Welcome again to this section of the site where we discuss The Medieval City. On this page I want to mention The Knights Castle in Rhodes, what it is and where it is.
Now when we say the word ‘castle’ I think we automatically think about a huge old stone fort type of establishment.
Well I know I do. We imagine Kings and Queens with their Knights on horseback rushing through the big open metal doors and advancing to battle.
The Castle of the Knights in Rhodes though (in my opinion) is more of an area within The Old Medieval Town which is referred to as the Knights Castle.
There are eleven different gates that will get you in and out of the old city.
One of them is called the Liberty Gate, and this is the entrance that will lead you into the Knights Castle. You will find it located on the Mandraki Harbor side of the Old City.
Actually, the Italian forces, considering themselves liberators from Turkish rule, opened the Liberty Gate during their occupation of the island in 1924, hence its name ‘Liberty Gate‘.
The Knights Castle in Rhodes – The Temple Of Aphrodite
As you walk into the old city through the Liberty gate, you will be in an area known as Symi Square.
Right opposite you, you will find the ancient ruins of The Temple Of Aphrodite.
This site dates back to the 3rd century BC and was built at that time to honor the love and beauty Greek goddess.
For me personally it is quite sad to see these ruins. What was once a temple, lies now in dust and I think it is a tragedy that the site (and other sites) could never be spared.
Although you cannot actually walk around this small area (it is sealed off) you can get close enough to appreciate the old ruins and the fallen columns.
There are also information boards there for you to read and this will paint a better picture for you.
See The Video & Enter Liberty Gate Into The Knights Castle
The Municipal Art Gallery
If you look around 180 degrees from The Temple Of Aphrodite you will see The
Municipal Art Gallery Of Rhodes. There are actually two floors to this building – The
Ionian Bank is situated on the ground floor and the art gallery is on the first floor.
This museum is a wonderful place to visit and you will find a lot of paintings inside from famous Greek painters.
I will be talking about the museums more in depth in a different and specific section on this website. So do not worry! 🙂
The Knights Castle in Rhodes – Argyrokastro Square
As you keep walking past the Municipal Art Gallery and the Temple Of Aphrodite, you will find yourself going slightly uphill approaching an archway.
On the right side you will see a beautiful stone made fountain.
In this square you will find some of the oldest of structures in the entire Knights Castle area.
These days, these older buildings are used as establishments for Archaeology and History.
The Knights Castle in Rhodes – The Church Of The Knights
As you move through the archway from Argyrokastro Square, the road widens, leading you directly into the area of the Church Of The Knights.
This is a very old structure dating back to the 12th Century.
This is also the area from which the adjacent Street Of The Knights is located which will take you up to The Grand Masters Palace!
In this area you will also find a huge structure which was originally the Knights Hospital.
The is now home to The Archaeological Museum.
Overall
Now, I want to tell you (and I appreciate the fact) that me sitting here and telling you about this area does not bring it to life.
The Medieval City as a whole and The Castle Of The Knights really is a breathtaking place, and the history, well, what to say – you can touch and feel it.
Most of the photographs which you can see on this page (and on a lot of this site) I have taken myself.
These photos of this area you see here I took in the winter time as it is quiet.
This way you can appreciate the area more without a lot of photos with people in the way 🙂
I hope they give you a little of an idea of what it is like here!
Well, you know, maybe you have been here?
Maybe you also have photographs of these places?
I would love to see them, and if people do not mind sharing them, maybe I will set up a gallery.
I will see what kind of response I get first 🙂
Please let me know if you have any questions or something you would like to share. I would really love to hear from you all!
Leave me a comment below and I will get right back to you!
Learn More About The Medieval City In Rhodes. Click From Below To Continue.
Wow, thanks Chris for sharing this historical landscape with us.
I guess the square, church, art gallery and the Temple of Aphrodite are all located within the Knights Castle.
For me, the museum is of greater interest. Looking forward to the in depth revelations about the Muncipal art gallery and other museums, if any.
Thanks once again. An historical read is always refreshing read.
Hey there. The Art galleries are something special here on the island of Rhodes.
Have you seen the post I made with regards to The Archaeological Museum? I think you will find this very interesting.
There is a lot more coming for the museums too. I am getting a lot of work done, so just hang on in there 🙂
Thanks for your interest.
