Rhodos

We arrived in Rhodes on the 6th of April  by ferry and what a spectacular entrance it was. We could see the famous windmills on the marine breakwater and the impressive Old Town wall and fortifications. We knew we were in for a treat, such history!

After checking into our hotel, Elite Suites, we had a quick wander about then called it a day. The next day we had a mix of gloomy skies but the sun popped out and later in the evening light,  the city walls looked aglow.

Along with one of the best restored walled cities in Europe,  Rhodes is also known for the Dama deer, a protected species that can only be found on the island of Rhodes. We spotted these represented in sculptures at a marina entrance just outside the city walls. It's a shame the Colossus of Rhodes is no more, that would have made for a truely spectacular harbour entrance. 

You can still spot old cannons in the fortications as you come into the harbour.

Any invaders would have been impressed and the great city walls would have created a crucial barrier for protection from the sea and uninvited guests.

Quick 'back of the envelope' background to the old town. Approx 10,000 residents live and work in the old city. Naturally it's earned UNESCO world heritage status. It's a fantastic blend of different architecture from different historical periods. The Old Town history dates back to the 5th century BC when it was founded by the ancient Greeks. In 1309, the Knights of St. John took control of the city and transformed it into the stronghold-capital of the Order of Knights and then later there was an  Ottoman period  of  rule until 1912 when it was then claimed by Italian forces. Following World War II, Rhodes Old Town was finally returned back to Greece. 

Whichever gate you enter through it is  spectacular. The size of the walls and the blocks and the sheer scale....it's impressive alright.

We wandered through the little lanes and passed by the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite and poked our noses into little courtyards.

Eventually we found our way to the Palace of the Grand Master. Wow, I'll let the photos do the talking.

We wandered down the pebbled Avenue of Knights admiring the beautiful stone work and architectural design that has withstood centuries of war and weather. 

Every so often something would make you stop and look up.

There's any number of castles, mosques, fountains, gardens, back lanes, traders, an impressive Old Jewish Quarter - you could spend all day here - we did😁

 

We also squeezed in a visit to the Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin on the waterfront.

This was built  in the 1920's  during the Italian occupation of the island.

Originally a Catholic church until 1948, when Rhodes and  other Dodecanese islands were reunified with mainland Greece. At this time frescoes were  painted in the interior by the renowned Greek painter, Fotis Kontoglou.

From a fairly bland exterior you step inside and are wowed by the colours of the frescoes.  There was a big basket of fresh cut Rosemary branches at the door and many visitors were taking a small bunch as they left. 

A great day was had by all. There was more exploring to be done but we had ran out of puff. It was time for a rest.