Rhodes is the Queen of holidays
Greetings to all travel enthusiasts! According to reputable studies that have been conducted in the brilliant space of my mind the most important number besides ? is twelve. The number 12 is an exact match for the months in a year, the zodiac signs, the disciples of Jesus, the dirty dozen and the total islands in the Dodecanese group. The Greek word Dodecanese translates to twelve with the island of Rhodes being the largest, most popular and the rightful Queen of the group. It is an island of vast beauty, immense history and unlimited opportunities for having a great time. This summer is all about your new lucky number and the amazing holidays you will experience in Rhodes. Long live the Queen!
We start our tour of the island with a walk through history as we embark to meet mystical crusaders, grand wall fortifications, impressive castles and the Knights of Saint John. The order of the Knights was originally created in the 11th century and their visit to Rhodes dates back to the beginning of the 13th century. They stayed on the island for more than 200 years and during their time they were forced to fight numerous battles with the invading Ottoman army. Two of the most impressive remnants that still exist are the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Hospital of the Knights.
The Palace of the Grand Masters is an imposing medieval castle that is situated on the highest part of Rhodes old town. It was built over a former Byzantine fortress that was modified for the needs of the Knights. The entrance on the south is protected by two soaring walls and the palace itself has a rectangular shape with a massive internal courtyard. Throughout your visit, you can have a look at the stunning architecture and décor, the explicit mosaic floors and the impressive medieval furniture as you wander around the more than 150 large rooms and halls. The palace was severely damaged due to an explosion of gunpowder but it was restored in the 1930’s by the Italians who ruled Rhodes until 1948. Today there are two exhibitions that are housed on the ground floor and they display various antiquities and artefacts that were discovered on the island.
The Hospital of the Knights currently serves as the island’s main archaeological museum and it was first established in 1489 to take care of the sick and the wounded. The museum is a brilliant maze of rooms and scented gardens with mosaic floors and a good collection of artefacts. The most impressive attraction is the marble sculpture of Aphrodite of Rhodes that dates back to the 1st century.
To experience something different we head out to the traditional and picturesque Lindos village that lies 45km away from Rhodes town. The village stands underneath a hill and it is one of the most popular attractions thanks to its compact size, the traditional white houses, the cobblestoned pavements and the narrow roads that convey images of traditional Greek islands. No cars are allowed in the village and here tourists can enjoy the cultural past of Rhodes away from modern tourist developments.
The whole village is built amphitheatrically beneath the majestic Acropolis of Lindos just as if all inhabitants wanted to face and worship their patron Goddess. The Acropolis is a must visit as it boasts historic temples, sanctuaries, a gymnasium, a stadium and a various complex of public buildings. The view from the top of the hill is amazing.
This is all, for now, my dear fellow adventurers. In conclusion please remember that life is short and beautiful and it is strictly up to you to enjoy it and live it to the fullest.