The city of
Rhodes was founded in 408 BC, when the citizens
of Ialysos, Lindos and Kamiros decided to
build a strong new island capital. The city
plans were drawn up by Hippodamous, and Rhodes
was soon admired as one of the most beautiful
cities of the period. The new city quickly
developed into a financial and cultural centre,
but by the time it became a Roman, and later
a Byzantine, dominion it has lost its ancient
glory.
In 1309
the Knights of Saint John conquered Rhodes
and they built strong fortifications, transforming
it into a thriving multinational medieval
city. In 1523 Rhodes was by the Ottoman
Turks, and the Greeks had to settle outside
the walls, where they created the new districts
known as “Marasia”.
In 1912 Rhodes, as well as the whole of
the Dodecanese, were seized by the Italians.
The new rulers enhanced the architecture
of the city with magnificent buildings,
wide roads and squares.
It was
not until 1948 that Rhodes officially became
a part of Greece. The modern city of Rhodes
is one of the biggest municipalities in
the Greek islands, with about sixty thousand
permanent residents.
It is the financial and cultural centre
of the south-eastern Aegean, and successfully
combines a lively present with a rich historical
past. There are many reasons why Rhodes
is one of the most popular resorts in the
Mediterranean: the natural surroundings
(crystal clear seas, many parks and recreational
facilities), the bright sun, and the warm
hospitality of the islanders themselves.
The city
has an excellent tourist infrastructure
and offers a wide variety of entertainment
(night-life, sports, cultural events, and
day trips to wonderful Lindos and neighbouring
islands).
Finally, visitors have the opportunity
to learn something of the eventful history
of the city, visit the museums, or go sightseeing.
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