Rhodes Town Travel Guide

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Rhodes castle

Overview: Fun in the sun in Rhodes Town on the north point of the island centres on the World Heritage-listed old walled medieval city that clusters around the ancient harbour of Mandraki. This ancient labyrinth consisting of a couple of hundred narrow streets and alleys constitutes a tourist's paradise, with all the required trappings for a good time, including an art gallery and several museums. The Street of the Knights is particularly intriguing, following the course of an even older track that once led from the Acropolis of Rhodes to the harbour, where stood the legendary Colossus. It now features buildings that were built in the 16th century as clubs for Knights belonging to the Order of St John. Each represents an inn of a different 'tongue' (the knights belonged to different national groups) and the facades of the buildings reflect the relevant architectural details. The Turkish occupation of Rhodes is commemorated with a Venetian-styled Byzantine mosque, the Mosque of Suleiman, and the popular and well-used Turkish baths, in a 7th-century Byzantine building. The sprawling new town houses most of the travel agents, bars, discos, nightclubs, and numerous tavernas, and is best explored at night. A long stretch of beach is popular during the day and has deckchairs, umbrellas and showers available.

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