Rhodes town Rhodes island Greece

The city of Rhodes was founded in 408 BC, when the citizens of ancient Ialysos, Lindos ans Kamiros jointly decided to build a new strong capital for their island. Once complete, Rhodes was soon admired as one of the most beautiful cities of  the period and due to it's grographical location quickly developed into a major cultural and financial centre of the mediterranean. By the time the Romans , and later the Byzantines, had made it their domain , the former glory that was Rhodes began to fade.

The Knights of Saint John conquered the city in 1309 and after building the strong fortifications which stand to this day, transformed Rhodes into a thriving multicultural centre. Ending the reign of the Knights of John in 1523, the Ottoman Turks conquered the city and pushed the Greeks outside the city walls. New districts known as "Marasia" where created and until 1912, when the whole of the Dodecanese was seized by the Italians, the Turks reigned over Rhodes. The Italians contributed greatly to the archictecture of the city and the island as a whole , creating magnificent buildings, avenues and squares, roads and bridges most of which are still evident today. During the latter part of second world war the Germans ravaged the island and it was not until 1948 that Rhodes officially became part of Greece.

There are many reasons why Rhodes has remained one of the most popular resorts in the Mediterranean: the beauty of it's natural surroundings, it's cultural and historical interest, it's cosmopolitan array of recreational facilities and the warmth and hospitality of the the islanders themselves. The city has an excellent tourist infrastructure and provides a wide variety of entertainment, night-life, sports and cultural events as well being an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area by trips to historic Lindos, Kamiros or the  neighbouring islands of Simi , Halki and the rest of the Dodecanese.

Places of interest to visit in the Rhodes area

• The Old Town with it's fabuluos architecture, museums, galleries, cultural events,amongst others  including:
• The City Art Gallery
• The Grand Masters Palace
• The Archaeological Museum
• The Melina Mecouri Theatre
• The New Town for cosmopolitan shopping, eating, drinking and nightlife.
• The Harbour of Mandraki for the famous windmills, site of the Colossus, boat trips, sailing charters and trips to Turkey.
• The Aquarium - the most important marine research centre in Greece.
• The Casino - the luxurious refurbishment of the historic Hotel of the Roses
• Saint Stephen's Hill - locally known as Monte Smith- the site of the ancient acropolis , Hellenistic Stadium, Roman Odeon and Temple of Pythion Apollo.
• The National Theatre for musical and theatrical events
• The  3rd century BC Temple of Aphrodite between the old and new town.
• Rodini Park - south of the city and an ideal place to walk and relax whilst viwing the famous Rhodian deer and peacocks.