The Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes is one of the most impressive historical castles in Greece today and is an essential stop along any itinerary through the Dodecanese Islands.
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Starting as a defensive fortification, the monumental citadel grew into the administrative center of the island and was home to many of the historical rulers who took control of the island.
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Much as it was sought after throughout history, modern visitors continue to marvel at the complex’s grand halls and towering fortifications that now contain artifacts from all over the island group.
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From its evolving history to top sites and nearby attractions, this is everything you need to know for a fun and informative visit to the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller.
Visit Grand Master's Palace of Rhodes, Greece: A Brief Guide
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Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes Opening Hours:Â
- Summer Hours: 08:00 to 20:00
- Winter Hours:Â 08:30 to 15:30
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Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes Ticket Prices: 8€ general admission; 4€ reduced rate
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Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes Address: Ippoton, Rodos 851 00, Greece
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Nearby Hotels: Danezis City Stars Boutique Aparthotel | The 12th City Hotel | Attik Hotel
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Tours: Palace of the Grand Master Ticket & Guided Private Tour of Rhodes Town
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Top Sights: Castle Courtyard | Grand Reception Hall | Medusa Mosaic
Grand Master's Palace of Rhodes Map
Grand Master's Palace of Rhodes: A Brief History
The First Citadel of Rhodes
While the iconic castle that currently occupies the end of the Street of the Knights in the old Town of Rhodes dates back to the 14th century, its sacred hilltop boasts a history that is actually much older.
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Throughout ancient times, the hilltop served as host to the Temple of the Sun god Helios. As such, the site was one of the most sacred religious places on the island and is even believed to have been the home of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – The Colossus of Rhodes.
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While the temple outlasted the Colossus, which was toppled by an earthquake in the 3rd century BC, it too eventually fell into a state of disrepair. By the late 7th century CE, the temple was replaced by a Byzantine Citadel that was built over its ruins.
From Citadel to Palace
The citadel served as one of the island’s most prominent strongholds for several centuries until it ultimately fell to the Knights Hospitaller occupation of Rhodes and other surrounding Greek islands in 1309.
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Due to the grand defensive structure and its strategic location within the Dodecanese Islands, the Knights Hospitaller decided to convert the citadel into their order’s administrative centre, and it even became the palace of the Grand Master.
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To reflect the fortress’ new elevated status, the Knights Hospitaller ordered a series of renovations and construction efforts that lasted for over a century and saw numerous additions built into the already impressive complex.
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Despite its defensive fortifications, the region and time period were marked by nearly constant conflicts and wars, and the palace only remained under the Knights Hospitaller for a little over a century, ultimately changing hands to the Ottoman Empire in 1522.
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While the Ottoman Turks took the palace by force, only minimal damage occurred to the castle during the raid. As such, the new occupiers of Rhodes continued to use the complex as their own administrative centre, from which they ruled over the island for nearly four centuries.
Devastation and Restoration
It’s almost ironic that despite the numerous battles fought over it, the most devastating assault on the palace’s architecture came at the hands of nature. In 1856, a lightning strike hit the complex’s Church of St. John, which had been used as an ammunition storehouse since the siege in 1522.
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The result was a massive explosion that nearly destroyed much of the area, including the majority of the Grand Master’s Palace and several churches, and killed many people.
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With most of the upper floors completely demolished, the island’s administrative operations were moved, and the palace was left to ruin until the beginning of the 20th century.
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In 1937, Rhodes was under Italian occupation, and the authorities in charge of the island decided to repair the palace to once again house their own administrative operations. As such, the Italian architect Vittorio Mesturino was asked to design the reconstruction of the palace and several nearby buildings.
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While Mesturino made efforts to maintain the legacy of the Knight’s Hospitaller, he also made some changes that better suited the needs of the Italian government’s administrative programs. As such, some of his work is widely criticized for their historical inaccuracy.
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Upon completion of the restoration work in 1940, the palace became a favourite holiday residence for the king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III and the later Fascist Dictator Benito Mussolini. However, following World War II, as part of the Paris Peace Treaty, Rhodes and the other Dodecanese Islands were returned to Greece, who converted the complex into a museum.
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Since then, the Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes has served as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Greece and is one of the most awe-inspiring examples of the country’s medieval defensive fortifications.
Things to See and Do in Grand Master's Palace of Rhodes
The most impressive feature of the Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes is the exterior complex itself. Still some of the impressive palace rooms and artifacts you will find inside.
1. The Castle Courtyard
To enter the palace, you must first pass through the complex’s triple circuit walls, along which you will be able to spot the fortified cannons within the West Bastion. However, as you continue through the main entrance, you will pass through a large arched doorway before entering the first of the palace’s grand internal facilities – The Castle Courtyard.
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While there is no grass, the large courtyard is a beautiful stone reception area boasting Greek and Roman statues recovered during excavations of the Odeon of Kos Island.
2. Interior Rooms
At the height of the complex’s political power, the palace was an enormous complex of 158 rooms. Today, only 24 of these are open to visitors. The first floor features the majority of the official rooms, including the Grand Reception Hall, the ballroom, the music room, and a waiting room. Meanwhile, additional auxiliary rooms are found on the ground floor.
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All rooms maintain some of their authentic charms and feature antique furniture from the 16th century. Combined with thematic sculptures, carpets, and oriental vases, the palace’s interior complex feels like you are truly touring the headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller.
3. Ancient Mosaics
Scattered throughout the Grandmasters Palace of Rhodes are several mosaic floors recovered from across the Dodecanese Islands. While not original to the complex, these mosaics are impressive additions to the museum and include the famous Medusa Mosaic, which originates from Kos and dates back to the 2nd century BC.
4. Museum Exhibits
One of the coolest parts of the Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes is that there is actually a full museum located directly within the complex. Here, you will find several artifacts recovered from the palace, along with several other ruins within the island group. Take some time to explore the exhibits as you uncover the full evolution of the Dodecanese.
How to Get to the Grand Master's Palace of Rhodes, Greece?
Located within the modern city of Rhodes, the Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes is easily accessible from the town centre and harbour. Those staying within the city but outside of walking distance can easily take the municipal bus to any stop within the town centre area.
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Meanwhile, those staying in one of the island’s smaller towns and still wanting to visit the palace will have to take one of the island’s long-distance buses. Roda operates the island’s southeastern route, while KTEL features several buses connecting the northwestern villages.
Where to Stay Near Grand Master's Palace of Rhodes, Greece?
With the palace being located in Rhodes City, visitors have near limitless accommodations to choose from. You can begin comparing stays with some of the best hotels in the city below;
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FAQS About Grand Master's Palace of Rhodes, Greece
Where is the Grand Master's Palace of Rhodes, Greece?
As the name suggests, The Grandmasters Palace of Rhodes is located in the modern city of Rhodes along the northern tip of the island of Rhodes within Greece’s Dodecanese Island group.
How Much is Admission at Grand Master's Palace of Rhodes, Greece?
Entrance tickets to the Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes start at 8€ for general admission and 4€ for its reduced rates, which include off-season visitors.
How Long Do I Need to Explore the Grand Master's Palace of Rhodes, Greece?
The Grand Master Palace of Rhodes is huge. Between its extensive complex and rooms and museums, there is so much you have to see when visiting. As such, I recommend planning on spending at least three to four hours exploring the historical halls and artifacts.
What are some other archaeological sites near the Grand Masters Palace In Rhodes, Greece?
If you enjoyed learning about the Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes, you should also check out these other archaeological sites located nearby.
- Acropolis of Lindos
- Ancient City of Kamiros
- Acropolis of Rhodes
