In this section I will be discussing The Street Of The Knights In Rhodes which is located inside The Medieval City.
As I mentioned on a previous post on this site called The Knights Castle In Rhodes, this street is a main street that adjacently joins the Church Of The Knights area as you pass through Argyrokastro Square. This is best gotten to by using the Liberty Gate entrance – one of The Eleven Gates into the old city.
Out of all the areas you will see inside the old city, The Street Of The Knights is one of the places that has retained its originality right back from the Collachium times. It has actually been documented that it is one of the most (if not the most) preserved medieval streets in all of Europe.
The Ottoman Empire and The Italian Rule
As has already been mentioned on this site (and other resources you will come across), the Ottoman Rule was not a good time for the island of Rhodes. During this rule, the structures that are present on this important street were actually utilized as a garrison.
When you consider that these same buildings were used as dwellings for the important Knights Of Saint John, one can say it is a shame that they succumbed to this treatment.
As I also mentioned on the Rhodes Architecture page, the Italians were responsible for a lot of restoration work when it came to the old structures on the island, and the Street Of The Knights is no different.
Once the Ottoman Empire’s reign was over, the Italian forces restored the street as it once was, before they were used as barracks.
The Street Itself
I hope from the photographs I have provided for you here (all my own work of
course) give you an idea of the feeling the street offers. Of course photographs
The Beautiful Street Of The Knights In Rhodes
never do anything justice, and to see it for yourself is an amazing experience.
The street runs from the bottom next to The Archaeological Museum (The Old Hospital) 200 meters or so on an incline, and it is around 5 to 6 meters wide. The road stretches up into the distance where it reveals the amazing Grand Masters Palace!
On the left and right of the street are small hostel structures (or inns) which housed the different members of the Knights (or Langues) centuries ago. You can find more information on the Langues in The Knights Of Saint John section.
Although on the photos here the street looks quite steep to walk up, it is not too bad. So for those of you that feel a little daunted at an uphill struggle, do not worry 🙂
As you walk up the hill on this beautiful street there are some things of interest that can easily be missed. So I want to just highlight them here.
On the left side as you pass the north face of the old hospital, you will see the Italian Langue Inn. So in effect this is the first point of interest on the left side as you start your uphill walk.
Next to this you will see the French Coat Of Arms for Philippe Villiers de L’isle Adam. This important man was a predominant member of the Order Of The Knights Of Saint John’s during the siege of the Ottoman Empire in 1522.
Philippe Villiers de L’isle Adam Courtesy Of VortBot (Wikimedia Commons)
He was elected as the 44th Grand Master of The Knights Order.
Moving further up and on the left side you will pass the original entrance to the hospital and straight after this, there is a beautiful garden which boasts and ancient Turkish fountain. Looking into this garden offers you complete escape with the smells and the colors which are present. Something definitely not to miss.
Opposite this garden is the Langue of France Inn which is said to be one of the most exuberant Inns of The Knights Order structures. It is charmingly spruced and again it is something not to walk past as you progress up the street.
Chapel of The French Langue
Next door to this beautiful Inn is the Chapel of the French Langue. Outside on the
wall you will see a lovely sculpture of The Virgin Mary with child. I took a photograph
of this for you to see here on the right side.
Also, on this Chapel is a Coat Of Arms which honors Raymond Beranger who was the Grand Master at the time of building (1365 to 1374). This information reveals that the Chapel is actually one of the most ancient buildings on the whole street.
Under The Archway
As you pass under the archway there are two more Inns.
The one on the left is the Inn of the Langue Of Spain and the one on the right is the Inn of the Langue of Provence.
As you pass these, the Street Of The Knights comes to an end and you are confronted with the amazing Grand Masters Palace along with the Church of Saint John. This church was the official church of the Knights and was used for the burials of the Grand Masters.
Under The Archway
The Italians Again Came Into Play
As sad as it is to lose old ancient buildings, we have to accept that things happen over time. Be it war, an act of God or other events, things do change and structures suffer as a consequence.
