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Published: December 1st 2009
Rhodesh Chodesh
Kalimera (Good Morning) from RHODES, Greecre
Such a charming Greek Island with Roman, Greek and Crusader History.
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Island and fourth largest of all Greek Islands. It lies only seven miles from the Turkish coast. the island is known for its natural beauty as well as its historical and archeological treasures.
In Ancient times, the entrance to tts harbour featured a celebrated landmark, the 105 foot statue, known as the Colossus of Rhodes, which was considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Rhodes was an important centre in the 3rd to the 5th centuries as part of both the Roman and Byzantine empires.
A five minute walk from the Port took us through the main city gate of the 600 year old Crusader walls, to the ancient town.
Nate Haber did his homework , researched and was our Guide for the Day. Full of information and history, he certainly did a great job of keeping us informed and entertained.
We walked through the unusual stone cobbled streets, then climbed up to the medieval fortress on high. Fascinating to see this fully restored Castle from
Seahorse fountain
Lindsay, Shirley and Barb making a wishthe Knights of St. John who occupied the area from 1300 to the 1500's. As their legacy, they left a medieval town, dominated by the Palace of the Grand Masters , fortress and the Knights' Hospital. The whole old town is encircled by one of the best preserved walls in Europe.
Rhodes was once the island of the Greek Sun God Helios. According to mythology, Helios had fallen in love with the nymph Rhodes, and when he shone his light on her, she transformed and became the island. The name means "Rose" and the island has apparently been known since antiquity as a flowering garden. The town is most delightful and has kept true to its history.
Rhodes was recently declared a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. Rhodes town is divided into two distinct parts: the old town and the new town, sprawling around it in three directions, comprised of tourist complexes, beaches and numerous hotels.
In the heart of the old Jewish Quarter of old town is the Square of the Jewish Martyrs. The Jewish community has been present since the inception of Rhodes town and has played an integral role in the city. In
1943, over 2,000 Jews were taken from the square and sent to concentration camps. In the centre of town, is a six-sided ( the base being a Star of David) memorial to the 1506 Jews from Rhodes killed in the Holocaust....Very touching and amazing to see such a presence in this tiny town.
After the war, the Shalom Synagogue was restored by the survivors. The stone mosaic floor is covered with Oriental rugs, and there is a beautiful hanging Eternal Lamp. We climbed the old stone streets up to the synagogue which unfortunately was closed. (The caretaker went to Athens---on our day, yet !) Oh well, we did manage to find it and take photos.
Several miles away is the charming village of Lindos. with an anciet acropolis set upon sheer cliffs tha rise almost 400 feet aobve sea level. Excavations showed the area was populated since the first century BC and has been occupied continuously since.
We spent a lovely, laid back day on this delightful peaceful island.
Today is Rob's birthday...we found a fun gift and will celebrate tonight with dinner at the fancy steak house, i(ncluding Lobster ) called the Polo Lounge. Best of
Crusader Arch
All beautifully restored all we don't have to drive home.
"Yammus !" (Cheers)
Tomorrow, on our way to Haifa, we'll stop in Limassol Cypress. to refuel.
Till then....Efkhisto for reading. Enjoy the pics.
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