When one thinks of Greece, it is common to picture striking ancient temples rising white and stark and imposing against rich blue skies but these Ancient Greek ruins that immediately come to mind are not the only historic structures that remain nor do they represent the only period from history that can be discovered when exploring the country. Lots of other extraordinary gems remain all over Greece that date back to different periods, architectural styles, historic moments, and ruling peoples from Byzantine churches in Athens to Venetian fortresses in Crete. History buffs who find a villa in Greece, therefore, should definitely take in some of the iconic crumbling temples featured heavily on postcards and in tourism brochures but they should also keep their eyes peeled for the incredible reminders of the country’s rich and diverse history that can be found wherever you turn – it would be a shame to miss them! For example, if you plan on booking a vacation rental in Rhodes, then time should be set aside to thoroughly explore and enjoy the Old Town of its capital and its extraordinary medieval elements.
In particular, the Old Town of Rhodes is known for a rather striking street named the Street of the Knights, or, "Odos Ippoton". An arresting and impressive space that is somewhat austere but tends to transport tourists immediately into the past, this street is located right in the core of the city and looks like a film set or a little corner of the world that has somehow managed to be almost entirely untouched by the passage of time.
Dating all the way back to the 14th century, the Street of the Knights is one of the most admired, photographed, and visited spots in the Old Town. Stretching 600m in an almost exactly east to west direction, the street is made up of a fragment of the ancient path that once connected the port and the Acropolis of Rhodes. This current iteration of a thoroughfare through the city begins at the Knight’s Hospital (now the Archaeology Museum) and leads to the Palace of the Grand Magister.
Between these two major buildings, you will find seven different historic inns that were built in the 15th and 16th centuries along the road. These seven inns were intended to represent the seven different tongues or countries from which the Knights of the Order of St John originated – England, France, Germany, Italy, Aragon, Auvergne, and Provence. Among them, the Auberge de France that was built between 1492 and 1503 is the most impressive and, as many of the Grand Magisters were from kingdoms in France, French architectural styles in general were incredibly influential on the design and creation of this street.
In the 1930s, there was a major series of Italian-led restorations of the street, which resulted in its current appearance. Despite seeming so utterly untouched by time at first glance, human interventions have actually helped in creating this impressive and wonderful illusion and ensuring its ongoing preservation! Today, all of the inns are still very much in use and actually house various offices and cultural institutions for the city.
A perfectly photogenic gem of a spot and one part of this stunning historic core of the city, the Street of Knights is a must-see for those who plan a vacation in Rhodes and who are looking to take in the medieval attractions and landmarks that make it stand out. Be sure to make time to discover the diverse and rich history of the country and to enjoy the incredible beauty of your astounding surroundings on your next holiday in Greece.