Well in 1856 the Church Of Saint John was hit by lightening. Unfortunately, in the cellars lay gunpowder which had long been abandoned and unremembered.
This lightening strike ignited and flared up the gunpowder and after a huge blast the church was completely devastated. With this came also the destruction of The Grand Masters Palace.
As luck would have it, old designs and sketches endured, and with this they were used by the Italian Forces. They completely rebuilt the church in a new location in 1925. This is now what is called the Evangelismos Church and it is located on the Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes Town.
Nowadays this church is a Greek Orthodox church but it was actually built by Florestano Di Fausto and Rodolfo Petracco as a Catholic church during the Italian Rule.
They also rebuilt The Palace Of The Grand Masters as close as possible to the original and it was completed in 1940.
Evangelismos Church Courtesy Of Bgag (Wikimedia Commons)
Conclusion.
I will admit, to sit here and read about it and looking at photos while listening to other people’s opinions will never be the same as seeing and doing something yourself. I hope this gives you a little taste if nothing else though.
Have you been here and seen the wonderful Street Of The Knights? Have you something to share or do you have something you need to ask?
It would be really great to hear from all of you out there. Feel free to contact me and I will get right back to you.
Thanks so much for reading!
Chris
Learn More About The Medieval City In Rhodes. Click From Below To Continue.
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- The Medieval City
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- The Knights Castle
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- Grand Masters Palace
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- The Archaeological Museum
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- The Walls And The Gates
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- Chora And Bourgo
Hi Chris.
Great read, a lot of information. Perhaps you can tell me about one of the houses on this street with a small water source, I believe this is in Ottomans house but I can be wrong, not much can be found about this place… I’ve been twice on Rhodes and looking to find out more about this place. I love the atmosphere there, lovely people, food, Greek tavernas, beautiful weather and places, always is hard to leave this place.
Actually, I’m looking to move for a long time to one of the Greek Islands. Not sure where abouts, not yet, but slowly getting there. Lucky you 😉 to live there.
I hope I will see this year Rhodes in July. Thanks for the great post!!!
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Hello Lucas and thanks for getting in touch!
I assume you are referring to the gardens on the Street Of The Knights which are on the left side as you walk up from the bottom towards The Grand Masters Palace? If so, I will have to agree with you that information on this is somewhat limited and unfortunately at this moment I am not really able to shed any light on it for you.
The water source you speak of is a fountain made by the Turkish and you can see it normally located behind a locked gate approximately half way along the cobbled street.
I am also on the hunt for further information on this. Now the Summer months are approaching and I have a couple of friends who are tour guides, so I will tap them to see if they know something more. As soon as I know, I will let you in on it Lucas.
Thanks
Chris
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Hi Chris.
Yes, on the left side, and been there a few times, but it was always behind the closed gate. I’ve managed to take a photo of the fountain through the gate. Later I found very little about it, only that is in Ottoman house. I’ve titled the image “Fountain in the Ottoman house” feel free to check out on my blog on this Friday:)
Thanks!
Lucas
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Perfect. Will do Lucas 🙂
Thanks
Chris
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Do people ever show up and try to recreate the scene as the street is depicted in the original AD&D dungeon masters guide?
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Hey Don
Although I will openly admit I do not follow Dungeons & Dragons and have nothing to make a comparison, there is a festival each year in August that transforms this area into what it used to be like in the old days!
There are stalls and a nice show that is put on so you can have a real taste of the history here and see what it would have been like.
Very much worth seeing if you are on the island during the performances! 🙂
Thanks
Chris
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Thanks for another history lesson here Chris, I found this very interesting and as usual, you made me want to come even more and see Rhodes for myself.
You always make your photos look so inviting that you want to transport yourself into the photo and see in real life what you are talking about.
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Hi Cheryl and thank you.
I try to do the best I can with the photos on my site. I do really like to borrow them from other sources, but on occasion I have little choice.
Most of what you see on the site though are my own work. So I am happy I am doing an OK job 🙂
Be sure to get here Cheryl. The Street Of The Knights is an awesome place, and it is only one of many locations that will capture your interest on the island.