Chris
I love your site! I am a huge medieval fan and often fantasize about having a medieval area on our acreage. I would love for someone to build me a fire breathing outdoor dragon stove.
Your pictures are fantastic and really capture the feel of actually being there. One of the main reasons why I want to be successful in life is to travel around with my family without having time restrictions or money restrictions.
I will definitely be adding this to the list of places to visit.
Hello Michael and thanks so much for your interest.
I must admit, standing in the old medieval cities that I have visited in my time have also left me speechless. I love the feeling you get when you walk among the old streets and ruins. What life must have been like back then? I love it all too.
I am not sure about a fire breathing dragon in my garden, but hey, I get where you are at 🙂
I’m happy you found my information here informative, and I also hope you manage to get to where you want in life to be able to visit Rhodes. If you do, make sure you look me up. I am always here!
Thanks Michael. Nice to meet you.
Chris
I love how this place reminds me of York!
We would walk the wall for a half day, stopping along the various olden stores. Nevertheless, the Knight’s Castle in Rhodes seems just as magical, and a place I would never have known to even THINK about visiting were it not for this informational article.
I am not a medieval major by any means, but I do feel a little bit smarter because of this post.
Cheers!
Hey Gareth, am I right in saying you are talking about York in the UK?
I have been there a few times, but it was in my youth and with my Grandparents for small days out. I remember it well though. York Minster is an amazing place, and you are right, it has the same medieval sort of feel as The Medieval City in Rhodes.
I always remember the old streets and even today I still have my photograph which my Grandfather took of me in front of the York Minster main entrance. Very fond memories, nice to be reminded of them. He also slipped on one occasion in the same place, and he took a photograph of his feet instead 🙂 This has stayed with me since, and I still have this photograph too!
I am happy I brought the Medieval City in Rhodes to your attention Gareth. Let’s hope you mange a visit here one day:) Really nice to hear from you.
Thanks
Chris
Thanks Chris for sharing this. I have heard about the Medieval City in Rhodes before. Was this place not used as the filming location to The Guns Of Navarone Movie? I am sure it was.
Anyway, my wife and I are spending the fall of 2018 in Europe and just added this to our list of places to visit.
We are history and travel buffs and this will be our first visit to Europe.
Do you have any other must see places that we should add to our itinerary?
Hi there Thomas and thank you for getting in touch.
You are absolutely right. Rhodes was the setting (in part) for the filming of the movie The Guns Of Navarone.
In some shots you can clearly see the Medieval City in the background. Different locations on the island have also been used in other television presentations too, such as Poirot and Inspector Morse (British Origin).
The Medieval City is full of history, so if you and your wife are lovers of this, then this is the place for you. Let’s hope you manage to visit the island and see it for yourself.
If you do, be sure to check out The Ancient City Of Kameiros and Lindos. Tons of history there too which will not leave you disappointed 🙂
Thanks Thomas, and if you need something before you plan your visit, feel free to let me know!
Thanks
Chris
Hi Chris,
This is a great review on the Medieval City in Rhodes. Such a beautiful place! Maybe someday I’ll get to visit the island myself.
One thing that I was wondering about… I’m having a memory from some long forgotten history class or another… is the island of Rhodes where the statue of Rhodes used to be? In my mind I’m picturing the statue standing over a body of water or a port or something like that. Would that be anywhere near the Medieval City?
-Chadimus
Hey Chadimus,
You will be pleased to know your memory serves you correctly.
Your forgotten history class would have been referring to The Colossus. It was indeed a large structure depicting the Sun God Helios.
Unfortunately it was destroyed centuries ago by a massive earthquake. Since then some of the stories told over generations have left some mystery as to its exact location. You are right though, it was said to have stood over the entrance to the main harbor in Rhodes.
There are also stories of it standing within The Medieval City and also at the Old Stadium, but again, it is something I suppose that will never be proved 🙂
You can read more on The Colossus In Rhodes here if you are interested.
Thanks Chadimus.
Chris
Hi Chris
Wow! Nice site, lots of great pics and your written words sure do show how much love you have for this place.
It looks like a great place to see at some point and The Knights Castle looks awesome. Is there a better time of year to see this place? Is there good and safe places to stay?
Your enthusiasm is present on this page. Good job.
