The best-preserved medieval walled city in Europe, built by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem as their headquarters after the Crusades. The Street of the Knights, Palace of the Grand Masters, and atmospheric Turkish and Jewish quarters create an extraordinary layered history within 4km of walls.
The Medieval Town of Rhodes occupies the northern tip of the island of Rhodes in the Dodecanese and is enclosed by about four kilometres of fortified walls. The Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, also called the Hospitallers, took the island in 1309 after the loss of the Holy Land and made the city their headquarters. They rebuilt and extended the Byzantine defences into some of the most advanced fortifications of their time, withstanding Ottoman sieges in 1444 and 1480. In 1522 Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent captured the city after a six-month siege, and Ottoman rule lasted until the Italian occupation of 1912. The Italians restored the Palace and many medieval buildings in the 1930s, and the island joined Greece in 1947.
The town is divided into the Collachium, the Knights' quarter, and the Burgh, where the civilian population lived. The Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton) is a cobbled medieval lane lined by the Inns of the Langues, which housed knights by language group, such as the Inn of France and the Inn of Italy. At its upper end stands the Palace of the Grand Masters, a fortress rebuilt by the Italians in the 1930s as a possible holiday residence, and now a museum with mosaics from Kos and furnished rooms. The Archaeological Museum is set in the 15th-century Hospital of the Knights, with a vaulted ward and a courtyard displaying finds including the Aphrodite of Rhodes. The Ottoman layer includes the Mosque of Suleiman, the Hamam of the Turkish quarter, and the Jewish quarter around Kahal Shalom Synagogue of 1577, a reminder of the island's Sephardic community.
The walls can be walked in part, especially along the moat on the Old Town's inner side, and the main gates, including the Gate of d'Amboise, the Gate of St Paul and the Marine Gate, remain in use. The Old Town is still a living neighbourhood with residents, shops and cafes, and vehicle traffic is restricted. The Greek Ministry of Culture and the Municipality maintain the fabric of the town, with ongoing conservation of the walls. A thorough visit takes a full day.
| Admission | Free to walk (Palace of the Grand Masters €8) |
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Why it matters
The Medieval Town of Rhodes was the headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller from 1309 to 1522 and one of the strongest fortified cities of the Crusader era. It is among the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights
- The Street of the Knights, a medieval cobbled lane lined with the Inns of the Langues
- The Palace of the Grand Masters, with mosaics and furnished rooms
- The Archaeological Museum in the Hospital of the Knights
- The Gate of d'Amboise and the moat on the walls' inner side
- The Ottoman Suleiman Mosque and the Kahal Shalom Synagogue
Tips for visiting
- Enter through the Gate of d'Amboise to approach the Palace of the Grand Masters.
- Walk the sections of the walls offered in guided tours for views over the town and harbour.
- Explore side lanes in the Jewish quarter for quieter streets away from Sokratous Street.
- Wear flat shoes, as the cobblestones are uneven and polished.
- Check museum opening days, as some sites close on Mondays or in winter.
When to visit
May to June and September to October offer warm weather with fewer crowds. In summer, explore early in the morning or in the evening when the streets are cooler.
Accessibility
The medieval cobbled streets are uneven and difficult for wheelchairs, though the main routes are passable with assistance. The Palace of the Grand Masters offers partial adapted access.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a full visit take?
Allow a full day for the palace, the museum and the walls. A walk through the main streets takes about three hours.
Is the Old Town English-language friendly?
Yes. It is a major tourist destination with English signage, menus and tours.
Can children visit?
Yes. Children often enjoy the fortress-like palace and the Street of the Knights, though cobbles make strollers difficult.
Is the Old Town free to enter?
Yes. The streets are open to walk freely, while museums and the palace charge admission.