Nice to hear from you.
Chris
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Thank you so much for this very beautiful and detailed review!??
I went to Rhodes recently in September this year, but feel that I missed out on a lot! I never knew there was so much to see in the lovely old city, heard about, but feel that I only skimmed it.?
I was wondering if you knew of any guided tours of the city?, (I’m sure I’d still miss a lot of it), and such a terrible shame, the streets of St John and museum particular.
\Still, I’m so grateful for this marvelous insight, and have more of an idea what to look for now.
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Hi Andrea and thanks for your visit.
it is great that you managed a visit to the island recently, but do not beat yourself up, there is so much to see and absorb, it is very easily to overlook things. Some of the places of interest can be walked passed without you realizing.
The street of the Knights is amazing, and this is a definite place not to miss out on though. I hope you will be visiting again with a more keen eye 🙂
Meanwhile, look around here as much as you need and let me know if you need something.
Thanks Andrea, great to hear from you.
Chris
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Wow Chris, what a great documentation of Rhodes.
I love your photos. It really seems like one of those old cities that still holds a lot of romance.
I haven’t ever been there, but it’s reminding me a bit of a few old cities in Italy I’ve passed through. I will definitely put it on my list of must-visits.
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Hi Sunny and thanks for reading.
It is good that you mention the similarities to what you see here in Rhodes to other locations in Italy!
Between 1912 and 1943 Rhodes was under the control of the Italians. During their stay here on the island there was a lot achieved in the way of architecture and structural work! In actual fact a lot of what you see today has been reconstructed (and in some cases rebuilt completely) by the Italians!
If you look at the Evanglismos Church which stands tall at the entrance to the harbor of Rhodes as an example. This was built by the Italians. It was designed by Florestano Di Fausto and Rodolfo Petracco as a Catholic Church in 1925.
The Italians have certainly left their influence on the island of Rhodes, and without them, you would not be seeing the island as it is today!
Thanks Sunny. Let me know if you need something more.
Chris
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Rhodes looks amazing!
I particularly like the way you take us on a walk along the Street of the Knights as only a local can. The story about the Church of Saint John is amazing – that they would be so unlucky as to have a lighting strike in that very spot. Wow.
Although I’ve traveled to many parts of the world, I’ve never been to Rhodes, but now I’m curious to see it.
When would you suggest is the best time of year to visit (when its not really hot)?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and great photos!
Margaret
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Hello there Margaret, it is really nice to hear from you. Thanks for getting in contact.
There is a lot of history that lies on The Street Of The Knights, as there is for all of the streets the lie inside the medieval walls of the Rhodes Ancient City. You will love it here 🙂
I am of course happy that you enjoyed the tour I have provided here, but believe me, there is nothing like seeing it for yourself 🙂
When it comes to choosing the best time to visit, it is wise to do some research. It does get very hot here in the summer. Sometimes it can be overbearing and can destroy your time here if you are not ready for it.
If you check out The Climate Of Rhodes page, I have provided some useful information when it comes to temperatures and weather.
I hope it helps you.
Thanks Margaret, and I am here if you need anything else!
Chris
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It is a shame I have never been to Rhodes although I am living in Greece!
I’ve heard countless times how beautiful Rhodes is and your work proves it! When the time is right, I will be visiting this beautiful island and using your site as my compass.
Definitely, the street of the Knights will be on my list. Looks amazing!
Thank you for providing us such useful information. I love traveling!
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Hey John, welcome back. I have seen you a few times passing by and leaving your thoughts. Great to see you again.
Yeah, you are so close, yet so far 🙂
A lot of Greek people come to the island of Rhodes all the time and from all over Greece. They make their vacations here, take time to relax and see the sites, drink a beer or two, you know how it goes right? 🙂
The Street Of The Knights really is amazing John. You will love it 🙂 There are many areas of course and a lot to appreciate.
I will keep adding information to my website don’t worry, so feel free to use it as your compass.
