11
13
12
14
16
17
18
29 IO U
19
MA K
AR
NAILLAC PIER ST. PAUL GATE
MUSEUM OF MODERN GREEK ART ART GALLERY
US
WC
VALLEY OF THE BUTTERFLIES
P. Kalamonas
1,4
Faliraki
S
Kalythies
Faliraki b. 2
Anthony Quinn b.
C
Mandriko
Kamiros-Rhodos T. 22410 40500
U
GAV ALA FID
MUNICIPAL CLINIC
IA
Apollona
M. Amartou Kritinias Castle
26
M. Apollona
Kritinia
7
Platania
PRAXITELOUS
S NI NOS IRI EKATO U IO
.E
H FT
KIMONOS
H RC
27
5
M. Arganta
Panagia Tsampika
S
Tsampika b.
21
Mt. Attavyros 1,215m
Archaggelos Castle
M. Artomati
Stegna b.
Malona
P
S
Ag. Agathi C. Archaggelou
Lakki
Massari Gadoura Dam
37
15
Laerma
BASTION DEL CARRETTO
C. Armenistis
22
M. Tharri
Siana
M. Panagia
M. Ypsenis
Monolithos
23
S
S
Kalathos b.
Pylonas Monolithou Castle
6
Lardos Panagia Lindou
28 Lindos
Apolakkia b.
P
WI-FI
Asklipieiou Castle
S
Apolakkia
M. Filimonos Arnitha
P
Vliha b.
Profilia
Apolakkia Dam
MEDIEVAL MOAT TOWER OF THE VIRGIN MARY
P
Istrios
Fournoi b.
A
C. Haraki Haraki b.
Kalathos
Monastiri
P
MEDIEVAL MOAT THEATER
21
S
Agathi b. Faraklou Castle
Haraki
Ag. Isidoros
Stelies
C. Agios Georgios
AGHIOS ATHANASIOS GATE
S
C. Vagia
Archaggelos
ILOS NIKAS . SQ OS KIMON. SQ
19 P
Embonas
Tragouissa Isl.
S
Kolymbia b.
SPRINGS
S Glyfada b.
TLIPOLEMOU
Kolymbia
20
M. Agios Nektatiou kryoneriou
Makry Isl.
www.oldkamiros.com
AKANDA GATE
Archipoli
Mt. Profitis Ilias 800m
Koutsoutis
P
18
Eleousa
Nanoi
C. Kopria
S
Afandou b.
Dimylia
Salakos
M. Nanous Panormiti
Skala Kamirou
Stroggylo Isl.
EF
P Afandou
5
Alimia Isl.
S
Ladiko b.
Psinthos
AD
U SIMIO
M. Kalopetras WI-FI
George Pitropakis
RUINS OF THE CHURCH OF AG. EKATERINI
ALH
CITIZEN SERVICE CENTER
IKAROU
EOLOU
PANAGIA TOU BOURGOU
NEW SYNAGOGUE
OUS KLISTHEN
3
M. Eleousas
WC
ISIOU
EVRAION MARTIRON SQ. WI-FI
IM
AGHIOS IOANNIS GATE
18
1,7
1,2
DION
ORA
LEOUS
IDOU MEDIEVAL WINDMILL
15
11
M. Sotiros
M. Sila
O
EO
KLEOVOULINIS
NOUS STHE ANDI
TIMACHIDA
PISANDROU
IFESTOU
S
IPODAMOU
IA AT
ARIST
KONS TAN RODIOTINOU U
KO TAVRIS
OU
MINOOS
OMIROU
EPICHARMOU
KR
MO
DI
MO AT
AG. FANOURIOS CHURCH
SOFOK
AGIOU FANOURIOU
US
LISIPOU
PITHAG
IPODAMOU
DI
PLATONOS SQ.
Kallithea Springs
Maritsa
AGIOS PANTELEIMON
Q. SS
P VIRGIN MARY GATE TH ISS
U NO
XAN O
IST OT ELO DIMOKRITOU US THEMISTOKLEOUS
NTI
IKOU
ANDRON
OR
DH ISI
DOU
MUNICIPAL BATHS “GENI HAMAM”
14
AR
IBRAHIM PASHA MOSQUE
SIMONIDOU
ZINONOS
KALI
WI-FI
VIZ
ALKEOU
PLATONOS
WI-FI
Ancient Kamiros
DOSIA
HAMSA BEI MOSQUE
WC MARINE GATE
DIMOSTHENOUS
MEDIEVAL MOAT
THOUKIDOU
ATHINAS SQ.
