Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese. Here the sun rules all the year long, summer extends and branches into other seasons, warming them with its breath. The famous Colossus which used to stand in the port of Rhodes, Mandraki, in Antiquity was one of the seven wonders of the world..
The city of Rhodes, at the north end of the island, presents a dual face. The old town is encircled by medieval castles, there are narrow lanes, stone mansions, churches, the Knights Castle, Knights Hospital and the Castello. Then the new city extends beyond these suggestive walls - with its wide streets, beautiful buildings, glamorous hotels and shops full of characteristic items of Rhodian folk art.
Places to see in the old town: The Knights Castle. It was completed in the 14th century and today reminds us of the Crusaders, defenders of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. On both sides of the old town's central road - known as the Knights' Way - lie the Inns of the seven nations that made up the Knights' Order of the 12th century. The Knights Hospital, an impressive two-storied building of the 15th century with a central yard, now houses the Archaeological Museum and its rich collection, including the famous Venus of Rhodes. Characteristic items of traditional local art can be seen in the Folk Art Museum.
At the end of the Knights'Way lies the palace of the Great Magisters, housing a brilliant collection of Western-type 16th and 17th century furniture, Roman and proto-Christian mosaic floors from Kos as well as various proto-Christian sculptures. Apart from the town the island has unnumerable other interesting areas: e.g. the Valley of the Butterflies, Filerimos with its dense pine forest. Madonna monastery and ruins of ancient Ialyssos. Kameiros with its wonderful landscape and ruins of an ancient city, Kallithea, Afandou, Koskinou, Faliraki and Lindos - about 56 km. southeast of the town of Rhodes, with its ancient Acropolis full of well-preserved interesting items. The history of Lindos reaches from Antiquity into the Middle Ages.
