Greece - rhodes 1

 Some pics of Rhodes.

Rhodes is a Greek island located in the eastern Aegean Sea.

It is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and has a rich history dating back to ancient times.

The island was an important center of the Minoan civilization, and later became part of the Roman Empire. It was also a stronghold of the Byzantine Empire and was conquered by the Knights Hospitaller in the 14th century. The Knights constructed the famous Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, which still stands in the island's main town.

This is the entrance to Rhodes Harbour.

According to legend,  it was on this spot that was erected a statue of the Greek sun-god Helios,

by Chares of Lindos in 280 BC. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it was constructed to celebrate the successful defence of Rhodes city against an attack by Demetrius Poliorcetes, who had besieged it for a year with a large army and navy.

The walled city of Rhodes, also known as the Old Town of Rhodes, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. The city is located on the northern tip of the island of Rhodes and is surrounded by a massive defensive wall, which was constructed by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century.

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The walled city covers an area of approximately 200 acres and is home to many historic 

buildings and landmarks. One of the most famous landmarks in the city is the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, which was built in the 14th century and served as the headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller.

D' Ambrose Gate, City Wall entrance, Rhodes, Greece

St. Anthony’s Gate, or the Gate of St. Athanasios, is a popular historic entrance to the walled city of Rhodes. The locals also habitually refer to it as Saint Francis' Gate due to the church of Saint Francis of Assisi, built by the Italians in the first part of the 20th century, located just outside.

The coat of arms displayed above the entrance, dates back to the times of Grand Master Jean de Lastic (1437-1454), 

The Street of the Knights, which is lined with medieval buildings and served as the main street of the Knights' quarter.

The walled city of Rhodes is also home to many shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as several hotels and guesthouses. It is a popular destination for tourists who come to explore its rich history, admire its architecture, and soak up its vibrant atmosphere.

Lawrence Durrell House (villa Kleobolus).

Durrell set up house with his partner, Eve in the little gatekeeper's lodge of an old Turkish cemetery.

The Goverors Palace.

This is modern.

The palace, which overlooks the Porto del Mandraccio on one side and the Foro Italico on the other, was built in 1926 - 1927 to a design by the architect Florestano Di Fausto , taking up the Gothic style of the Doge's Palace in Venice .

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