GREECE Dodecanese
The island complex of Dodecanese in south-eastern Aegean is the sunniest corner in Greece. Twelve large islands and numerous smaller ones with crystal clear waters, sandy or pebbly beaches, important archaeological finds, imposing Byzantine and medieval monuments and unique traditional settlements are waiting to be discovered. If you are desperately seeking to discover lesser-known, unspoiled destinations visit Leros or Pserimos. But there is always Rhodes and Kos, larger and more cosmopolitan islands awaiting to offer you strong, and treasured memories. Just take your pick!
Mandráki, the (ancient) harbour, is distinguished from the outer harbour by the 3 windmills and the fortifications at the end of the dock. During your quest, you will encounter some of the city’s most remarkable buildings: the National Theatre, the Courts, the City Hall and the Governors Palace. Visit stunning wonders of nature, such as the Seven Springs, the Valley of the Butterflies and Rodíni Park, a green valley with running waters, small bridges and many peacocks, the trademark of the park! Get a deeper insight into the rich history of the island through your visit to the breathtaking Acropolis of Líndos and Ialissós as well as Ancient Kámiros, which were all powerful cities in ancient times. Well-preserved castles, like the ones of Kritinia and Monólithos are also waiting to be discovered!
Don’t forget to come back in spring to attend one of the most famous medieval festivals in Greece, the Sound and Light Festival, a visual extravaganza that you cannot afford to miss.
Kos. Sandy beaches, turquoise waters, lush vegetation, ancient and medieval monuments, tree-lined wide roads, large squares, parks, a superb city plan and an extensive bicycle-only routes network are the distinctive characteristics of the third largest island of the Dodecanese, Kos! The island’s trademark is its medieval castle (Nerantziá Castle) situated at the entrance of the port. Wander along the impressive avenue with the Palm Trees, or stroll around famous squares like Platánou Square and Elefthería Square and admire legendary buildings, remains of the Italian rule. Interested in history? Pay a visit to the ancient city of Kos and observe important archaeological finds dating back to the 4th century. Did you actually know that you can sit under the plane tree where Hippocrates himself, the Father of Medicine, used to teach his students and examine his patients? The plane tree must be over 2,500 years old, and it is in fact the oldest in Europe! Don’t miss the 4th century Asclipiion, the Antimáhia 15th century castle with its imposing battle tower, as well as one of the most scenic villages of Kos with a distinctive traditional character, Ziá nestled amongst a dense cedar forest.
Pserimos means “looking for the ideal destination for serene, relaxing holidays”. Enjoy sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, swim in paradise bays (like the small bay of Vathí), rent a boat and sail around the island’s beaches, follow several hiking routes, participate in local fairs (the most famous ones take place on 15th August) or go scuba diving and climbing. Whether you are looking for an action packed holiday or a relaxing visit, you will be quite astonished by the choices on offer on such a small island!
Telendos. Did you know that this tiny beautiful island formed part of Kálymnos in antiquity, but was separated in 554 AD due to a devastating earthquake? Today there is only one small village on the island. Follow walking paths through the dense pine forest on the south of the island, where also ruins of Byzantine residencies still stand. Swim in sun-drenched beaches (like Plaka, Potha, and Paradise), go scuba diving and explore the ancient city sunk between Kálymnos and Télendos or go hiking, climbing, wind surfing, canoe-kayaking and spear fishing! You can reach Télendos by boat departing from the cove of Mirtiés at Kálymnos.
Tilos. Ragged mountainscape, densely forested ranges and hilly vistas, verdant valleys –home to four hundred species of flowers and herbs–, and habitat of rare species of birds. These are the ingredients of an unparalleled destination, a huge ecological park protected by international treaties. This is Tílos! Visit Meyálo Horió, the island’s capital, with its imposing stone houses and narrow alleys. The view from the medieval castle (built in the location of ancient Tilos) that stands imposingly at the top of the hill will certainly take your breath away.
