- What to visit in Rhodes in one day?
- Hospitaller residence
- Beauties created by nature
- Traces of ancient architecture and culture
When tourists ask the question of what to visit in Rhodes, most likely they mean an island belonging to Greece and which has a beautiful second name - "the pearl of the Mediterranean". All tourist brochures claim that there are many places worthy of the travelers' attention, including historical monuments and natural attractions, temples and ancient architectural complexes.
And the main city of the island, which has the same name - Rhodes, is ready to open interesting pages of its history. Its historical center is at the center of attention of UNESCO specialists, in their famous list, which includes objects that are part of the world cultural heritage.
What to visit in Rhodes in one day?
There are so many attractions on the island and in the capital that a whole vacation may not be enough for exploring, what can I say if a person has only a day left. In this case, it is important to choose from the tourist list the historical or cultural object that is closest (so as not to waste time on the road) and go to meet with it.
According to the reviews of tourists visiting the island, the most vivid impressions and emotions are caused by: Rhodes fortress; Valley of the Butterflies (Valley of Petaloudes); Acropolis, a witness to ancient times; natural park with a beautiful name Seven springs. All these natural and man-made sights can be visited independently, or you can turn to professional guides who will give specific, accurate information about each point of the route. In addition, they will surely tell local legends and myths, show the most beautiful panoramas and places for photographing.
Hospitaller residence
Historical chronicles mention the fact that the Rhodes fortress fulfilled the honorary mission of the residence of the supreme leaders of the Hospitaller Order. Nineteen masters, representatives of the order, it was from here that they carried out the leadership of the subjects. In the quarter that surrounded the fortress, knights lived compactly. In addition, in times of danger, civilians also took refuge behind its walls. The construction of the fortress began in the 16th century; it has experienced many sieges and attacks, natural disasters.
In 1856, a tragedy struck, the fortress "fell" in the literal sense, and from an accidental explosion. Fortunately, it was restored, but not by the Greeks, but by the Italians in the first half of the twentieth century, and was being prepared as a residence for the dictator Mussolini. Today the Rhodes Fortress serves as a local architectural landmark and exhibition center, the main subjects of the exhibitions are the history of the island, the ancient period and the early Middle Ages.
Beauties created by nature
"Valley of the Butterflies" is another unique place, the answer to the question: "What to visit in Rhodes on your own?" True, this attraction does not "work" all year round, but only in the summer months, when thousands and thousands of butterflies of the same species (four-point bear) gather together. Tourists living in megalopolises and large cities will find a real spectacle created by Mother Nature.
The valley of the "Seven Springs" was also created by nature; man only slightly put his hands to the ennobling of the area. Marked paths have been laid along the territory of the natural park so that tourists can enjoy walks in picturesque places, find springs, observation platforms. In addition to natural beauty, you can find an old monastery with a preserved chapel and the ruins of ancient buildings.
The next point on the route of foreign travelers in Rhodes can be Prasonisi. The locals call this corner of nature very romantic - "the kiss of two seas." its waters are much lighter, and the character is restless.
Traces of ancient architecture and culture
Kamiros is an ancient city on the island of Rhodes, which is also considered an important tourist attraction. Its layout has been preserved since antiquity, scientists of various specialties are trying to unravel the cause of the death of the settlement, as well as figure out how the ancient inhabitants were able to organize a unique water supply system. Tourists are attracted by ancient architecture, decorative elements, mysterious drawings.
Another rival of Rhodes and Kamiros is Lindos. Its main architectural highlight is the ancient Acropolis, which ranks second in grandeur of the building (after, of course, the Athenian one). In Lindos, tourists will find a church consecrated in honor of St. John, built by the Byzantines, the majestic Monolith castle, the creation of the Johannites.