Tour the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes, Greece
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The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes is a medieval castle located on the island of Rhodes in Greece. Also known as the Kastello, the area was once a citadel and the headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller. The palace is distinguished as being one of the few examples of Gothic architecture in Greece, making it an important part of the country’s history. It is known for being the location of the former seat of the Knights of Saint John. Here’s more information:
About the Palace of the Grand Master
The Palace of the Grand Master was built in the 14th century by the Knights of Saint John. The original structure was constructed in honor of the Temple of Sun God, also known as Helios. The palace was once home to 158 rooms, a testament to the grandeur displayed during this period. The castle is distinguished by its arched gate that welcomes visitors and its unique spherical towers.
The structure was nearly destroyed in 1858 when explosive detonated from a hidden location in the basement of the church of Saint John. The palace was restored during the beginning of the 20th century by a group of Italians who were occupying the Dodecanese islands. In 1947, the Dodecanese Islands were transferred back to Greece as part of the Paris Peace Treaties, giving the nation control of the palace once again.
What to Do at the Palace of the Grand Master
Once Greece gained control of the palace and its grounds, the site was converted to a museum. Millions of tourists have visited this site, learning about the rich history of this corner of the world and its people. With so many amazing things to see at the palace, it is easy to fill a few hours touring this site. 24 rooms of the palace are still open to touring.
Within the rooms, you will find furniture collections from the 16th and 17h centuries as well as impressive art collections. The most popular rooms to visit include the Grand Reception Hall, the Waiting Room, the awe-inspiring ballroom, and the luxurious Music Room. Be sure to check out the stunning frescoes, the marble statues, and the famous Medusa Mosaic.
How to Get to the Palace of the Grand Master
In order to tour this historical palace, you need to first get to the island of Rhodes. As the largest island in the Dodecanese, there are multiple travel options available to visitors. Rhodes International Airport offers many direct flights to and from Athens, making this a convenient travel option. After a short 50-minute flight, you can take a taxi cab to reach Rhodes Town, located approximately 16 kilometers from the airport.
Many visitors also choose to take ferries from Athens or other island locations. Once you arrive in the Old Town of Rhodes, it is easy to find the imposing palace. You will find the Palace of the Grand Master at the end of the Street of the Knights.
Visiting this grandiose palace is a true bucket list item. Do not miss your chance to tour this historical fortress and castle while on the island of Rhodes.
Categorized in: About Rhodes Island, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
