Church of Our Lady of the Castle (Museum Square), Rhodes

Museum Square ("Platía Mousíou") is surrounded by several notable buildings, including the Church of Our Lady of the Castle. Originally constructed by the Byzantines and later completed by the Knights of Saint John, who transformed it into their cathedral, this building is a historical gem. Its somber stone walls still display traces of 14th-century frescoes from its days as a church, although it was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period. Thankfully, its original architectural design has been preserved, and today, the church houses the Byzantine Museum, which showcases a remarkable collection of icons, primarily from the 14th and 15th centuries, along with post-Byzantine frescoes that have been salvaged from abandoned chapels across Rhodes and the nearby islands.

Also on the church grounds are the remains of a Doric temple dedicated to Athena Polias—a significant archaeological site that visitors should not overlook. Just a short distance away, at the southeastern edge of the square near the Arnáldou Gate, is the Inn of England. Originally built in 1483, this structure was reconstructed by the Italians after its destruction in 1856.

Rich with history, the Museum Square offers a deep dive into the layered past of Rhodes and its diverse cultural influences.