Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes — Attraction in Municipality of Rhodes

The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes is a medieval castle in the city of Rhodes, on the island of Rhodes in Greece.

It is one of the few examples of Gothic architecture in Greece.

The site was previously a citadel of the Knights Hospitaller that functioned as a palace, headquarters, and fortress.

The palace was originally built as a citadel in the late 7th century by the Byzantine empire.

After the Knights Hospitaller occupied Rhodes and some other Greek islands (such as Kalymnos and Kastellorizo) in 1309, they converted the fortress into their administrative centre and the palace of their Grand Master.

In the first quarter of the 14th century, they repaired the palace and made a number of major modifications.

The palace was damaged in the earthquake of 1481, and it was repaired soon afterwards.

After the 1522 capture of the island by the Ottoman Empire, the palace was used as a command centre and fortress.

During 1937–1940 restoration works were undertaken.

According to recent study, in the exact spot in which the palace exists today, there was the foundations of the ancient temple of the sun god Helios, and probably that was the spot where the Colossus of Rhodes stood in the Antiquity.

During the Italian rule of Rhodes, the Italian architect Vittorio Mesturino restored the damaged parts of the palace between 1937 and 1940.

It became a holiday residence for the King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III, and later for Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, whose name can still be seen on a large plaque near the entrance.

On 10 February 1947, the Treaty of Peace with Italy, one of the Paris Peace Treaties, determined that the recently established Italian Republic would transfer the Dodecanese Islands to Greece.

In 1948, Rhodes and the rest of the Dodecanese were transferred as previously agreed. The palace was then converted to a museum and is today visited by the millions of tourists that visit Rhodes.

In 1480, the small Knights Hospitaller garrison of Rhodes withstood an attack of the Ottoman Empire during the Siege of Rhodes (1480)

The siege of Rhodes of 1522 was the second and ultimately successful attempt by the Ottoman Empire to expel the Knights of Rhodes from their island stronghold and thereby secure Ottoman control of the Eastern Mediterranean.

The first siege in 1480 had been unsuccessful. Despite very strong defenses, the walls were demolished over the course of six months by Turkish...

Welcome to the magnificent Palace of the Grand Master, also known as the Kastello, situated in the heart of the Old Town of Rhodes. This awe-inspiring edifice is one of the most well-preserved examples of Gothic architecture in Greece and serves as a vivid testament to the island's rich and varied history.

Historical Background

Constructed in the 14th century, the palace was originally the residence of the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller, a Christian military order. The structure also served as a fortress, administrative center, and symbol of the Knights' power. After the Ottomans conquered Rhodes in 1522, the palace was used as a prison and later as a holiday residence for the Italian governor during the Italian rule.

Architectural Features

The palace exhibits a fusion of architectural styles, predominantly Gothic, with some later additions reflecting Renaissance and Baroque influences. The exterior is characterized by its robust stone walls, defensive towers, and intricate carvings. Inside, you'll find grand rooms adorned with frescoes, beautiful mosaics, and intricate woodwork.

Museum and Exhibitions

Today, the palace serves as a museum that displays a wide array of historical artifacts. Exhibits range from ancient sculptures and Hellenistic mosaics to medieval suits of armor and weaponry. Each room is thematically organized, providing visitors with an in-depth understanding of Rhodes' cultural and historical timeline.

Visitor Information

The palace is open to visitors, with an admission fee that contributes to its maintenance and preservation. You should allocate at least two hours for a thorough visit. Please note that there may be specific rules concerning photography, so be sure to check upon arrival.

Nearby Attractions

After visiting the palace, you're well-positioned to explore other landmarks in the Old Town. Close by, you'll find the Archaeological Museum, the Street of the Knights, and various churches and mosques that reflect the island's...

Visiting the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes was truly the most enchanting and unforgettable experience of my life. From the moment I stepped through its grand stone entrance, I felt as if I had been transported to another era—a world of medieval knights, epic battles, and timeless grandeur.

The palace itself is an architectural masterpiece, with towering walls, majestic archways, and beautifully preserved halls that tell the story of Rhodes’ rich past. The Hall of Mosaics left me in awe, with its intricate designs and vibrant colors that have survived the centuries. Every corridor I wandered through was steeped in history, whispering secrets of the Knights of St. John who once roamed these halls.

As I walked along the Street of the Knights, the golden glow of the afternoon sun cast long shadows over the cobbled path, making me feel as though I was reliving history firsthand. The sheer magnitude and elegance of the fortress made me pause and soak in the magic of the moment.

But the true highlight was reaching the palace’s battlements, where I was rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Rhodes Old Town and the sparkling Aegean Sea. The sight was nothing short of mesmerizing—standing there, with the warm breeze on my face and the echoes of history all around me, I felt a profound connection to the past.

Every second spent in this majestic fortress was a dream come true. It wasn’t just a visit—it was an experience that touched my soul, filled me with wonder, and left an imprint on my heart forever. The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes is a place of magic, mystery, and beauty, and I can truly say it was the best time of my life.

If you ever find yourself in Rhodes, do not miss this masterpiece of history—it will take your...