Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands of Greece.
Historically, Rhodes is famous for the Colossus of Rhodes.
The Colossus of Rhodes is one of "The Severn Wonders of the Ancient World".
The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue that depicted the sun god "Helios".
It was erected in 280 BC and was built to celebrate the failed invasion of Rhodes by the army of Demetrius the 1st of Macedon.
The statue was seen as a protector to stave of future invasions.
A earthquake destroyed the statue in 226 BC.
In 1947 two sculptures entitled Dama - Dama were erected in Rhodes Mandraki Harbour as a replacement for the Colossus of Rhodes statue.
These modern day protectors are sculptures of a rare species of deer that live only on Rhodes.
Rhodes was formally called Elaphousa in medieval times(meaning - lot of deer)
According to legend, early crusaders brought the deer to the island to scare away snakes.
Today the Dama - Dama are a rare species of deer. It estimated that under 200 are remaining on the island.
The Medieval Town of Rhodes was constructed around 1309 to 1523 and was declared a world heritage site in 1988.
St. Athanasios Gate is a popular entrance on entering Rhodes Medieval Town.
It date backs to 1437- 1454. During this period the Eastern Roman Empire was in control of Rhodes and at this time the Grand Master Jean de Lastic was at the reigns.
Within the walls of the old town you can find the famous Roloi Clock Tower.
The Tower is the highest landmark in Rhodes Old Town and has amazing views.
The tower was originally constructed in the 7th century.
It was badly damaged in 1850 and reconstructed.
The tower clock mechanisms are still working today. According to locals, many of the clocks parts were imported from London.
Also within the walls of Rhodes Medieval Old Town is the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes.
The palace itself depicts the eventful history of Rhodes.
It was built in the 7th century during the period of the Eastern Roman Empire(Byzantine)
The empire lost control of the city and the palace in 1522 when it was captured by the Ottoman Empire.
Nearly four centuries later after the fall of the Ottoman Empire the Kingdom of Italy took control of the palace and most of the Dodecanese Islands including Rhodes.
The palace was used as a holiday residence at the time by the King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III.
Also the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini used the palace as a holiday retreat.
In 1947 the Paris Peace Treaty transferred the sovereignty of Rhodes and the Dodecanese Islands over to Greece.
The palace now is open to the public and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
It is well worth a visit. Gothic architecture is rare in Greece but within the walls of the palace it can be found in abundance.
Thirty two miles south of Rhodes city is the fishing town of Lindos.
Lindos has great sandy beaches with great bars and restaurants.
Tourists flock to Lindos and the main attraction, looking over Lindos, is the Acropolis.
The Acropolis was a natural citadel which was fortified successfully by the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Knights of St .John and the Ottomans.
This makes for archaeologists the site difficult to excavate and interpret archaeologically.
Within the Acropolis many ruins of artefacts and buildings can still be seen from different timelines of history of the Acropolis.
The Doric Temple of Athena Linda dating back to 300 BC is one of many artefacts still visible within the ruins of the Acropolis.
The views from the top of the Acropolis are amazing and well worth the descent to the top.
Petaloudes is home to the Valley of Butterflies and is well worth checking out.
It is about 14 miles from Rhodes inland.
I really enjoyed my trip, a great place. At the top of the hill after the descent of the valley you can find a good selection of cafes.
Rhodes has something for everyone.
Places like Faliraki have amazing beaches and nightlife.
Me and my wife loved our time in Rhodes and will return.