Patmos. The “island of the Apocalypse” or “Jerusalem of the Aegean” welcomes you! Pátmos is quite popular amongst pilgrims since in one of the island’s caves John the Theologian, one of Christ’s disciples, wrote the “Book of Revelations”. The stunning beauty of Hóra, a carefully preserved medieval settlement with narrow, maze-like alleys and stone-built houses will take your breath away. Don’t miss the imposing fortified monastery of Saint Ioannis and the Theologian Apocalypse cave! Visit Patmos at Easter, when deeply religious and spiritual celebrations are held throughout the Holy Week.
Arki and Marathi. Visit a dreamy cluster of islands east of Pátmos with sparse vegetation, old whitewashed houses, and cute little tavernas. Get into a boat and sail around Maráthi, another small island with a beautiful beach covered with lentisks and tamarisk (salt cedar).
Kassos. Despite its small size, Kássos was once a mighty maritime and commercial power. The well-preserved mansions that still stand in Fre, the island’s capital and main port, reflect today this former grandeur. Take a stroll around Boúka, an old pirate lair, with moored small fishing boats, traditional coffee shops and its old lighthouse. Don’t forget to visit Armáthia, the largest of the islands around Kássos, where you can find some excellent beaches, like Marmara and Karavostassi!
Halki. Enjoy peaceful holidays in the “Island of Peace and Friendship”, where young people from all over the world gather here every year for their annual meeting! The town of Halki or Niborió, the island’s capital, is listed as a traditional settlement and it is amphitheatrically built overlooking the clear-blue sea, whereas impressive neoclassical mansions reveal the prosperity the island enjoyed in the past.
Lipsi is the largest island belonging to a cluster of many others islets. It forms part of the Natura Network. It is an ideal destination for relaxing, and serene holidays. Here, both landscape and people will definitely help you find inner peace and tranquility. Lipsi is also surrounded by countless uninhabited islets ideal for bird watching.
Kastelorizo lies at the easternmost end of Greece, a stone’s throw away from the Turkish coast. Its main settlement is filled with cheerfully painted houses of exceptional architecture, awe-inspiring churches and picturesque alleys. Taste the island’s traditional sweets katoumári and stráva, and organise a boat excursion to Galazio Spileo, the largest and most spectacular sea cave in Greece. Don’t forget to visit the nearby legendary island of Ro where the famous “Lady of Ro” Despina Achladioti used to raise the Greek flag every day.
The 5 most popular museums
1) The Acropolis Museum
Where: Athens, Dionysiou Areopagitou Walk
Why: Let yourself be tempted to enter the glorious world of ancient Athens and admire every priceless artefact that has been found on the sacred rock of Acropolis- the landmark of ancient Greece – spanning a period from the Mycenaean times up to the Roman and Early Christian Athens. The finds are exhibited in an amazing state-of-the-art building – worth visiting in itself– whose design has actually been dictated by the site itself. It is rather impressive that the Museum, situated almost opposite Acropolis, is a multi level structure around a concrete core that has the same dimensions as the perimeter of Parthenon, whereas the tour inside the museum in a way resembles the ascension to the Acropolis rock.
The Museum also boasts an innovative interior design: a glass floor on the ground level encourages visitors to view the excavations below; they are also able to see Parthenon from the glass gallery; solid glass walls allow the exhibits to bathe in natural light whereas the building has been structured so as to incorporate a number of on-site excavations. The museum has been voted as “the best museum in the world” by the British Guild of Travel Writers.
