Page 166 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Greek Islands

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PALACE OF THE

GRAND MASTERS

ΠΑΛΑΤΙ ΤΟΥ ΜΕΓΑΛΟΥ ΜΑΓΙΣΤΡΟΥ
EXPERIENCE The Dodecanese ⌂ Ippotón § 22413 65270 # Apr–Oct: 8am–8pm daily;
Nov–Mar: 8am–3pm Tue–Sun ¢ Main public holidays
A fortress within a fortress, the Palace of the Grand Masters was the
centre of power of the Knights of St John, a military religious order
from Jerusalem who conquered Rhodes in 1309. They built epic
fortifications and ruled the island for 200 years.
The Palace of the Grand Masters is the best-
preserved of all of the castles built by the
and earthquakes, but was blown up by an
Knights. It was the seat of the 19 Grand Built in the 14th century, it survived siege
accidental explosion in 1856.
Masters of the order, until the Knights were
ejected from Rhodes by the Ottomans in
the 16th century. The palace was the The grand
heart of the Collachium, or Knights’ entrance, with
Quarter, and the last refuge for twin horseshoe
the population in times of danger. shaped towers

INSIDER TIP
Real Rhodes
Medieval Rhodes and
Ancient Rhodes, two
permanent exhibitions
in the Palace of the
Grand Masters, show­
case historical finds
from around the island
and can be seen as part
of a tour of the building.

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