Rhodes

As one of the most famous Classical antiquity locations, it should come as no surprise that the historic city of Rhodes is one of the most stunning and gorgeous medieval cities one could ever wish to visit. There is a lot to see and do in Rhodes, which sits above a large beach. The Roman influence kicks off Rhodes' varied mix. Rhodes became a Roman province in 164 B.C., and after Rome collapsed, it remained a province of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire for hundreds of years until the Middle Ages. There has a vast classical Roman influence on the city from buildings and columns to artistic statues.

From a pure Medieval standpoint, Rhodes was a late bloomer and didn’t start hitting its stride until the island was sold to the Order of the Knights Hospitaliers of Saint John of Jerusalem in 1309. The Knights quickly started molding Rhodes in their own image by adding baths to the houses, archways narrow streets, new cathedrals, and a greatly enhanced city wall. The new fortified wall and fresh mindset helped the city grow in strength and as an international trading partner. The good times didn’t last forever though as just over 200 years later Rhodes fell to the Ottomans in 1522. This Ottoman rule brought a new mix to the city as mosques and Arab culture was injected into Rhodes, but they felt most of the Knights Medieval city center well intact.

The Colossus of Rhodes is long gone, but still remaining are the daunting city walls that guard the entrance to this magnificent city. The entire island of Rhodes is well worth visiting, as it’s one of the most beautiful and unique places on earth.

Country: Greece