What you will see: A wide glass-floored gallery houses finds from the slopes of the Acropolis rock. The occasionally transparent floor provides a view of the archaeological excavation. In the Archaic Gallery, for the first time, visitors have the opportunity to view exhibits in a three-dimensional form. On the south side of the Gallery, statues of young ladies (Korai), the horse riders (Hippeis) and many others provide a striking picture of the Acropolis in the Archaic Period. In the impressive Parthenon Gallery you can observe the metópes, depicting themes from legendary battles, symbolising the victories of the Athenians against the Persians; the pediments, the triangular spaces formed by the horizontal and raking cornices of the roof at each end of the temple, comprised colossal statues sculpted in the round, their themes drawn from Attic mythology. On the Parthenon frieze, which consisted of 115 blocks, Pheidias chose to depict the Great Panathenaia, the greatest festival of the city in honour of the goddess Athena. For the first time ever, it is possible to view the coffered ceiling of Propylaia and the sculptures from the parapet of the temple of Athena Nike, and finally, Caryatids –or Korai of Erechtheion– overlooking the Gallery of the Acropolis slopes. The main monuments that constitute the Classical Acropolis are Propylaia, the temple of Athena Nike and Erechtheion.
Extra tip: The new program “A day at the Acropolis Museum” invites visitors to spend a day at the Museum enjoying a wide range of activities:
• Watch conservators do the delicate work of cleaning the Caryatids using advanced laser technology.
• The Museum invites families to look for the 12 different representations of the goddess Athena amongst the exhibits of the permanent collection. Look at the new virtual application www.acropolis-athena.gr.
• Brief presentations by Museum Archaeologists-Hosts are held in Greek and English every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. More information.
• Visitors can learn more about the Parthenon’s sculpted decoration from a video projected on the third floor.
• Have a meal or refreshment at the second floor restaurant that offers a panoramic view of Acropolis (children’s menu available).
Every Friday the Museum is open until 10 p.m. and the restaurant is open between 8 p.m. and 12 midnight. Enjoy a special menu as well as the beautiful night views of the Sacred Rock.
Opening hours: Tue to Sun: 8.00 pm to 8.00 am
Every Friday the Museum is open until 10.00 am
Ticket: €5 and €3
2) Archaeological Museum of Delphi
Where: Delphi, Area of Fokida
Why: The Archaeological Museum of Delphi is one of the most important in Greece since it exhibits the history of the Delphic sanctuary, site of the most famous ancient Greek oracle. Its rich collections comprise primarily architectural sculpture and statues donated to the sanctuary reflecting its religious, political and artistic activities from its early years in the 8th century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity.
What you will see: The permanent exhibition of the Archaeological Museum of Delphi focuses on the history of the Delphic sanctuary and oracle, covering a long time span from prehistory to Late Antiquity. The exhibits are presented in chronological order and by context: Sanctuary of Pronaia, votive pit of the Sacred Way, Temple of Apollo, Siphnian Treasury. These groups are part of larger exhibition units, which allow the visitor to understand the periods of prosperity and decline of the sanctuary. The exhibition focuses mainly on the art of the Archaic period, on metal and marble offerings rather than on pottery; on monumental architectural and sculptural groups rather than on domestic or funerary assemblages. Some particularly impressive exhibits, such as the famous bronze Charioteer, are displayed separately. Texts, models, maps, sketches and digital reconstructions complete the exhibition.
Extra tip: The Museum is situated on the wider archaeological site of the Delphi Pan-Hellenic sanctuary, which used to be for many centuries the cultural and religious centre and a symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. Set within a most spectacular landscape at the foot of Mount Parnassos, within the angle formed by the twin rocks of the Phaedriades, Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. The archaeological site of Delphi includes two sanctuaries, dedicated to Apollo and Athena. Admire also the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, the famous Tholos –the symbol of Delphi today–, the gymnasium, a place for exercise and learning, the palaestra, the baths and votive monuments dedicated by Greek cities or wealthy individuals. The central, most important part of the site was the sanctuary of Apollo. From here visitors entered the Sacred Way, the street that led to the temple of Apollo and to its famous adyton, where Pythia delivered her oracles.