EVRIPID
ERGIOU
ESCHILOU
M
ARHELAOY
WC
LE
7
Fanes
Kalavarda
20
Koskinou
28 Theologos
Kamiros
ST. CATHERINE’S GATE
KASTELLANIA MUNICIPAL LIBRARY
S OU
Soroni
15
EGEOS
MUSEUM OF MODERN GREEK ART
28
EV AL
12
ENO TOG PRO MOY EVDI
POLIDOROU
17
Damatria
US PERIKLEO
THEOFILISKOY
K
ME
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM AGISSANDROU
E EN
TOWER OF SPAIN
11
MUSEUM SQ.
Temple of Erethimos Apollo
S
11
Paradisi
16
M
TIMOKREONDOS
ALEXANDRIDOU
LACHITOS
IPARHOY
M
Asgourou Tris
Pastida
SOKRATOUS
MUSLIM LIBRARY
KSENOFONDOS
PANAGIA TOU KASTROU
ARNAULD GATE
OU
MOSQUE OF SOLAIMAN
APOLONION
INN OF SPAIN
PANETIOU
WC
INN
Agh. Marina Kallithea b.
13
IALYSOS
M. Panagias Filerimou
INN OF INN OF FRANCE ITALY
INN
8
Ialisos b.
Kremasti
ERM
MENANDROU
IPPOTON
OS ORFE
AG. GEORGIOS RAMPRAT
INN
RUINS OF AG. IOANNIS AT KOLLAKIO (MUSLIM SCHOOL)
IEROKLEOUS
15
M
KANONIA GATE
S Ixia b.
13
PALACE OF THE GRAND MASTER
KLEOVOULOS SQ
P
ARGYROKASTRO SQ. FOLK MUSEUM (ARMORY)
WI-FI
SAINT ANTONIOS GATE
TEMPLE OF APHRODITE
APELOU
MEDIEVAL MOAT
D’AMBOISE GATE
M
MEDIEVAL MOAT
MOAT OF WINDMILLS
SIMIS SQ.
25
16
Pefki
Asklipieiou
18
Vati
Lardos b.
P
OS
S
C. St. Emilianos
Lindos b.
29
S
St. Paul b.
P
S
Ap. pavlou
24
22
S
23
C. Ginas
ON VYR
Asklipieiou b.
Kiotari
Ag. Nikon
S
Gennadi M. Skiadi
A TOUR OF THE ISLAND Kallithea (8 km) Close to the town of Rhodes, about 8 km away, is Kallithea, with its exotic beach lined with palm trees that cast elaborate shadows on the sand. Renowned for its hot thermal springs, during the Italian occupation a spa was constructed in an Arabic style and visitors can still enjoy a relaxing thermal bath in the renovated building.
27
6th century BC during the rule of the tyrant Cleobulus, one of the Seven Sages of antiquity. The renowned temple remained a cult centre during the Hellenistic and Roman eras, despite the gradual decline in the city’s economic and political power. Later it was used as a safe haven in times of crisis before eventually becoming a fortress with a permanent garrison. In addition to the ruins of the Temple of Athena Lindia, the Propylaea and the large Hellenistic stoa, there are also the Byzantine church of Agios Ioannis and the Governor’s Palace dating from the Knights’ period at the top of the acropolis. Carved into the rock at the bottom of the steps leading up to the acropolis is a unique relief of a Rhodian trireme (warship). In the 14th century the Knights of Saint John strengthened the fortifications and built the large stairway at the entrance to the Governor’s Palace. Also of interest is the exedra, a room with high backed benches opening onto a stoa and used as a place for philosophical discussion, which was carved out of the rock on the western side of the acropolis at the port of Agios Pavlos. Not too far away are the foundation walls of the ancient gymnasium. It was at this location that excavations, carried out by the Danish Carlsberg Institute between 1900 and 1914, uncovered many excellent inscriptions including a chronicle of the temple and a list of the priests of Athena.
Messanagros
When the Knights took control of the island they chose to construct a monastery on the same spot opposite whose entrance is the start of the Road of Martyrdom. Crossing the cobbled street, under the cooling shade of the trees, bronze depictions of the Passion of Christ and his ascent to Calvary can be seen on the left and right. During this walk it is not unknown for visitors to come across one of the peacocks and its young who roam the area. At the end of the Road of Martyrdom stands an 18 metre tall cross raised by the Italians (14/09/1930) to replace an older stone cross 30 metres tall. It is worthwhile taking the time to climb the spiralling iron staircase in the cross’s interior to gaze at the amazing view from its top and marvel at the vivid greens of the forest merging with the shimmering blues of the sea. A further attraction is the church of the Panagia.
Gennadi b.
17
Lachanias Lachania b.