I recently added a map of the island to the site, did you see it? It is an interactive map where you can zoom and out and navigate your way around, It might make things easier. You can check out the Rhodes Interactive Map here.
Thanks John, and hope to see you here soon 🙂
Chris
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Hey Chris, for someone who never been to Greece, reading your article makes me want to travel to Greece more quickly than ever !.. The Street Of The Knights looks spectacular and something I know I would love to see.
I do agree with you that people will have their own opinion and definition about certain places, its about experiencing it right ?
Thank you for the history background as well, i’ll take my girlfriend there, she’ll love it!
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Hello there Elbert and thank you so much for your visit.
I am happy my information here makes you want to get your bags packed and venture out here 🙂 I promise, if you do, you will not regret it.
The Street Of The Knights is indeed a magnificent place. I love it here.
In the winter months I make the most of the winter months when it is quiet to go and soak up the atmosphere. It also gives me a great chance to capture some photographs (some of which you see here).
Yeah, I mean when you talk about certain places, things and experiences, many people will give you a different point of view. That’s fine too, not everyone is the same.
The one thing I will say though, is make your own assessment after you have experienced it for yourself, not on the word of someone else. In my opinion, This area of Rhodes is absolutely beautiful 🙂
Thanks Elbert, and hope to see you here soon!
Chris
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I love the highlight photographs that you took. I could envision myself being there and listening to your voice in the background sharing with me the historical events that took place so long ago.
It opened my imagination and then I lost interested in reading more and just wanted to be there to see it for myself.
You are totally right about having to experience first hand. I would love to travel abroad again.
Thank you for sharing your love of Rhodes. It is definitely on my list of future travels.
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Hello Ha and thanks so much for visiting me here and for your clear interest. It is great to know my work here brought the island of Rhodes to life for you.
Photographs are very nice, they are, as are videos to look back on. There is nothing like seeing something with your own eyes though. Actually being here, experiencing the smells inside the ancient ruins, the breeze blowing over you and sometimes the silence that is present really gives you a taste of the fascinating history here.
I have visited The Street Of The Knights during the winter months, and made my way to the top to meet The Grand Masters Palace, and the feeling you get when it is quiet is unbelievable.
I recommend everybody to see this place at least once during their lifetime.
I am always here, and if you manage to include Rhodes on your future travels I will be happy to help you out with regards to places to see 🙂
Thanks Ha
Chris
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I thank you for this privilege you have allowed me to be a part of, I don’t know why, but centuries old buildings always intimidate me and at the same time spark my curiosity.
I just can’t stop thinking of how these places such as The Street Of The Knights bear witness to human experiences of all kind, good and bad, and something that grips me is the thought of the black death in the 14th century Europe.
But I know that is my imagination running wild, I am sure the breeze by the sea soothes any emotions that might sneak up on you, and you wind up with memorable stories.
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Hello Tomas and thank you for your genuine and deep interest.
I can assure you, if you visit The Medieval City in Rhodes the history will touch you. I personally love visiting during the winter months when it is quiet. The normal trading outlets are closed and there is a captivating silence around you.
The breeze whistles off the old stone walls and now and again you hear an echo that surrounds you. It really does make your mind wander and you can taste and feel the history. You can imagine the days of old and the people that once walked and worked in these old stone streets. History at its finest 🙂
When it comes to talking about The Black Death, I will admit I am not fully educated. Of course it took place during the Byzantium, and I know Constantinople and areas in the Aegean Sea were badly affected.
You have also sent my mind racing Tomas, and I will learn more on this area of history myself 🙂
Thanks, and nice to meet you.
Chris
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This looks like a beautiful amazing place. There is so much is so much history behind it.
I would love to travel to Rhodes and see it with my own eyes. I am going to have to put this on my to do list before I die, it is just a nice scene.
Thank you creating this site and sharing this information.
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Hello there Marcus and thank you for reading.
Naturally, I am very happy to liked what you saw here, but believe me, seeing it with your own eyes is really something special. It will amaze you for sure 🙂 The Street of The Knights is quite a place I can tell you, and when you reach the top and The Grand Masters Palace comes into view.. well WOW 🙂
Keep it on your to do list, and when you have the opportunity to put your plans into place let me know. I will happily give you some tips and advice so you get the most out of your visit.
