Saint Athanasios Gate: A Portal to Rhodes' Medieval Past

4.6 (1814)

Step through history at St. Athanasios Gate in Rhodes' Old Town, where medieval grandeur meets captivating island charm.

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Saint Athanasios Gate

The Saint Athanasios Gate, also known as Saint Francis Gate, is a historic arched stone gate built in the mid-15th century as part of the defensive walls of Rhodes. Overlooked by the round Tower of Saint Mary, it offers passage into the heart of Rhodes' UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town.

A brief summary to Saint Athanasios Gate

Dimokratias 29, Rhodes, 851 00, GR

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds.
Combine your visit with exploring other nearby attractions like the Palace of the Grand Master and Hippocrates Square.
Take time to wander through the surrounding streets for hidden gems like quaint cafes and local shops.
Climb up to nearby vantage points for stunning panoramic views over the historic walls.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Palace of the Grand Master, walk southwest along the Street of the Knights, then turn left onto Agiou Fanouriou. Continue onto Sofokleous, then turn right onto Omhirou. Turn left onto Dimokratias, and the gate will be on your left. The walk is approximately 500m and should take less than 10 minutes. There are no costs involved.
Public Transport

From Mandraki Harbour, take any local bus that stops near the Old Town. Buses are frequent and a short trip costs approximately €1.20. Get off at a stop along Dimokratias street and walk a short distance to the gate. Purchase tickets at the kiosk or on the bus.
Taxi

From anywhere in Rhodes Town, a taxi to Saint Athanasios Gate is a convenient option. Taxi stands are available, or you can hail one on the street. Agree on the fare beforehand, though short trips within the city generally start around €5. The ride should take only a few minutes, depending on traffic.

Discover more about Saint Athanasios Gate

Saint Athanasios Gate, a captivating entrance nestled within the imposing medieval walls of Rhodes, stands as a testament to the island's storied past. Constructed in the mid-15th century, the gate is also known as Saint Francis Gate, named for the nearby Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, built by the Italians in the early 20th century.Overlooking the gate is the round Tower of Saint Mary, erected in 1441 during the rule of Grand Master Jean de Lastic. The gate itself was built between 1441 and 1442. According to Turkish tradition, the troops of Suleiman the Magnificent, the Ottoman conqueror, entered Rhodes through this gate in 1522. Legend says that the Sultan, wishing to prevent any other conqueror from following in his footsteps, then ordered the gate to be closed. It remained closed until 1922, when the Italians reopened it to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Ottoman conquest.Visitors passing through Saint Athanasios Gate today step into the enchanting Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The gate's well-preserved stonework and intricate details evoke a sense of traveling back in time. The surrounding area is equally captivating, with picturesque streets, inviting cafes, and local shops that contribute to the authentic medieval atmosphere.