Hey Bobby, great to have to pass by – thank you 🙂
Yeah it is an awesome place. The whole Medieval City is to be honest. It is quite breathtaking and I love it here. I cannot help but be passionate when I talk about this ancient city. It has witnessed so much history and events that it is hard not to appreciate.
At the moment, I have not delved into places to stay on the island as yet. I will be doing in the future, but just want to develop and complete other areas first. If you want to know something specific though, feel free to drop me a line and I will help you out.
As for the time of year to visit, it all depends on personal preference and your ability to withstand the temperatures 🙂
If you check out The Climate Of Rhodes section I think all your questions will be pretty much answered. Check the comments too, as lots of people ask about this, so you will get tons of information there too.
Thanks Bobby, and I am here if you need something more.
Chris
Hi Chris Towers,
This is nice site and I love this section on The Knights Castle in Rhodes. For sure I have never had the opportunity to visit the place before, though I have seen it in the movies and read about it in story books. Now here within your site I come across it again.
It really looks like a historical place with so much story to give forth.
Looks like I might pay a visit during one of my future vacations.
Thank you
Diana
Hello there Diana. Indeed you probably have seen it on the big screen.
Rhodes was actually used as the setting for the hit movie The Guns Of Navarone starring David Niven, Anthony Quinn and Gregory Peck. There are some amazing shots and great footage of The Medieval City here. I remember this film when I was growing up.
As for story books I will admit I have never seen anything when it comes to The Medieval City. Of course I have read numerous non fictional books but I have never come across anything fiction. Can you remember which stories where you came across Rhodes and/or The Medieval City? I would love to know!
Thanks Diana, hope to hear back from you soon!
Chris
Oh, I so want to visit the Knights Castle in Rhodes! I love places like this.
When I visit my relatives in Germany, I always hit the towns that are full of history like this. I never get tired of seeing it all. Oh how nice it would be to live in an area so full of history and art.
How long would it take to tour the Knights Castle?
Hi Leahrae, great to have you back.
To be honest when it comes to looking at a time schedule to absorb and enjoy this area it is up to you.
When you look at the ancient structures, the old stone streets and areas such as The Temple Of Aphrodite and Argyrokstro Square it can really swallow up your time. In this area you will also witness The Hospital Of The Knights (now The Archaeological Museum) and this really is a place to see.
I have spent hours here time and time again, and will openly say I still see things which I did not see before on previous visits.
I would say anything less than 2 hours would be a crime, but again it is personal choice!
Hope this helps you 🙂
Thanks Leahrae, and come back soon!
Chris
Hi Chris
Thank you very much for sharing such a beautiful place with us. I can feel all the history you explained right from my chair right now. I went to Greece 5 years ago, and I have to say, I can’t believe I missed out on this castle (Old Medieval Town).
It looks like it must take quite some time to really capture all that the Knights Castle offers.
How long would you say it takes to do so?
Thanks in advance,
Luis
Hi Luis and thanks for your interest and question.
To be honest, in my opinion you could navigate your way around The Medieval City In Rhodes for a whole year, and you would still not see it all!
There is so much to appreciate and although you would not say it is a Huge place, it is quite a good size, and there are lots of hidden little areas that people pass by and never even notice.
It is a hard question to answer Luis to be honest. Some people pass by for an hour, some people visit the Old City everyday for 2 weeks.
I guess it is choice, but i promise you would not be disappointed 🙂
Where in Greece did you visit when you were here 5 years ago?
Thanks Luis
Chris
Oh My Gosh the Medieval City looks amazing!
Your pictures and descriptions gives the feel of being on the set of “Game of Thrones” :).
I love your other articles on this amazing island. What is the temperature range throughout the year? Is there a better time of year to visit than other times? Please Please Please let me know. Incredible views.
Hey there Robert thanks for your comment and enthusiasm 🙂 It is good to know you liked my work here!
In answer to your question you can find the information on the site itself. If you look at The Island Of Rhodes Page and the information I have put on The Climate Of Rhodes too, I think this will offer you a good insight.
Of course if you need more just let me know 🙂 I will be happy to help you out!
And aahhh yes, The Game Of Thrones, I suppose you are right yes. You definitely get into this feel if you visit The Knights Castle (and indeed The Medieval City in general) during the evening time.
