Rhodes Old Town’s Free Parking and Free Transfer Routes in the Medieval City
May 19, 2022„Palace of the Grand Masters of Rhodes. Little are the chances to visit an original medieval castle, where Knights were living!”
If you're looking for a destination to make your vacation dreams come true, look no further than the Palace of the Grand Masters in Rhodes. The Palace is an architectural masterpiece and much more than just another tourist attraction!
Located on the island of Rhodes, this Palace was once home to many Knights who belonged to one of Europe's most powerful orders: The Knights Hospitaller. Today, it stands as a historical landmark for those interested in architecture and history alike! The Palace of the Grand Masters is located in the heart of the Old Town in Rhodes. It occupies two floors with its height reaching 40 meters. The Palace is just 1 kilometer from Rhodes modern city center.
The Palace is built on the remains of a temple of an ancient God!
The Palace of the Grand Masters was first built in 1523 by Pierre d'Aubusson, who at 21 years old became head of what would become known as The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John (also known as "The Knights" or "Knights Hospitallers"). In 1530, he had his seat moved from Nice to Rhodes so he could oversee construction on this Palace which served as not only his home but also headquarters for knights during their occupation on Rhodes .
The palace where the Knights reside dates back to both the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It is said that this site, in which the palace currently resides, was previously home to an ancient temple dedicated to the sun-god "Helios" and it is likely that this was the spot where Colossus of Rhodes stood in ancient times.
Greeks, Knights, Ottomans and Italians!
The palace was built in the 7th century. It was originally a Byzantine citadel.After the Knights Hospitaller occupied Rhodes and some other Greek islands in 1309, they converted their fortress into administrative centre as well as home of their Grand Master.The palace was repaired after the earthquake in 1481. The team of craftsmen and builders were skilled architects, carpenters, painters, sculptors and masons who renovated this historic landmark to make it as grand as ever before.
After the Ottoman Empire captured Rhodes in 1522 (The Siege of Rhodes), they used it as a command centre and fortress.
When Italy took control of Rhodes in 1912, they found the once great palace to be ravaged with age and neglect. The Italian architect Vittorio Mesturino was called upon by Mussolini himself! He labored for three years on all manners of repairs until it became a destination fit for an emperor's vacation home.
The Dodecanese islands have been the center of a battle between Greece and Turkey for decades. However, in 1947 after years of negotiations they were finally given back to their rightful owners: Greece! The palace that was once owned by the Grand Masters of the Knights, became an official museum open to all visitors from around the world who come to visit beautiful Rhodes.
The long-awaited return of land is now complete with the agreement made on June 30th, 1987 at Lausanne's Victoria Hall when delegates representing both countries signed off on three treaties which formally ceded ownership over many contested territories including Cyprus and Crete as well as other regions such those disputed Dodecanesse Islands are today called "Rhodes."
Information for your Visit
A permanent exhibition displays representative finds from archaeological excavations in the Medieval Town, including pottery, sculptures, detached murals and more. Another permanent exhibition occupying part of the ground floor and the basement presents a representation of Ancient Rhodes through mid-century archaeological findings.
When i can Visit the Palace of the Grand Masters?
Daily 08:00 - 20:00
Exhibition "Ancient Rhodes - 2,400 Years" openTuesday, Thursday and Saturday 09:00 - 17:00 . Exhibition "Rhodes from the 4th c. AD until its conquest by the Turks (1522)" open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday 09:00 - 17:00. The lower levelof the RHODES 2400 YEARS Exhibition is closed for maintenance.
Palace of the Grand Masters Ticket Prices
Full: €8, Reduced: €4
