapel of St John and then took a stroll around the ruins, casting my inquisitive eyes over the public buildings, temples and sanctuaries, all built on stepped terraces. The temple of Pythian Apollo, which stands on a rectangular terrace at the southern end of the site, features spectacular columns and parts of the architrave have been well restored.