Fortifications of Rhodes, Rhodes (must see)

The first and arguably most impressive feature of Rhodes' Old Town are the fortified walls themselves. Stretching 4 kilometers, these formidable barriers were constructed to shield Rhodes from attacks by foreign empires and corsairs who roamed the waters of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas during the Middle Ages. Although long deemed impenetrable, they were eventually breached by the Ottoman Turks in the early 16th century.

Mostly dating from the preparations for the 1480 siege, the walls stand strong and majestic, casting a beautiful glow at dawn with the sun's first rays or at night, illuminated by wrought-iron lamps. The Knights Hospitaller, who controlled Rhodes from 1309 to 1522, built upon what were initially modest Byzantine defenses. They created eight sections of curtain walls, each overseen by a different "langue" (or knightly division). Originally, each curtain section had a gate, but today, twelve gates remain in use, each with its unique design.

The walls are also dotted with several bastions and towers open to visitors, each filled with intriguing aspects that bring the ancient military history of Rhodes to life. Along the top, catwalks and ramparts, once patrolled by sentries or used for defense during sieges, offer a glimpse into medieval vigilance and warfare. An admission fee is required to explore these historic defenses more closely, with tickets available at the Palace of the Grand Master. Visitors can climb several of the towers and walk along the walls, perhaps imagining themselves as medieval knights.