Great to hear from you Marcus. Thanks again!
Chris
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Hi Chris,
I have never been to Greece before but have always been fascinated by the wealth of its history. This place again seems to have a lot of interesting sites and history too! The Street Of The Knights looks absolutely fascinating.
Just curious, when will you advise for the best time to travel to Rhodes? Is it very difficult to walk on this street if I bring someone elderly?
Thank you!
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Hey Susan, great question and thanks for asking.
The Street Of The Knights (and a large part of the old town) has the old stone streets similar to what you can see in the photographs here.
There are areas that have been paved which can make things easier, but for the cobbled stone roads it can prove to be a little uncomfortable at times.
I guess it can be more challenging to keep your balance if you are elderly, but it is also a challenge if you wear the incorrect footwear (no matter your age).
If you are elderly, it is nice and convenient if you have someone with you should you need assistance, and always try to wear comfortable shoes.
I myself have had to go into The Medieval City to run errands in the past, and I have been wearing dress does, and these also proved to be a bad idea.
A nice pair of running/training shoes is perfect to navigate your way around.
Hope this helps you out Susan 🙂
Thanks for reading!
Chris
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Hi Chris
You really took me on a journey to The Street Of The Knights In Rhodes here, and let me start by saying thank you. You have inspired me to add this place to my buckets list.
The information you provided was great for me because I love to explore historical places and you are right, to be there in person would be so much better – so that is what I am going to do.
Thank you very much.
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Hey there Denney and thank you so much for your kind words and indeed for your warm interest.
Rhodes is an amazing place, and if you are a lover of visiting historical places then you would love it here for sure.
There is a lot to see and do here on the island, and even more to appreciate.
Being here and seeing it with your own eyes of course beats it all. It is like watching your favorite band on a DVD, but it will never match actually being there in the audience at a show.
Standing on The Street Of The Knights, and making your way around The Medieval City where all of this history took place, well, there is nothing quite like it.
Let’s hope you make it here soon Denney. Of course I am here if you need something more 🙂
Thanks
Chris
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This seems like a wonderful place to travel. Would you consider it a peaceful place to visit?
My mother’s birthday is coming up and I would love to take her to a place that is historical and peaceful. And this seems to hit both of these characteristics!
Must be such history there!
Thank you for sharing;
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Hello there Liz and thanks for your question.
Indeed Rhodes is very peaceful for a visit. There is no trouble here at all.
I know sometimes Greece has a bad picture painted of it when it comes to the press, but I promise you Rhodes and all the other islands are perfectly safe for a visit 🙂
If you are looking for history then this is the place to come for sure. I hope you and your Mother manage to get to visit.
if you need anymore information just drop me a line. I am happy to answer any queries you have 🙂
Thanks
Chris
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Wow. I felt like I was looking at something out of a movie set.
Would be a great place to visit and just walk around the streets. Why is there no-one else in most of these pics? It is like the place is deserted! Was it very early in the morning?
I imagine you would get very ‘regal’ feelings walking through these places and it would be amazing to be there.
Forgive my ignorance, but is Rhodes part of Greece or Turkey?
As you mentioned the Ottoman Empire I am assuming it is Turkey?
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Hi there Liz and thanks for your questions.
The streets you see on the photos here were taken during the winter months, so because there is little going on in the way of tourism, it is usually quiet and a lot of places are closed.
To be honest, and in my opinion, this is the best way to see The Medieval City in general. You really do get the feeling of pure history when you are virtually the only one standing there 🙂
In answer to your question, the island of Rhodes now belongs to Greece. I mention the Ottoman Empire too throughout the site, as the Turkish did rule here under the Ottoman Empire from 1522 until 1912.
In 1522 there presence was solidified here after defeating The Knights Of Saint John, and it came to an end in 1912 after suffering defeat to the Italian Forces.
