This was their initial function, that they perpetuated moving to Rhodes after being expelled from the Holy Land. Their Hospital in Rhodes reflects their tireless efforts to fulfil their mission of charity during the two centuries of their presence in Rhodes.

The Hospital of the Knights is hosting nowadays exhibitions starting from the Neolithic era to the Ottoman times, as it is the archaeological museum of Rhodes since the beginning of the 20th century. The great chronological diversity of this museum makes it one of the richest of Greece, including some masterpieces of different historical periods that represent the glorious past of the island. Gods, mythology, funerary remains and banquet vases are amongst the many exhibits awaiting us in this mesmerising monument of the 15th century, including a botanical garden at the first half of this tour.

From the Museum we will ascend the noble Street of the Knights, to reach the entrance of the residential quarter with the mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent. From there, we will wander through the cobbled alleyways of the former Ottoman neighborhood. Passing by mosques and their charming shady squares, we will reach Ippokratous square where stands the medieval trading court. Our tour ends a bit further passing by the square of the Jewish Martyrs at the gate of Virgin Maria.

Highlights: Archaeological Museum (Hospital of the Knights), Street of the knights, Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, Residential Quarter, Hamam square, Rejep Mosque, Ippokratous square, square of Jewish Martyrs.

Subjects: History of Rhodes, healthcare and charity of the Knights Hospitalers, Organisation of Knights, Greek Mythology, life and death in ancient Greece, ancient greek art and sculpture, the Ottoman rule in Rhodes, everyday life of Old Town’s inhabitants, orientation and topography in the Old town, Jewish community in Rhodes.

Note: whispers included, entrance not included (8€).