Description of the attraction
In the southeastern part of the coast of the island of Rhodes, 64 km from the capital of the same name, there is a small village of Asklipio. The picturesque village is surrounded by olive groves and pine forests. Small white houses, typical of the architecture of Rhodes, are located amphitheater on the slopes of a hill topped with the ruins of an ancient castle.
On the central square of Asklipio is one of the main local attractions - the ancient Byzantine Church of the Assumption of the Virgin. It was built in 1060 and is the oldest Orthodox church on the island. The church has been recently renovated. Of particular interest is the interior and church wall paintings. There is a small Folklore Museum next to the church.
At the top of the hill is a medieval castle built by knights in 1476-1503. It was a rectangular structure with towers, but, unfortunately, it has not survived to this day. Today we can only admire the ruins of the once majestic castle-fortress. The top of the hill offers stunning panoramic views of the southeast coast from Kiotari to Gennadi.
During archaeological excavations in the vicinity of the village of Asklipio, artifacts dating back to the 7th century BC were discovered. In addition, historians suggest that in ancient times there was a temple dedicated to Asclepius (the ancient Greek god of medicine and healing), from which, perhaps, the name of the village originated.
When visiting Asklipio in August, you can take part in two important religious celebrations, such as the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos.