Kattavia
Lindos (50 km) The Kingdom of Cleobulus A visit to Lindos is an unforgettable experience. A mere 50 km south of Rhodes, this is a place where romance is still alive and that time has seemingly forgotten. When wending your way through the narrow lanes, absorb the beauty of the traditional houses, distinguished by the absolute symmetry of their size and building materials. Construction dates are inscribed above the entrance doors to mansions with each mansion telling the salty tales and struggles of the sea captains who once lived there and who wished upon their return from an arduous journey to be immersed in aesthetically pleasing surroundings. Some of these mansions are now luxury apartments, others are now home to restaurants and bars, whilst some have stayed in the same seafaring families for centuries, passing down from generation to generation. The clear and shallow waters of Lindos Bay are enjoyed every year by thousands of tourists of all ages. The two beaches are amongst the most frequented on the island and have plenty of sunshades and sun loungers. Lunch can be taken at one the local taverns.
The Ancient City of Lindos Once stood on what is now the site of the modern-day village, extending from the acropolis to cape Krana. Today it is the most important archaeological site on the island with the acropolis dominating the skyline, literally hanging on to a rock 116 metres high. The acropolis itself is an enduring testament to the power and wealth of ancient Lindos. Traditions say that the ancient city was founded by the Danaides, the fifty daughters of Danaos, who fled from Egypt and came to Lindos, building the Temple of Athena there. According to Diogenes Laërtius it was constructed in the
The Ancient Ialyssos & Filerimos Hill In the village of Triada, the remains of a Minoan settlement have been discovered and excavations in the surrounding hills have brought to light Mycenaean cemeteries. Leaving Triada, a pleasant walk through a pine forest leads to Filerimos hill, containing the site of the acropolis of the ancient city of Ialyssos. The area is of special archaeological interest as it has been inhabited since prehistoric times and it was here that the city-state of Ialyssos flourished in the late 5th century BC. The ancient polis of Ialyssos was one of the three largest on the island and extended geographically around Filerimos hill, the location of the city’s acropolis where today ancient monuments can be seen along with others dating from the periods of Byzantine and Knights of Saint John rule. A well-preserved Doric fountain dating from the 3th century BC is located on the south side of ancient Ialyssos’s acropolis. A wall in the carved rock sports four waterspouts in the form of a lion’s head, two of which channelled water in to the cistern. According to tradition, in the 13th century AD a monk arrived in the area from Jerusalem carrying an icon said to have performed miracles, placing it in a small church that he built to house it at the top of the hill. To this day the hill, Filerimos, still bears the monks name.
S
20
24
Hohlakas
Plimmiri
Agios Pavlos A short walk from Lindos is the delightful secluded bay of Agios Pavlos (St Paul), whom legend has it taught Christianity there in the year 57 AD. The two pebble beaches are partially organised, making them havens of tranquillity in which to relax, with the more adventurous diving into the welcoming waters for a swim from surrounding rocks. Heading up the hill, the eyes mesmerised by the dark blue of the sea, one will find the famed Acropolis of Lindos and the ruins of the Lindian Temple of Athena, waiting to be explored.
S
Plimmiri b.
P
S
C. Istros Ancient Ruins C. Viglas
Ancient Kameiros (32 km) This archaeological site contains ruins of the Hellenistic and Roman city of Kameiros together with the neighbouring necropolis, which although first discovered in 1859 was mainly excavated during the Italian occupation of the island (1912-1943). Of the classical city, only the façade of a late classical fountain and some walls from the agora (market) remain. The settlement was constructed on three separate levels of the hill. At the bottom was the first terrace with public buildings, market and temples, then on the second terrace was the main settlement and finally in a dominant position at the top of the hill was the acropolis with the Temple of Athena Kameirados (6th century BC), a reminder of the former wealth and historic significance of this ancient city. Homer lists ancient Kameiros as one of the three city-states founded by the Dorians (10th century BC), the other two being Ialyssos and Lindos. It was an important commercial centre from the Archaic to the Hellenistic era. In this latter period new cemeteries appeared, the most important of which are Fikeloura and Makry Langoni, where the stele of Krito and Timarista, one of the most important pieces of Rhodian sculpture from the Hellenistic period, was found. Findings from the cemeteries and votive offerings from the Temple of Athena reveal that the wealth of ancient Kameiros was derived from agricultural, artisanal and commercial activity. It is believed that the city maintained trading relations with mainland Greece, Asia Minor and the south eastern Mediterranean. Among the important remains of ancient Kameiros are those of a large rectangular cistern for drinking water, whose interior was lined plaster making it watertight. At the bottom were two openings covered with stone lids through which water was distributed to the settlement through a system of clay pipes to meet the daily needs of the population. It is estimated that it could hold more than 600 cubic metres of water, an amount experts believe was sufficient for between 300 to 400 families. Built into the sides of the cistern’s walls were steps and it is believed to have been covered by a structure that has not survived. Constructed between the 6th and 5th centuries BC, it was knocked down during the Hellenistic period after an earthquake in 227 BC and replaced by a stoa which incorporated the city’s water supply system.
