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The hospital of the Knights of St. John now houses the Rhodes Archeological Museum. It was originally built in the 15
th C. due to the need for a hospital to be run by the Order of the Knights Hospitaller’s. Construction started in 1443 and was not completed until 1489. Over the front door there is a marble slab with two angels on it and a banner saying that they spent 10,000 guilders to built it (not sure what that equates to in today dollars) Unfortunately, the building sustained damage in the 19
th C. When the Italians took control of Rhodes, they decided to restore the building between 1913-1918. It was turned into a museum once the renovations were completed. Unfortunately, WWII took its toll on the building once again, but after that restoration efforts resumed to preserve it for us to learn from. The same problem arises here though as the restoration did not necessarily stick to historical fact, but brought in statutes and mosaics from other areas of Greece and moved them here. This is not problematic as museum pieces, but it is something to note when looking at the history of the building itself.
It must be noted
There Were Two Floors to the Hospital
with a central courtyard and beautiful arches that the Knights of St John in Rhodes was formed in the 11
th C. and began as a religious order with the primary purpose being that of caring for the wounded and sick crusaders. They arrived in Rhodes in 1309 and ruled the island for 200 years until 1530. The members of the Order were representatives from all the major European Catholic countries and divided into classes based on their degree of aristocracy. They served as nurses, soldiers and clerics. The current Saint John Ambulance Brigade is a carry-over from this historic order with the continued purpose of carrying for the sick around the world.
The wounded returning from fighting against the Ottomans were cared for at this hospital. The Knights of St. John were known for their excellent care and quality of medicine and hygiene. Much of what they learned was enhanced as a result of the time the Knights spent in the Holy Land. This resulted in their incorporating some of the medical practices that the Arabs were aware of. Many of these improvements resulted in much better care then provided elsewhere in Europe. In other European settings, many patients were put 2 to a bed, but
here they provided a bed to a single person. Heavy curtains were put up between patients for better rest, the sheets were changed three times per week and a blanket, coat and slippers were provided. All patients were also told they must bathe before entering the hospital in order to reduce any contamination. Most were housed in a large room, while other more important (as the guide suggested wealthier) patients were housed in smaller rooms that had a fireplace within the room. They also had a few small rooms where patients with infectious diseases were cared for. They also had a surgery where doctors performed necessary surgeries and of course they had a dining room and kitchen for the nutritional needs of the patients.
The museum has an extensive collection of artifacts, all nicely labelled in both Greek and English. There were many items on display that came from tombs which tell the importance of those items in their life. Even though the museum items on display were very well labelled, we were sorry to see that there was no mention of the use of the rooms that the displays were housed in. We did ask the person at
the gate when leaving about the building and she kindly provided wonderful details of what the rooms were used for. – just wished we had that information before going around as sometimes you forgot about the building details due to the number of objects on display.
In the back area of the building, you could see the influence of the Turks as a beautiful garden with a water feature and lovely sitting room were located. The sitting room had a spectacular tile ceiling which reminded us of many of the ceilings we have seen in the Muslim countries we have been.
We are glad we split the visiting of the Palace and the museum into two days. It was great that you could buy a combination ticket (which was only 10 euros/just under $11) and it was valid for three days. They must understand that many do not want to rush through either site as there is so much to see view and learn from.
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cyndie
non-member comment
really old stuff
Dear Friends, This blog contained some very, very old stuff...not often you see remnants of BC timing. With all of the museums, cathedrals, castles, etc that you have entered, photographed, and blogged about, do they all run together eventually? Really interesting, but the history of hospital care caught my attention. Two patients to a bed? heat for the upper echelon? I guess there has always been a separation between "classes"...even today. I am amazed at the fact that the hospital was attacked in two different wars or uprisings, and it survived. That makes me wonder if it is the poor armaments or better builders. Probably the fact that man has chosen to up the game in destruction and weapons...sad. I did enjoy the pictures and believing that mathematically speaking, the arches that are so prevalent is because they are the strongest shape as the blocks fortify each other. From home,...we are in a stalled high pressure right now and getting 80's and higher, with no rain. That brings on different weeds of course,...but when I mow, it is a cloud of dust and a hi ho Silver. Followed by about 3 hours of sneezing. I tried a mask, however my glasses fog up and I run into fences and trees. Not cool. So,..why not wear goggles? Because I am already creepy looking without looking like I am cutting toxic lawn. A lot of trees have suffered from the early warm up followed by a brutal freeze. I have seen it before, but the apples and grapes are going to take a hit. Too bad, but regardless of what some says...you have no control over Mother Nature,...it is a crap shoot. That is why I. believe farmers are the biggest risk takers in the world. Well, done babbling on, have a great day, or night,...and keep enjoying the world with Tsamaya. hugs,...cyndie