Opening hours:
Until 31 October
Sun-Tue: 08.30-15.00
Wed-Sat: 08.00-20.00
From 1st November until 31st March: 08:30-15:00
Ticket: Standard price: €6, reduced: €3
3) National Archaeological Museum
Where: Athens, 1 Tositsa St.
Why: The National Archaeological Museum is the largest museum in Greece and a fascinating one! Although the original purpose was for the museum to house all nineteenth century excavation finds from inside and around Athens, it gradually became the central National Archaeological Museum and was enriched with finds from all over Greece. The rich collections on display, comprising more than 11,000 exhibits, provide a panorama of Greek civilization from the dawn of Prehistory to Late Antiquity.
What you will see: The exhibition area houses five large permanent collections: The Prehistoric Collection, which includes items dating to the great civilizations that thrived in the Aegean from the sixth millennium BC to 1050 BC (Neolithic, Cycladic, Mycenaean) and finds from the prehistoric settlement at Thera. The most important exhibits are the treasures from the royal tombs at Mycenae, the Linear B tablets, the enigmatic Cycladic marble figurines and the superbly preserved wall-paintings from Thera with their large-scale compositions. The Sculptures Collection, which showcases the development of ancient Greek sculpture from the seventh to the fifth centuries BC. The Vase and Minor Objects Collection contains items representative of ancient Greek pottery from the eleventh century BC to the Roman period and includes also the Stathatos Collection, a corpus of minor objects of all periods. The Metallurgy Collection numbering many original works of art such as statues, figurines and minor objects. There are also significant arrays of vases of all types, tools, weapons and finds from the shipwreck at Antikythera. Finally, the only Egyptian and Near Eastern Antiquities Collection in Greece, with works dating from the predynastic period (5000 BC) to the Roman conquest.
Extra tip: The museum boasts a unique library with rare editions and an excellent archive with rare photographs and manuscripts.
Opening hours:
Monday: 13:30-20:00
Tuesday-Sunday: 09:30-16:00
Tickets: Standard price €7, reduced €3
4) Herakleion Archaeological Museum
Where: Herakleion Crete, 2 Xanthoudidou St. and Xatzidaki
Why: The Herakleion Archaeological Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece; comprising unique exhibits of Minoan art, it is considered as the museum of Minoan culture par excellence worldwide. It houses representative artefacts from all the periods of Cretan prehistory and history, covering a time span of over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to the Roman times.
What you will see: The permanent exhibition includes unique works of Cretan art, found in excavations across the central and eastern part of the island, which roughly span 5500 years, from the Neolithic (5000 BC) to the Late Roman period (late fourth century AD). Most objects date to prehistoric times and to the so-called Minoan period, named after the island's mythical king, Minos. They include pottery, carved stone objects, seals, small sculpted items, metal objects and wall-paintings discovered in palaces, mansions, settlements, funerary monuments, sanctuaries and caves. The Museum is unfortunately closed due to renovation works but thanks to a temporary exhibition you can still admire 400 of its most important artefacts. Shortly it will re-open in its complete renovated form.
Extra tip: Combine your visit to the Museum with a visit to the Palace of Knossos, 5km southeast of Herakleion, in an idyllic location among olive groves and cypresses. Knossos is the largest one of the preserved Minoan palatial centres and the site of the most important palace of Minoan civilization. According to tradition, it was the seat of the legendary king Minos. The Palace is also associated with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur, and the story of Daidalos and Icaros.
Opening hours:
Summer: Mon 13:30 -20:00, Tue-Sun 08:00-20:00
Winter: Mon 12:00-17:00, Tue-Sun 08:30 -15:00
Tickets:
Standard price €4, reduced €2
Special ticket package: Standard price: €10, Reduced: €5
Valid for: Heraklio Archaeological Museum, Knossos
5) Palace of the Grand Master
Where: Rhodes, Old Town (at the end of the Street of the Knights)
Why: the impressive palace of the Grand Master is located at the highest point of the Castle of the Knights, at the end of the Street of the Knights- one of the best preserved stone paved medieval streets in Europe. The palace was first built by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem on the site of the 7th c. Byzantine fortress in order to be the official residence of the Grand Master of their order. Apart from being a palace, it was also an administrative centre of the government of the Knights and an important fortress.