S
Airport
Surfing
Path
Monastery, church
Port
Distance in km
Eratous 16, P. Faliro Athens Tel: +30210 9811867 mob: +30 697 966 2711 oikonomounest@gmail.com
VALLEY OF THE BUTTERFLIES
Approximately 26 km south west of Rhodes, is a strange, almost mythical valley, the famous Koilada ton Petaloudon (Valley of the Butterflies). In the summer months it is literally flooded with thousands of butterflies. Covering the trunks of shady plane trees and pine trees they are attracted to the area by the scent of Oriental Sweetgum trees and come to the area in search of respite from the heat. The most common is the Rhodes Butterfly, a rare subspecies of the Jersey Tiger Moth, whose scientific name is Euplagia quadripunctaria rhodosensis. This unique habitat, containing rare flora and fauna, forms an almost magical landscape composed of many colourful flowers. The valley is 6 km in length and is landscaped with ponds, bridges and paths making it easier for the thousands of visitors, including scientists, who visit each year to enjoy this rare spectacle of nature. A climb to the top of the valley is very rewarding. On a small plateau on Mount Lefkopoda is the historic monastery dedicated to the Panagia Kalopetra. Tradition says that it was built by Alexandros Ypsilantis, a Greek prince of Wallachia and Moldavia, either after his daughter was cured of tuberculosis by drinking water from a therapeutic spring or after having survived a severe storm at sea guided by a light emanating from the area. By the early 20th century the monastery had become very active in the field of education. It was cenobitic (a monastic tradition that stresses the importance of community life) monastery, with cells accommodating the monks’ living quarters and reading rooms.
25
The country tanern “PLATANOS”, is located under the shade of the old plane at the central square of the small village “VATI” in southern Rhodes, sorrounded by a natural environment consisted by the old olive groves, coniferous trees and picturesque churches of the Byzantine period. The familial character, simplicity, authenticity and friendly amospfere, enchants and very quickly one realizes that the country tavern “PLATANOS”, operates as the village cafe, while its kitchen is ready to serve its tasty dishes not only to lacals but to all those who visit the village willing to taste authentic home made local greek cuisine such as pirgouri(cracked wheet with pork meat), pittaroudia(mix of mashed vegetables, fried), sausages, braised goat, dolmades(staffed grape leaves), as well as a variety of fresh meat from the grill, at very affordable prices. During the summer season (May to October) we are open daily waiting to serve you coffee, snacks or to satisfy your culinary demands with plenty of choise from our menu or why not, order in advance what would you like us to cook for you. Kostas and Toula
Beach
Castle
Trailhead Camping Horseback riding Green area
26
Wi- Fi area
Golfing
Side road
Archaeological site Prassonissi b.
WI-FI
Main road
S
Sandy beach
P
Pebbles beach
C
Rocky beach Lighthouse
1
2 1
3
4
5
Municipality of Rhodes 2241 3 61200 Citizen Service 2241 3 60636 Police 100 Port Police 2241 0 27634 Rhodes Port 2241 0 22220-28888 Coast Office Lindos 2241 0 31201 Coast Office Mandraki 2241 0 23693 Mail 2241 0 35560 Fire department 199 Tourist Information 2241 0 23655-23255 Greek National Tourism Organisation 2241 0 44333-4-5
3
AQUARIUM RHODES MUSEUM
Airport East Coast Bus Stop West Coast Bus Radio Taxi Taxi stand Rhodes Taxi stand Faliraki Taxi stand Lindos Taxi stand Ialyssos General Hospital First Aid Station
AQUARIUM A stroll along the seaside pedestrian walk, in the City of Rhodes, leads to the northernmost edge of the island. This is where the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes/Aquarium is located. Housed in a building of unique architectural style, the Aquarium is the ideal place for those wishing to get acquainted with the marine wealth of the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The Station was designed by the Italian architect Armando Bernabiti and founded at the Cape of the Windmills during 1934-1936. The Hellenic Ministry of Culture has declared the Station’s building as a Historic Heritage Monument. The Aquarium has been fashioned in the form of an underwater sea cave. Sinuous corridors, artfully decorated with natural sea-shells create a true underwater ambience. The HSR today constitutes a unit of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, where activities devoted to education, research, conservation and visitors recreation are performed, integrating one the other and interacting with mutual benefits. Open: April 1st - October 31st : 9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. November 1st - March 31st: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
KO WC
M
WC
CASINO
WI-FI
EOT
HOU
PAT
KAR
9
2 GALIAS
CITY BUS STOP WC
NEW 8 MARKET WI-FI KTEL BUS STOP (EAST SIDE)
PAPAGOU
WC
WC
EL. VENIZELO
U
WI-FI
RIMINI SQ.
