The Medieval City of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is the oldest continually inhabited one in Europe.
Many of the buildings you see here were built by the Knights Hospitallers, who ruled the island from 1309 until the island was surrendered to the Ottomans in 1523.
The Medieval City itself was most likely built on the remnants of the Classical and Roman city of Rhodes.
In 408 BC, Rhodes was founded by the three Dorian city-states on the island: Ialyssos, Kamiros and Lindos, in an attempt to better control the sea trade and for better defense of the island.
The city – and the island – came under Roman rule in 164 BC, and it later became part of the Eastern Roman Empire of Byzantium.
The Medieval City of Rhodes underwent many modifications under Ottoman rule, which were later demolished under the Italians when they took over the Dodecanese in 1912.
Grand Master’s Palace, for example, was largely reconstructed by architect Florestano Di Fausto, and it contains a huge collection of Roman floor mosaics gathered from throughout the island.
Should you wish to visit the Medieval City of Rhodes, be warned of the crass touristic outlets along the main streets. To get a feel of the aspects that earned it its World Heritage status, wander into the side streets and back alleys.
12 Tips on Ravishing Rhodes for the Sophisticated Gentleman
Before you leave, check out my list of 12 tips on ravishing Rhodes for you, the Sophisticated Gentleman.