Highlight: the Medusa mosaic; the statue of Laokontas and his sons, creation of the Rhodian sculptors Agisandros, Polydoros and Athinodoros; the halls with the dolphins, Erotas and the 9 Muses; the trophy from the Mithridatic Wars (1st century BC) brought from the cemetery of ancient Rhodes and the 16th and 17th century furniture collection are among the most impressive masterpieces you will marvel at.
Extra tip: The exhibition “Rhodes from the Early-Christian Period until the Turkish occupation” is displayed in the Grand Master's Palace presenting 24 centuries of Rhodes’ history. There are objects on display that illustrate the history of Rhodes going as far back as the Prehistoric period: vases and figurines from the Minoan site at Trianda, pottery, grave stelai and jewellery from the Geometric and Archaic tombs in Lindos, Kamiros and Ialysos. Don’t forget to stroll around the old town of Rhodes, one of the best preserved in Europe.
The 5 most popular museums
1) The Acropolis Museum
Where: Athens, Dionysiou Areopagitou Walk
Why: Let yourself be tempted to enter the glorious world of ancient Athens and admire every priceless artefact that has been found on the sacred rock of Acropolis- the landmark of ancient Greece – spanning a period from the Mycenaean times up to the Roman and Early Christian Athens. The finds are exhibited in an amazing state-of-the-art building – worth visiting in itself– whose design has actually been dictated by the site itself. It is rather impressive that the Museum, situated almost opposite Acropolis, is a multi level structure around a concrete core that has the same dimensions as the perimeter of Parthenon, whereas the tour inside the museum in a way resembles the ascension to the Acropolis rock.
The Museum also boasts an innovative interior design: a glass floor on the ground level encourages visitors to view the excavations below; they are also able to see Parthenon from the glass gallery; solid glass walls allow the exhibits to bathe in natural light whereas the building has been structured so as to incorporate a number of on-site excavations. The museum has been voted as “the best museum in the world” by the British Guild of Travel Writers.
What you will see: A wide glass-floored gallery houses finds from the slopes of the Acropolis rock. The occasionally transparent floor provides a view of the archaeological excavation. In the Archaic Gallery, for the first time, visitors have the opportunity to view exhibits in a three-dimensional form. On the south side of the Gallery, statues of young ladies (Korai), the horse riders (Hippeis) and many others provide a striking picture of the Acropolis in the Archaic Period. In the impressive Parthenon Gallery you can observe the metópes, depicting themes from legendary battles, symbolising the victories of the Athenians against the Persians; the pediments, the triangular spaces formed by the horizontal and raking cornices of the roof at each end of the temple, comprised colossal statues sculpted in the round, their themes drawn from Attic mythology. On the Parthenon frieze, which consisted of 115 blocks, Pheidias chose to depict the Great Panathenaia, the greatest festival of the city in honour of the goddess Athena. For the first time ever, it is possible to view the coffered ceiling of Propylaia and the sculptures from the parapet of the temple of Athena Nike, and finally, Caryatids –or Korai of Erechtheion– overlooking the Gallery of the Acropolis slopes. The main monuments that constitute the Classical Acropolis are Propylaia, the temple of Athena Nike and Erechtheion.
Extra tip: The new program “A day at the Acropolis Museum” invites visitors to spend a day at the Museum enjoying a wide range of activities:
• Watch conservators do the delicate work of cleaning the Caryatids using advanced laser technology.
• The Museum invites families to look for the 12 different representations of the goddess Athena amongst the exhibits of the permanent collection. Look at the new virtual application www.acropolis-athena.gr.
