THE CITY OF RHODES

The beautiful city of Rhodes is the capital of the island of Rhodes and the capital of the Dodecanese group of islands and prefecture. It is divided into two parts: the Old City (medieval city) and the New City.

The 3 windmills - port entrance

The Old City is surrounded by strong walls and is one of the biggest and best preserved medieval settlements of Europe. This fortified medieval city has many neoclassical buildings intensely sealed by the Turkish and Italian occupations.

The superb Palace of the Grand Masters, the building of the Collacium, the superb hospital of the Knights, the beautiful inns (which were used by the Knights) and the Gothic churches, along with the narrow stone-paved alleyways, the stone arches and apses, the Palace of the Castellan, the various mosque, the plethora of Byzantine churches and the traditional Rhodian houses and the mansions influenced by Venetian and Arab architecture create a uniquely enchanting image. Among all those architectural marvels palm trees and exquisite fountains are adding more beauty and atmosphere to this amazing Old City of Rhodes. 

walking through the old city

The New City of Rhodes was constructed when the inhabitants leaving inside the walls of the Old City built new settlements outside the walls, after the siege of Suleiman the Magnificent (1522).
Most of the buildings in this part of the city date back to the years of Italian occupation who adorned the buildings according to the neo-Gothic and Venetian architectural style. This gives a particular and charming character to the city, particularly in the area of the port of Rhodes. Careful planning, numerous parks and squares and wide streets are finishing the beautiful aspect of the New City of Rhodes where all the touristy, commercial and cultural activities are gathered.

view of mandraki port - rhodes

The many luxurious hotels of the town have been designed with a modern aesthetic, matching with the impressive Italian buildings. Entering the Mandraki marina, two deer of copper welcome the visitor. There are also 3 windmills. In Mandraki one can visit the Modern Market, the Archdioces, the church of Evangelismos, the Court, the Central Post Office, the Town Hall, the Municipal Theatre and the

Government house all from the Italian period. Beside the theatre is the Mourat Reis Mosque with an elegant minaret.Of particularly great beauty is the building of the New Market which is standing on the port of Rhodes and impresses by its fine architecture, its gold decoration and its round domes, full of cafes, shops and restaurants. The Governor's Palace is also worth-seeing, combining Byzantine, medieval and Spanish architectural styles. The City of Rhodes provides all kinds of accommodations (of all categories), numerous bars, cafes,

restaurants, taverns, clubs, cinemas and more. It is has a great reputation for its shopping with luxurious shops providing the famous perfumes, drinks and umbrellas of the City of Rhodes.