4 Museums worth visiting in Rhodes

From the most popular ones to hidden gems, museums in Rhodes all hold something special and worth seeing.  

The history of Rhodes dates back to the Neolithic era and continues until today. The island was inhabited by the Minoans, and the Myconians, and it was a member of the Delian League under the leadership of Athens, during the Classic era. Later on, they sided with Alexander the Great and they maintained a friendly stance toward the Romans. Nevertheless, after the assassination of Julius Caesar, the Rhodians refused to aid Cassius against his enemies. He attacked and conquered the Town in 42 BC, destroying a large part of the island and taking away more than 3,000 works of art.

Rhodes, strategically positioned near the Holy Land, accepted the new ideas of Christianity with ease. According to tradition, St Paul himself preached the new religion at Lindos in 58 AD and converted many of the inhabitants. When the Roman Empire split in two, Rhodes was often overrun and destroyed by enemies such as the Persians, Saracens and Seljuks.

In 1306 and during the Crusaders, Rhodes was no longer under the shelter of the Byzantine Emperor and one of the Genoese admirals, Vignolo Vignoli, sold Rhodes, Kos and Leros to the Knights of St John in Jerusalem, who by force had gained full control of the island by 1309.

When the Knights ruled Rhodes, the island became the most powerful in Eastern Mediterranean.

The Turkish occupation of Rhodes which took place in 1522, was the darkest period in its history, as it was for the whole of Greece.

Let’s dive into our list of 4 museums worth visiting in Rhodes.

Archeological Museum of Rhodes

Situated in the Old Town of Rhodes, the Archeological Museum is housed in a medieval building that once served as the hospital for the knights. Within the museum, you can witness findings from many excavations all over the island, including findings from small islets of Dodecanese. Filled with a collection of figurines, vases, tomb groups and small objects from Ancient Lalyssos that date back from the Geometric to Roman times. One thing that stands out right below your feet is the mosaic floors from the Hellenic period. A must-visit on our list.

Bee Museum

Uniting bee lovers and enthusiasts all over the world, the Bee & Honey Museum is a great place for anyone really. Food is part of human culture the world over, and in Greece  (Rhodes) it is especially important. Found in Patsida, the highlight of the museum is learning about the process which takes place behind producing honey, and its history throughout the island. Yes, you may even be able to try some honey whilst you are there.

Rhodes Aquarium

Located in the building of the hydrobiological station, the aquarium houses a wide range of marine organisms from the Mediterranean. Constructed during 1934-1936 the aquarium is also a research facility. Its research aim is to develop and disseminate scientific knowledge on the marine environment and its conservation, by means of activities like oceanographic research, rescue, study, and conservation of endangered aquatic species. The aquarium is open daily from 09:00 to 20:30, excluding local and national holidays.

Municipal Art Gallery

The Municipal Art Gallery can be found near the Freedom Gate as you enter the Old Town of Rhodes. Featuring a vast number of Greek modern art collections, the gallery is filled with artworks of Spyros Vassiliou, Fotis Kontoglou, Yannis Spiropoulos, N. Hadzikyriakos-Gikas, and many other prominent Greek artists here.

Once in Rhodes where does one stay? Amada Colossos Resort brings the spirit of the island into a luxury beyond the mainstream. Book your stay for Fall and find out why it’s as renowned as it is