August 23 – Old Rhodes City

Today is a free day and we headed out to the old walled city.  It took a bit to find a gate to get into the city.  Rhodes City dates back to about 400BC and was a major city that lies at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and the Middle East.  Because of its age and location it has an incredible and diverse history.  Its major historical eras included the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Knights (Crusades), and the Ottomans.  During the Knights period the fortifications were increased to the point that is was considered the most strongly fortified city in Christian world. 

Old City Walls

Moat

Because of this varied history we say all types of architecture including Byzantine, Roman, and Muslim within the old city walls.

We mainly just wandered the windy streets.  

It is definitely a tourist town with shops everywhere selling beachy clothing and souvenirs.

We had lunch on the first floor (our second floor) of a restaurant overlooking a square with a fountain in the center.

We eventually wandered out to the harbor…

 

and along the harbor boardwalk, 

and through the marina and old walls and gates.

There were a few boats set up as shops.

We then made our way to the second, smaller harbor, immediately next to the large harbor.  Among other things this one had several windmills facing the sea.

The entrance to this smaller harbor is where the Colossus of Rhodes stood (but no one is absolutely sure of the location).

We had a big day of walking and it was hot and humid but we saw a lot of interesting sights.