The lights and the atmosphere are completely different to the daytime 🙂
Thanks so much for getting in touch Robert!
Chris
Hi Chris!
Thank you for sharing this blog! I appreciate the beauty of castles.
Going to Rhodes to see this beautiful castle is definitely a must do. Your blog is very informative and gave an overview history of the castle.
When I get the chance to go to Greece, this will definitely be a must do especially when in Rhodes!
Hey Geoff great 🙂
I am happy you found the information here useful and interesting.
Of course when it comes to The Knights Castle in Rhodes it is a big area, and let us not forget the whole of the Medieval City in general.. A lot to see 🙂
I hope you manage to get here sometimes and experience it all for yourself.
Thanks for passing by and leaving your comment, and let me know if you need anything in the future!
Chris
Hi Chris.
Loved reading your article. I can see why you fell in love with the place and would want to relocate there.
I’m a big history buff and would love to be able to travel the world and visit historical places like the Knights Castle. But because that’s not possible…..at least right now…..I love to visit websites like yours.
It gives people like me a chance to see the world through your eyes, and hopefully one day, be able to see it with our own.
Best regards
Kim
Hey Kim thanks so much for passing by and appreciating the work I am doing here.
The way I look at it when it comes to travel is to say ‘never say never’. I think everyone has things going on in life which need to be sorted out. Loans need paying, cars need fuel, children need education. I appreciate that!
I think though sometimes things can get out of hand, and it can also stop people from enjoying life. I know all the above mentioned are important, but enjoying life is also important do you agree?
We only live one time, and if you get the chance to travel i would recommend it. I have been lucky i will admit, I was serving with the military for many years and I have been blessed to see a lot of the world, but i worked hard for it.
I also had bills at the time but the job helped me!
Anyway, If you are a history buff, then Rhodes is the place for you 🙂 You will really love it here. I will keep adding information to this site, so be sure to call back sometimes. Of course if you want to know something specific just drop me a line and I will happily help you out.
I have a lot of friends here, and a lot of them have accommodation, rent a car businesses etc, so I can always fix you a better deal 🙂
Thanks for your comment Kim, nice to hear from you.
Chris
Hi Chris,
I love this read. It’s awesome that your promoting such a beautiful place, I love your passion and enthusiasm.
I am soon to be in Greece (around July this year) and I hadn’t planned where I would spend all my days. Because of your great review I will consider the Island of Rhodes.
I look forward to reading more on your website.
Amy
Hey Amy thanks so much for taking a look.
I am happy you like my site and you can understand how much work I am putting into it 🙂 My enthusiasm is always there I have to say, so I promise, there is lots more coming 🙂
If you do manage to land on the island of Rhodes this July please let me know 🙂 The drinks are on me!
Thanks for reading Amy
Chris
Hello Chris 🙂
I have to say that I loved this place when I saw it. You can feel the past and the history when walking in the castle and in the medieval city. You are right it is really breathtaking.
But I want to ask you something. Because i was there only in the summer, how is the old city in the winter? Is it open to visit the castle and the church?
Do you know which Greek painters works are on display in the art gallery? I love art and I am interested 🙂
Thanks for sharing such an interesting article and it took me back a few years ago to a wonderful holiday 🙂
Cristina
Hey Cristina thanks very much for your comment and for your question too.
it is always nice to hear from people who have seen Rhodes for themselves and I am happy you found the Medieval City as amazing as I do. It really is something special isn’t it ? 🙂
To answer your question, the works of art on display in the Municipal Art Gallery cover a lot of history too. There are works for you to see which represent the historical periods in which they were painted decades ago.
Some of the work has also even been displayed internationally in official exhibitions. So it has had a worldwide audience without doubt.
Photis Kontoglou for example has work displayed here and he became famous for his own book “Pedro Kazas” which he illustrated himself. He was also noted for painting frescoes on different churches all over Greece.
Konstantinos Maleas is considered one of the most important painters in Greece and he is famous for making the illustrations on the very first book on the Greek Alphabet!
Spyros Vassiliou was a famous painted, designer and decorator. He was also famous for painting frescoes for churches in Greece.
This of course is a shortlist of names on display at the Municipal Art Gallery, but it gives you and idea I hope 🙂
If you want more information please feel free to let me know!
Thanks
Chris