Rhodes: Medieval City and Ancient Acropolis

A medieval city with several architectural layers

The medieval city of Rhodes lies within a four-kilometre-long wall. The Upper Town is in the north, while the Lower Town extends southwards to the southwest. Late Gothic architecture of Western European character from the Knights’ period, 1309 to 1522, predominates within the walled city, complemented by local Aegean elements.

In the Lower Town, Gothic architecture stands alongside mosques, public baths and other buildings from the Ottoman period. At the end of the Middle Ages, the fortifications of Rhodes influenced the entire eastern Mediterranean region. Walking through this part of the city, you encounter not just a single architectural style, but a mix of architectural traditions and historical periods.

Routes along the walls and through the moat

A 1,100-metre-long route runs along the walls of the medieval city. It begins at Kanonia Gate and ends at St John’s Gate, also known as Koskinou Gate. Along the way, there are sweeping views of the medieval city of Rhodes. The entrance fee and schedule are set by the Archaeological Service and may vary; check these details before your visit.

The medieval moat is 2,300 metres long and up to 70 metres wide in places. A walk there leads through the city centre beneath bridges and past medieval towers and bastions; check the conditions locally. At 2,300 metres, the route through the moat is more than twice as long as the route along the walls. You can therefore also distinguish the two walks by their stated lengths.

Museums: mosaics, furniture and archaeological finds

The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is housed in the medieval building of the Knights’ Hospital, a monumental, bioclimatically designed structure. Its finds come from various parts of Rhodes and the surrounding islands. The main exhibition includes finds from Ialysos and Kamiros, as well as a collection of statues. The historic courtyard displays mosaic floors from Hellenistic villas.

The upper floor of the Palace of the Grand Master also displays mosaic floors from monuments on Kos and medieval furniture. The two venues therefore offer different highlights: archaeological finds and a collection of statues are the focus here, while mosaics and furniture take centre stage there. Check the latest exhibition information before your trip.

Ancient Acropolis and green surroundings

The ancient Acropolis of Rhodes rises on a hilltop. Remains have been preserved in the archaeological park, and a few columns of the Temple of Pythian Apollo still stand among the ruins. Myrtle, laurel, oak, pine and cypress trees grow in the area. A visit here therefore combines archaeological remains with a glimpse of the park’s plant life.

A marble theatre beside the stadium

Beside the Diagoras Stadium is a small marble theatre where music and theatrical performances take place. If you would like to plan a performance into your trip, check the dates in advance. This lets you include the venue as a distinct cultural highlight in your plans without assuming there is a fixed programme.

Choosing a focus for your stay

If your travel group has a range of interests, the topics described offer different ways to plan: medieval architecture, museum collections, ancient remains and outdoor walks. When looking for a holiday rental in Rhodes, you can first decide what matters most to you. You can then compare the specific location of your accommodation with the places you would like to visit during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Rhodes, Vati, Kolympia, Pefki, Kastellorizon, Profilia, Kalavarda, Afantou.

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