TAXI
WI-FI
RO
D’AMBOISE GATE G AR
PALACE OF THE GRAND MASTER
AGHIOS ANTONIOS GATE
KANONIA GATE
CUSTOMS IPOTON
IPPOTON
KLEOVOULOS SQ
MUSEUM SQ.
OU
ERGIOU
THOUKIDOU
SIMONIDOU
IXAN O
US
THEN
LISIPOU
MINOOS
ARIST
IDOU MEDIEVAL WINDMILL
PIS
EVRAION MARTIRON SQ.
TH
IS
AL
HA
SE
OS
DE
F
SIM
IOU
IKAROU
TLIPOLEMOU S NOS EKATO
I IN
IR
GA VA L
FID
IA
A
ILOS NIKASQ. S NOS KIMO . SQ
AFSTRALIAS
U
O MI
I
H FT
EPTA PIGES
.E
CH AR
PANAGHIAS TOWER
ON VYR
KOLOKOTRONI
AGHIOS IOANNIS GATE
VYRONOS
KANADA
MAKRIANNH
ZERVOU
A AGOR ATHIN
A
OULI ROU KAZ
ERNEST BEVIN
L TSAVE
MEG. KONSTANTINOU
IAS
RAL
PELOPONISOY
T AFS
ST. FRANCIS CATHOLIC CHURCH
KAPODISTRIOU
OS
AGHIOS ATHANASIOS GATE
PAVLON
ANCIENT
EOLOU
KONS TAN RODIOTINOU U
KLEOVOULINIS
KIMONOS
. SQ
KANADA
TIMACHIDA
IFESTOU
PISANDROU
IPODAMOU
OU
S
IA AT
EPICHARMOU
OMIROU
KR MO
THEM. SOFOULI
AGI OU IOA NN
SOFOK
U
PLATONOS SQ.
LEOUS
AGIOU FANOURIOU
IPODAMOU
ZINONOS
KAL
PLATONOS
S RO HO
ID
WI-FI
THEMISTOKLEOUS
DIMOSTHENOUS
ALKEOU
IKO ANDRON
PAVLOU MELA
ATHINAS SQ.
IST OT ELO US DIMOKRITOU
OUS
IN OU NA VA R
LACHITOS
K
ESCHILOU
ARHELAOY
O LE
U INO NT VIZ DOU DOSIA
KSENOFONDOS
ALEXANDRIDOU
AR
US
NE
MESOLOGHIOU
OU
ERM
SOKRATOUS
DI
DIAGORIDON
S
U ENO TOG PRO Y IMO EVD
POLIDOROU
MASQUE OF SOLAIMAN
APOLONION
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM AGISSANDROU
THEOFILISKOY
ME
SOULIOU
DY
IPARHOY
TIMOKREONDOS
CHEIMARRAS
KENE
EOS
THEM. SOFOULI
HIMARAS
BASTION OF AGHIOS GEORGIOS
ORF
PINDOU
PANETIOU
IEROKLEOUS
ANDIS
EOU FER
KENEDY
T AS OK Q. R Y S
PISANDROU
RIGA
IPIROU
SIMIS SQ.
OU
PAPALOUKA
ENOPLON DYNAMEON
I
AR
MENANDROU
WI-FI
K MA
GREEK TOURIST ORGANIZATION
ARKADIOU
AM E
NA RI KA WC
PAPALOUKA
TAXI
OU
KI
RIK
IS
I
1
DORA
VAK AOR IT
KO U
WI-FI CYPRUS SQ.
