Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights | Rhodes

The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes (Kastello) is a medieval castle located at the highest point of the Old Town of Rhodes. It served as the administrative center and residence of the Grand Master of the Order of St. John.

Visual Characteristics

The palace is a prime example of Gothic architecture in Greece. It is a massive, rectangular fortress centered around an internal courtyard ($40 \times 50$ meters). The exterior is characterized by two imposing horseshoe-shaped towers at the main entrance and battlements with crenelated walls. The interior features monumental staircases, vaulted ceilings, and extensive Roman and Early Christian floor mosaics brought from the island of Kos.

Location & Access Logistics

Position: Northwestern end of the Medieval City (Old Town), at the end of the Street of the Knights.

Access: Pedestrian only within the Old Town walls.

Transit: Closest entry point is the D’Amboise Gate or Gate of Saint Anthony.

Hours: Typically open 08:00–20:00 (Summer) and 08:30–15:30 (Winter).

Entry: Paid admission; combined tickets for other Old Town monuments are available.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Originally built as a Byzantine citadel in the 7th century, it was transformed into a palace by the Knights Hospitaller in the 14th century. After the Ottoman conquest in 1522, it was used as a prison and fortress. In 1856, a massive explosion of gunpowder stored in the basement destroyed much of the upper structure. The current appearance is largely the result of a controversial Italian restoration (1937–1940) during the Italian occupation of the Dodecanese, intended as a summer residence for King Victor Emmanuel III and Benito Mussolini.

Key Highlights & Activities

Mosaics: Detailed floor mosaics dating from the 1st to 2nd centuries BC, depicting mythological figures like Medusa and the Nine Muses.

Rhodes 2,400 Years Exhibition: A permanent archaeological collection on the ground floor detailing the history of the city from its founding in 408 BC.

Grand Hall of the Council: A massive ceremonial room with wooden ceilings and medieval-style furnishings.

Courtyard Statues: Eight Roman statues from the Odeon of Kos situated in the ground-floor arches.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: Includes a gift shop and modern restroom facilities.

Accessibility: The ground floor and courtyard are accessible, but the upper floors require climbing the monumental staircase (no elevator).

Connectivity: 5G signal is stable inside the courtyard and near windows.

Climate: The thick stone walls provide natural cooling even in high summer.

Best Time to Visit

08:00–10:00: To avoid the heat and the arrival of large groups from cruise ships.

Late Afternoon: The low sun accentuates the texture of the stone walls and the details of the Street of the Knights.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical fact is that during the Italian reconstruction, many "medieval" elements were added based on idealized interpretations rather than exact archaeological evidence. Local lore suggests secret tunnels connect the palace to the harbor and other strategic bastions, though most remain unexcavated or were repurposed during the Ottoman period.

Nearby Landmarks

Street of the Knights: 0.1km South

Archaeological Museum of Rhodes: 0.4km Southeast

Roloi Clock Tower: 0.2km South

Mandraki Harbor: 0.6km North (outside the walls)