General Information:
An island famed for its beaches and its medieval main town, is the largest of the Dodecanese islands. The Old Town of Rhodes, a mixture of Medieval, Ottoman, and Greek architecture, offers itself for enchanting walks among narrow alleys - as well as some of the finest shopping around. It is also an island rich in history: the majestic Palace of the Grand Masters conveys a sense of the power that the medieval Knights exercised over the island for over 200 years, and the Acropolis of Lindos, one of the three original Dorian Greek cities on Rhodes.
Places to Visit:
Palace of the Grand Master – Overlooking the town on the top of a hill stands this very ornate fort. It survived a long siege by the Ottoman army in 1522, but was destroyed in an accident in 1856 involving lightning and gunpowder (a wicked combination). Restoration started about 1900 and now boasts 300 rooms and many towers. Take a walk along the old city walls while you are here.
Archaeological Museum – The former Hospital of the Knights is now an outstanding museum telling the history of the island from the earliest times, just outside the museum is The Avenue of the Knights which was the main road about 500 years ago.
Turkish Baths (Haman) – Bring your towel here and enjoy your bath surrounded by 250 years of history. The sexes are separate and the men get the better area with its lofty dome and star shaped skylights.