• Brief presentations by Museum Archaeologists-Hosts are held in Greek and English every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. More information.
• Visitors can learn more about the Parthenon’s sculpted decoration from a video projected on the third floor.
• Have a meal or refreshment at the second floor restaurant that offers a panoramic view of Acropolis (children’s menu available).
Every Friday the Museum is open until 10 p.m. and the restaurant is open between 8 p.m. and 12 midnight. Enjoy a special menu as well as the beautiful night views of the Sacred Rock.
Opening hours: Tue to Sun: 8.00 pm to 8.00 am
Every Friday the Museum is open until 10.00 am
Ticket: €5 and €3
2) Archaeological Museum of Delphi
Where: Delphi, Area of Fokida
Why: The Archaeological Museum of Delphi is one of the most important in Greece since it exhibits the history of the Delphic sanctuary, site of the most famous ancient Greek oracle. Its rich collections comprise primarily architectural sculpture and statues donated to the sanctuary reflecting its religious, political and artistic activities from its early years in the 8th century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity.
What you will see: The permanent exhibition of the Archaeological Museum of Delphi focuses on the history of the Delphic sanctuary and oracle, covering a long time span from prehistory to Late Antiquity. The exhibits are presented in chronological order and by context: Sanctuary of Pronaia, votive pit of the Sacred Way, Temple of Apollo, Siphnian Treasury. These groups are part of larger exhibition units, which allow the visitor to understand the periods of prosperity and decline of the sanctuary. The exhibition focuses mainly on the art of the Archaic period, on metal and marble offerings rather than on pottery; on monumental architectural and sculptural groups rather than on domestic or funerary assemblages. Some particularly impressive exhibits, such as the famous bronze Charioteer, are displayed separately. Texts, models, maps, sketches and digital reconstructions complete the exhibition.
Extra tip: The Museum is situated on the wider archaeological site of the Delphi Pan-Hellenic sanctuary, which used to be for many centuries the cultural and religious centre and a symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. Set within a most spectacular landscape at the foot of Mount Parnassos, within the angle formed by the twin rocks of the Phaedriades, Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. The archaeological site of Delphi includes two sanctuaries, dedicated to Apollo and Athena. Admire also the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, the famous Tholos –the symbol of Delphi today–, the gymnasium, a place for exercise and learning, the palaestra, the baths and votive monuments dedicated by Greek cities or wealthy individuals. The central, most important part of the site was the sanctuary of Apollo. From here visitors entered the Sacred Way, the street that led to the temple of Apollo and to its famous adyton, where Pythia delivered her oracles.
Opening hours:
Until 31 October
Sun-Tue: 08.30-15.00
Wed-Sat: 08.00-20.00
From 1st November until 31st March: 08:30-15:00
Ticket: Standard price: €6, reduced: €3
3) National Archaeological Museum
Where: Athens, 1 Tositsa St.
Why: The National Archaeological Museum is the largest museum in Greece and a fascinating one! Although the original purpose was for the museum to house all nineteenth century excavation finds from inside and around Athens, it gradually became the central National Archaeological Museum and was enriched with finds from all over Greece. The rich collections on display, comprising more than 11,000 exhibits, provide a panorama of Greek civilization from the dawn of Prehistory to Late Antiquity.
What you will see: The exhibition area houses five large permanent collections: The Prehistoric Collection, which includes items dating to the great civilizations that thrived in the Aegean from the sixth millennium BC to 1050 BC (Neolithic, Cycladic, Mycenaean) and finds from the prehistoric settlement at Thera. The most important exhibits are the treasures from the royal tombs at Mycenae, the Linear B tablets, the enigmatic Cycladic marble figurines and the superbly preserved wall-paintings from Thera with their large-scale compositions. The Sculptures Collection, which showcases the development of ancient Greek sculpture from the seventh to the fifth centuries BC. The Vase and Minor Objects Collection contains items representative of ancient Greek pottery from the eleventh century BC to the Roman period and includes also the Stathatos Collection, a corpus of minor objects of all periods. The Metallurgy Collection numbering many original works of art such as statues, figurines and minor objects. There are also significant arrays of vases of all types, tools, weapons and finds from the shipwreck at Antikythera. Finally, the only Egyptian and Near Eastern Antiquities Collection in Greece, with works dating from the predynastic period (5000 BC) to the Roman conquest.
