Medieval City of Rhodes

Enter through the northern Eleftherias (Liberty) Gate and you’ll find yourself in Simis Square, characterized by its striking medieval architecture and home to the Hellenistic ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite. Nearby, the lively cafes and souvenirs stores of Ippokratous Square and Sokratous street are the main tourist hubs, providing a central point from which to explore Rhodes Old Town’s many attractions. Just about every sightseeing tour of Rhodes includes a visit to the medieval walled city, though it’s possible to get a more in-depth experience on a walking or scooter tour of the medieval city itself. Evening tours show off the cobbled alleyways at their most atmospheric.

• The cobbled streets of the medieval city can be slick and uneven, so be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes.
• Bring your camera, as this is one of the most photogenic areas in Greece.
• Rhodes Old Town is not laid out on a grid and can be quite maze-like; bring a map, visit with a guide, or embrace getting lost and wandering.

The medieval city is accessible on foot from just about anywhere in the town of Rhodes. Driving generally isn’t advised, as parking in and around the old city is limited. If you’re coming from other parts of the island, consider hiring a taxi or taking the public bus.

The best time to visit the walled old city is during the winter months (December and January), when tourist crowds are at their lowest. Most shops and hotels remain open during this slower season, and weather is typically cool and sunny.

The undisputed star of the medieval city is the dramatic hilltop Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Rhodes, a fourteenth-century castle built by the Knights of St John. Leading down from the palace, the stone-paved Avenue of the Knights (Ippoton) is the city’s most famous medieval street. Also of interest is the Archaeological Museum, housed within a Gothic building that once houses a hospital. Head to the top of the clocktower for some of the best views over the historic district.