ISIOU
DIA
M
ET AX A
EX
I
RODA BUS STOP 4 (WEST SIDE)
THEO
WC
AL
RAK
COURTHOUSE
DION
ZERVOU
SOF. VENIZELOU
AMOHOSTOU LAB
WI-FI
AMERIKIS
SILOGO
U
THEMELI
KONITSIS
WC
XANTHOU
ALEX DIAKOU
The island’s strategic location at the crossroads of two major Mediterranean sea routes, between the Aegean Sea and the shores of the Middle East and Egypt, has shaped the economic and cultural history of Rhodes. Although its pivotal position along important trade routes facilitated the development of commerce, bringing great wealth to Rhodes, it also acted as a powerful lure for conquering armies as mentioned in the books of the Rhodian author Theofanis Bogiannos. In Greek mythology the original inhabitants of the island were the Telchines, a bizarre race of demon-like people with magical powers. Archaeological finds at Kalythies date the earliest human inhabitation of the island from the Late Neolithic period (6th millenium BC). Beginning in the 17th-16th centuries BC, or possibly even earlier, the Minoans established contact with Rhodes and remains dating from the 16th century BC at Triada are probably those of a Minoan colony. Following the collapse of the Minoan civilisation in the mid-15th century BC the Mycenaeans, whom Homer called the Achaeans, colonised the island. Sometime later in the 12th-11th centuries BC at the begining of the Greek Dark Ages and the sudden decline of the Mycenaeans, the Dorians reached Rhodes. In the Iliad they, under their ruler Tlepolemus, divided into three communities according to their tribes and founded the three city-states of Lindos, Ialyssos and Kameiros. During the 7th century BC the three city-states joined together in an alliance, the Dorian Hexapolis, with Halicarnassus, Kos and Knidos as a response to the Ionian League, allowing them to thrive and establish colonies around the Mediterranean. In the 6th century BC the tyrant Cleobulus, one of the Seven Sages of antiquity to whom the famous saying Metron Ariston (moderation is best) is attributed, is said to have been king of Lindos. With the defeat of Persia at the Battles of Marathon and Salamis, the three city-states joined the newly created Delian League in 477 BC. They mainly stayed neutral during the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta and finally left the Athenian dominated alliance citing the unsustainable taxes imposed on them before the end of the conflict in 404 BC. In 408 BC the three city-states united and founded the city of Rhodes, which was built using the city plans of Hippodamus of Miletus. The same layout was, according to legend, used by Alexander the Great to build cities including Alexandria in Egypt. Rhodes during this period developed trade relations and on a political level endeavoured using all means possible to ensure its independence, concluding alliances on favourable terms from sometimes with Sparta, sometimes with Athens. Rhodes was later allied with Alexander the Great. His death in 323 BC lead to discord amongst his successors, the Diadochi, who vied for control of his empire. In 305 BC Demetrius Poliorcetes, son of Antigonus I Monophthalmus, laid siege to the island’s capital in order to break the Rhodian alliance with the Ptolemy. He brought with him 400 ships and a powerful army numbering 40,000 men and including a large number of cavalry and siege engines such as the Helepolis (literally taker of cities) siege towers, which stood 38 metres tall, and a battering ram 55 metres long. Despite the numerical advantage he was unable to capture the city and abandoned the siege after a year. The Rhodians sold the siege equipment left behind by Demetrius Poliorcetes and with the money raised they constructed the famous Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. An alliance with Rome was concluded in the 2nd century BC, in the framework of which Delos was declared a port free of duties. Later the Roman general Cassius Longinus conquered and plundered the island in 42 BC. Christianity came to Rhodes in the 1st century AD brought by Saint Paul and is mentioned in the book of Acts of the New Testament. In 395 AD Rhodes became part of the Byzantine Empire. The Arabs arrived in 653 AD and then in 1046 AD the Genoese occupied the island. During the reign of Alexius I Komnenos in the 11th century AD the Byzantines recovered Rhodes and later granted trading rights on the island to the Venetians. In 1309 AD the Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem conquered the island. They used the island as a military base for raids on the Holy Land. Many buildings constructed by the Knights during their rule of the island remain standing to this day in the medieval city, which in 1988 was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Ottomans took Rhodes from the Knights in 1522 AD. Denied the right to partake in commercial activities by their new overlords, the Rhodians were confined to a rural life. Under the Ottoman dominion the islanders rebelled regularly but inconclusively. Italy occupied Rhodes and the rest of the Dodecanese in 1912, during the Italo-Turkish War. The Italians undertook many important construction projects including the aqueduct, bringing electricity to the island, the harbour and the aquarium. Italian archaeological missions also unearthed important findings. On the political level, claims by Rhodes and the Dodecanese for union with mainland Greece were seemingly acceptable to the Italians even though in reality they had no intention of allowing this to happen. The Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 saw Italy officially annex the Dodecanese and it was not until 31st March 1947 that union with Greece became a reality when British Brigadier A. S. Parker officially transferred the islands to the Greek military under the command of Vice Admiral Pericles Ioannidis.