It is said that the island of Rhodes under the Ottoman Empire was the worst in its history, where as the Knights Of Saint John were considered as one of the better periods in it’s history.
On saying that there are still really amazing things to see here which can be clearly seen as Turkish and from the Knights. Some of the structures are a dead giveaway as to who constructed them all them centuries ago!
I hope this answers your questions 🙂 If you need more just let me know!
Thanks Liz
Chris
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Hi Chris
I love history and travel. And The Medieval Times is my favourite 🙂
By reading your article, I felt like I was back in time and walking through the streets of this amazing city.
This blog post is breathing history.
Your knowledge of Greek culture and traditions as well as writing style invites a reader to discover this beautiful place.
Very interesting and motivating information to visit this wonderful city.
Thank you 🙂
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Hello there and thank you for your kind words 🙂
It is always nice to hear when someone has a nice time visiting my website, it means a lot to me!
The Medieval City really does bring to you the feeling of travelling back in time. If you are ever lucky enough to see it in the winter period, it is exceptionally beautiful. During this time the town is quiet, the tourist season is no longer and you can really get a feeling as to what it would have been like to live there in the old days.
When the tourists are here, do not get me wrong it is amazing, but the fully crowded streets and the coffee shops can sometimes spoil the originality of it all. Only my opinion of course 🙂
Thanks for reading 🙂
Chris
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There is so much history on that side of the world!
I just visited Thessaloniki 3 months ago. Greece is beautiful and every step you take on some of those old streets you can feel all the history around you with each step!
Thanks for taking me back on this trip through your article!
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Hello Eric and thanks for your comment!
It is of course great to know you have visited this amazing country. I have also been to Thessaloniki, it was around 3 years ago now, but I agree with you, an amazing place for sure 🙂
Naturally i went to see The White Tower and the Museum of Byzantine Culture, as i think most people do, but i also made a point of going off the normal track and finding some of the little hidden and often unnoticed secrets too 🙂
I am happy you liked the information here, and if you ever visit Greece again be sure to make a stop in Rhodes!
Thanks for passing by Eric, I appreciate it!
Chris
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I made a wonderful vacation on the island of Rhodes a few years ago.
I also made a day trip to Rhodes town and even today I get goose bumps when I think back on this vacation.
Such a wonderful island and city! Since I did the sightseeing alone, I had no historical data, but I have now after I found your site.
Thanks for this great information!
Daniel
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Hi Daniel and thanks for getting in touch!
It is great to know you have visited Rhodes in the past, and like I always say, the people that come never forget it.
It really has this way of getting under your skin doesn’t it? 🙂 I think this is why many thousands of people come back to Rhodes year after year. It is addictive.
I am always a fan of finding my own way around Daniel to be honest. I am not a big lover of organised tours. I agree you get the historical data along the way, but there is nothing worse than being escorted around on someone else’s timetable.
With the development of modern technology, especially on the cellphones these days, it is easy to find information in only a minute or two, so websites such as this can offer the information as you progress.
Let’s hope you can manage another visit sometime and gain more of an understanding of what it all means while you are here and living in the moment!
Thanks 🙂
Chris
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Hi Chris!
This place looks amazing! I love traveling myself, especially to places with so much history that it blows your mind haha.
I do agree, going to places and seeing everything with your own eyes can’t even compete with stories of others. It’s all subjective anyway, right?!
Good luck with your travels and awesome posts!
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Hello there Ingrida and nice to meet you 🙂
I am happy you liked the information here, and if you like history then this is the place for you 🙂
I agree, you can look at pictures, brochures and listen to various people tell there stories, and although they try to portray something for you to see the experience (like i am doing here), it is never the same as seeing and doing for yourself!
As for Rhodes, the place really amazing. Just yesterday I was in the Medieval City for a function at the Palace Of The Grand Masters, and WOW, to see that place illuminated in the night is truly something to not forget.
You see, there I go again, portraying for you 🙂
I will continue doing what I am doing here Ingrida, do not worry. I have lots more to share with everyone!
Thanks for getting in touch!
Chris
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