Rhodes

Rhodes, located in the Dodecanese group of islands, is one of the best-preserved medieval towns anywhere, with buildings that date back to Crusader times. The Knights of St. John of Jerusalem conquered Rhodes and built fortifications to protect the city. The island is ideal for simply relaxing but also for those wanting a more active Greece vacation. It has rich green hills, valleys, and a host of golden beaches. There are also numerous cultural and archaeological sites to visit. 

The ancient city of Rhodes was first constructed in 407 BC and was designed according to the city planning system devised by the greatest city planner of antiquity, Hippodamus of Miletus. In 1309, the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem conquered Rhodes and built strong fortifications to protect the island, turning it into a thriving multinational medieval city. During the Ottoman occupation, new buildings were erected within the Old Town, mainly mosques and baths. In 1912, Rhodes was conquered by the Italians who added magnificent buildings, wide roads and squares. The Palace of the Grand Master was rebuilt and the Street of the Knights was reconstructed. At the end of the Street stands the Hospital of the Knights, which houses the Archaeological Museum. Rhodes is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Old Town of Rhodes is a mosaic of different cultures and civilizations, a wonderful stop on trips to Greece.