KOLONA PORT
PORT AUTHORITY
25's MARTIOU
KOU TAVRIS
28'S OKTOVRIOU
MUNICIPALITY POLICE WI-FI OF RHODES WI-FI POST OFFICE
S
KATHO
DILBERAKI
AG. NIKOLAOS LIGHTHOUSE
U PERIKLEO
A GRIV
KALLIGA
TOWN HALL
AMERIKIS
NIDO
LEON
9
U
METROPOLITAN CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION
THIOU EFSTA
MUNICIPAL THEATER
MANDILARA
RODIO
ORFA
MIAO
ULI
U
I
NATIONAL THEATER
KAZOULI
RTIOU
KRIT
WC
10
7'S MA
GR IVA
RA
SANTA MARIA CATHOLIC CHURCH I
LA
AMARANDOU
DI
POUL
MA N
IRON POLITEHNIOU
TAXI
MOSQUE AND MURAT REIS CEMENTERY
PRAXITELOUS
AO
Overlooking the city from the west and situated on the city’s highest point is the Acropolis of Rhodes, which unlike other ancient acropoleis was not fortified. The monuments date from the Hellenistic and late Hellenistic periods (3rd to 2nd centuries BC) and include sanctuaries, public buildings, temples and underground places of worship. The layout of the ancient acropolis first came to light with excavations carried out by the Italian School of Archaeology at Athens during the Italian occupation of the island (1912-1943). Further discoveries have since been made on archaeological digs under the auspices of the Greek Archaeological Service, which have provided important information on the site’s history and topography. Today these excavations continue over an area of 3 acres with the aim of uncovering the whole site of the acropolis of the splendid ancient city of Rhodes. Preserved within the beautifully landscaped and verdant archaeological park is the Hellenistic stadium from the 2rd century BC. Here athletic competitions were staged as part of the Haleion Games, an important celebration held by the ancient Rhodians in honour of the god Helios. Right next to the stadium is the small restored marble theatre, where in antiquity and today musical performances are given. In a dominant position at the summit of the hill is the Temple of Pythian Apollo, the city’s guardian. Reconstruction of the temple was begun by the Italians and then continued by the Greek Archaeological Service after the end of World War II to repair the damage caused by bombs and the weight of artillery emplaced there. Further restoration work was started in 1996.
HISTORY
8
YACHT CLUB
ORA
IKOL
WI-FI
OUS
PAPA N
KLISTHEN
WI-FI
MODERN ART MUSEUM NESTORIDION MELATHRON
APELOU
KALY MNO
U
M
PATM OU
PITHAG
PSERIMOU
WC
EVRIPID
TILOU
ELLI BEACH
WI-FI
EGEOS
WC
7
RODINI PARK
ARCOPOLIS OF RHODES
2241 0 88700-82302 2241 0 27706-75134 2241 0 26300-24129-36370 2241 0 64712-64734-62179 2241 0 64756 2241 0 85444 2244 0 31466 2241 0 92515 2241 0 80000 2241 0 25555
KASSOU
10
6
There is a place in the centre of the island where mother nature has mobilized all its powers to create a relaxing and cooling environment for the senses. Composed of dense vegetation, shady age-old plane trees, crystal clear water flowing from natural springs, an underground waterway to explore and a serene pond, the Efta Piges (Seven Springs) is an earthly paradise that should entrance the sun-tanned visitors. The waters from the springs have carved out watercourses that in one place disappear into a 150 metre long rocky tunnel whose passage can be braved by visitors who are bold enough to enter it. Just the right size for a man, the passage of the tunnel is not for those who are faint-hearted or suffer from claustrophobia; One walks though it in total darkness with feet in the water and feeling one’s way only by touch – though halfway along there is a beam of light from a well above that serves as a vent and as a source of illumination. Coming out of the tunnel one is met by a pleasant surprise, a small lake 200 metres long, ranging in width from 10 to 50 metres and varying in depth between 1 and 8 metres. Ideal for swimming, this is the only place on Rhodes where one can swim in fresh water. Besides containing other fish, eels and crabs the lake is home to the extremely rare Ghizani (Ladigesocypris ghigii) species of fish, which is native only to the streams of Rhodes. Also found in and around the lake are ducks, geese, turtles and peacocks.
Just a few kilometres from the city of Rhodes, Rodini Park is a paradise waiting to be discovered and well worthy of a visit. Set in an idyllic location, shady walking trails wind through the landscaped grounds, which follow the course of a tranquil, stream abounding with flowering oleander and dotted with water lily filled ponds. Complementing this relaxing scene are the peacocks that proudly strut throughout the park and the sight of the rare Rhodian Fallow Deer which can be seen in the small adjoining zoo. The park, dating from ancient times, is perhaps the oldest example of landscape architecture anywhere in the world. The reputed site of the famous School of Rhetoric, graced by some of the most famous figures from ancient history, the park was very popular with the Romans who left their own mark, building a system of aqueducts parts of which have remained until today. It was also the site of a Hellenistic necropolis dating from the 3rd to 2nd centuries BC; beautifully decorated tombs can still be seen –such as the impressive 28 metre long Tomb of the Ptolemies, carved into a small hill, decorated with 21 Doric columns and dedicated to the honour of Ptolemy I Soter.