Extra tip: The museum boasts a unique library with rare editions and an excellent archive with rare photographs and manuscripts.
Opening hours:
Monday: 13:30-20:00
Tuesday-Sunday: 09:30-16:00
Tickets: Standard price €7, reduced €3
4) Herakleion Archaeological Museum
Where: Herakleion Crete, 2 Xanthoudidou St. and Xatzidaki
Why: The Herakleion Archaeological Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in Greece; comprising unique exhibits of Minoan art, it is considered as the museum of Minoan culture par excellence worldwide. It houses representative artefacts from all the periods of Cretan prehistory and history, covering a time span of over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to the Roman times.
What you will see: The permanent exhibition includes unique works of Cretan art, found in excavations across the central and eastern part of the island, which roughly span 5500 years, from the Neolithic (5000 BC) to the Late Roman period (late fourth century AD). Most objects date to prehistoric times and to the so-called Minoan period, named after the island's mythical king, Minos. They include pottery, carved stone objects, seals, small sculpted items, metal objects and wall-paintings discovered in palaces, mansions, settlements, funerary monuments, sanctuaries and caves. The Museum is unfortunately closed due to renovation works but thanks to a temporary exhibition you can still admire 400 of its most important artefacts. Shortly it will re-open in its complete renovated form.
Extra tip: Combine your visit to the Museum with a visit to the Palace of Knossos, 5km southeast of Herakleion, in an idyllic location among olive groves and cypresses. Knossos is the largest one of the preserved Minoan palatial centres and the site of the most important palace of Minoan civilization. According to tradition, it was the seat of the legendary king Minos. The Palace is also associated with thrilling legends, such as the myth of the Labyrinth with the Minotaur, and the story of Daidalos and Icaros.
Opening hours:
Summer: Mon 13:30 -20:00, Tue-Sun 08:00-20:00
Winter: Mon 12:00-17:00, Tue-Sun 08:30 -15:00
Tickets:
Standard price €4, reduced €2
Special ticket package: Standard price: €10, Reduced: €5
Valid for: Heraklio Archaeological Museum, Knossos
5) Palace of the Grand Master
Where: Rhodes, Old Town (at the end of the Street of the Knights)
Why: the impressive palace of the Grand Master is located at the highest point of the Castle of the Knights, at the end of the Street of the Knights- one of the best preserved stone paved medieval streets in Europe. The palace was first built by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem on the site of the 7th c. Byzantine fortress in order to be the official residence of the Grand Master of their order. Apart from being a palace, it was also an administrative centre of the government of the Knights and an important fortress.
Highlight: the Medusa mosaic; the statue of Laokontas and his sons, creation of the Rhodian sculptors Agisandros, Polydoros and Athinodoros; the halls with the dolphins, Erotas and the 9 Muses; the trophy from the Mithridatic Wars (1st century BC) brought from the cemetery of ancient Rhodes and the 16th and 17th century furniture collection are among the most impressive masterpieces you will marvel at.
Extra tip: The exhibition “Rhodes from the Early-Christian Period until the Turkish occupation” is displayed in the Grand Master's Palace presenting 24 centuries of Rhodes’ history. There are objects on display that illustrate the history of Rhodes going as far back as the Prehistoric period: vases and figurines from the Minoan site at Trianda, pottery, grave stelai and jewellery from the Geometric and Archaic tombs in Lindos, Kamiros and Ialysos. Don’t forget to stroll around the old town of Rhodes, one of the best preserved in Europe.
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