MEDIAVEL CITY OF RHODES The heart of the island is the charming city of Rhodes, capital of the Dodecanese prefecture. Located on the northern tip of the island, the city is divided into the modern new town and the medieval town, once home to the Knights of Saint John and still bustling with life to today. In addition to the permanent residents, who are fortunate to live in a setting seemingly frozen in time, the town is a thriving commercial centre and a popular destination on the tourist trail. The imposing Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Saint John, at the top of Odos ton Ippoton (Street of the Knights), dominates the old town. Wandering through the warren of cobbled streets, the enchanting atmosphere intensifies the more a visitor begins to explore the town’s medieval alleys. Crossing though the shadows of an arcade, one might suddenly stumble upon a delightful hidden stone courtyard, then perhaps a little further on a Byzantine church built into niche within the imposing city walls, a witness to its own little piece in the city’s history. The old town’s charm is not limited though to its quaint streets and historic buildings and monuments. It is a city which is alive and vibrant with the local inhabitants still going about their daily business intermingled with tourists making their way to the Archaeological Museum, the Art Gallery or the Museum of Folk Art. This magical blend of past and present helps to create a truly dynamic urban environment that is rightly considered to be unique despite the town being largest medieval city in Europe. The charming medieval town of Rhodes cannot be viewed piecemeal as the current layout covers the footprints of those who have conquered and settled the site over the centuries. The city, at the northernmost tip of the island, was founded in 408 BC and was laid out in a grid plan designed by Hippodamus of Miletus, who is considered to be the father of urban planning. Later, a smaller fortified Byzantine city grew on the site of the ancient city. The fortified area was later named Collachio by the Knights. In the 12th century AD the walls were extended to enclose an area of 175,000 square metres. Since the fall of Acre, the last major Crusader stronghold in the Holy Land, in 1291 the Knights of Saint John had been seeking a base from which to launch a new crusade. Eventually they decided on Rhodes, the city falling to them in 1309 after a prolonged siege. For the next two centuries the city was the political and administrative centre of the Knights’ own state, which included most of the islands of the Dodecanese. Maritime trade flourished during this period bringing great wealth to the island. It was during the rule of the Knights of Saint John, as they soon became known, that the famous Odos ton Ippoton (Street of the Knights) was constructed. Running for 200 metres uphill and 6 metres wide, it is unusual for a medieval street in that it is straight, a legacy of the city’s ancient origins. It was the most formal street linking the religious and the political centres of the castle, namely the Latin cathedral (Our Lady of the Castle) with the Grand Master’s Palace. Along the street the Knights erected the most important of the order’s public and private buildings, including the lodgings of the tongues, the order’s geographic and cultural subdivisions. A visit to the late Gothic church Panagia tou Mpourgkou (Our Lady of the Burgo), dating from the 14th century, is well worth it. Bombed during the Second World War, all that remain today are the sanctuary’s three arches. The year 1522 was a milestone in the history of Rhodes. After a long and bloody siege the valiant Knights surrendered the city to Suleiman the Magnificent, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. During the period of Ottoman occupation a clock tower was built after the earthquake of 1851 and also served as a watchtower. Today it also houses a small collection of archaeological artefacts discovered there. The most impressive mosque in the old town is the Mosque of Suleiman. The present building was constructed in the 19th century on the site of an older mosque originally said to have been built by the conqueror of the island, Suleiman the Magnificent. In Plateia Dorieon (Dorieon Square) is the Mosque of Recep Pasha.
THE FALLOW DEER OF RHODES Considered for many years one of the island’s symbols, the Rhodian Fallow Deer, which inhabit the forests and form part of the island’s legends, is one of the few European species of deer that have survived until today. Gracing the entrance to the city’s old harbour, each atop a column, stand two bronze deer atop col, one buck and one doe. There are many folk tales about how the deer came to be found on the island. Many argue that they were introduced to Rhodes with the arrival of the Crusaders, a theory which is supported by historical evidence. In ancient texts Rhodes was sometimes referred to as Ophiousa, a word meaning having lots of snakes. According to the aforementioned theory, the Crusaders, in order to protect their camps from this hazard, imported the deer and used them to keep the snakes away. Although deer do not actively hunt and kill snakes, as many believe, it is said that the deer’s antlers secrete an alkali substance which bothers snakes and drives them away. Some of these animals escaped from the camps and hid in the woods. Today’s population of Fallow Deer are their direct descendants. An alternative theory says that the deer were imported by the Venetians when they controlled the island. However, in ancient texts Rhodes is also on occasion called Elaphousa, meaning that at that time it had lots of deer, long before any of the medieval invaders arrived on the island. Archaeological finds showing evidence of the existence of deer in the Eastern Aegean supports this theory as they suggests a much earlier date, perhaps as early as the 6th century BC. Known locally as platoni, the Fallow Deer (Dama dama) are smaller than other deer, standing at 1 m, measuring between 1.6 and 1.9 m in length and weighing approximately 40-80 kg. Only the bucks have antlers which are broad and shovel-shaped. Their coats, which in the summer their coats are brown with white mottles, darken in the winter. The tail is between 16-19 cm in length and has a black tip.