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Our Lady of the Castle: A Medieval Marvel

Explore a medieval church in Rhodes that has been a Greek Orthodox church, Catholic cathedral, and mosque, now a museum of religious art.

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Our Lady of the Castle, or Panagia tou Kastrou, is the largest surviving Byzantine church in Rhodes' Old Town. Originally built in the 11th century, it has served as a Greek Orthodox church, a Roman Catholic cathedral, and even a mosque throughout its storied history. Today, it stands as a museum showcasing Byzantine and post-Byzantine art.

A brief summary to Our Lady of the Castle (Panayia)

  • Megalou Alexandrou square, Medieval City, Apellou, Rhodos-Stadt, 851 00, GR

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they can vary depending on the season.
  • Dress respectfully when visiting, as it is a religious site.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the Medieval City of Rhodes.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Our Lady of the Castle is located within the Medieval City of Rhodes, easily accessible on foot from most points within the Old Town. From the Palace of the Grand Master, walk east along the Street of the Knights (Ippoton Street). The church is located at the eastern end of the street. There are no specific costs involved in this final approach.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus to Rhodes Town, the main bus terminals are a short walk from the Medieval City. From the bus station, walk towards the city walls and enter through one of the gates. Follow signs towards the Palace of the Grand Master and then continue east along the Street of the Knights to reach the church. Bus tickets within Rhodes Town typically cost around €2.20.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Rhodes Town. Ask the driver to take you to the Medieval City, near the Palace of the Grand Master. From there, walk east along the Street of the Knights to reach the church. A short taxi ride within Rhodes Town will likely cost between €5 and €10.

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Discover more about Our Lady of the Castle (Panayia)

Located at the eastern end of the Street of the Knights in the Medieval City of Rhodes, Our Lady of the Castle (Panagia tou Kastrou) is a testament to the island's layered past. Constructed in the 11th century as a Greek Orthodox church, its architecture reflected the Byzantine style with a cruciform plan and a central dome. When the Knights Hospitaller conquered Rhodes in 1309, the church was transformed into a Roman Catholic cathedral. The Byzantinedome was replaced with ribbed cross-vaults, and the church took on the form of a Gothic three-aisled basilica. Coats-of-arms of Grand Master Helion de Villeneuve and Pope John XXII, which are preserved in the central pointed arch window, confirm large-scale works were conducted between 1319 and 1346. In 1522, the Ottomans converted the church into a mosque, adding a minaret and whitewashing the walls. During the Italian occupation (1912-1947), these additions were removed. Since 1988, the church has functioned as a museum, exhibiting Byzantine and post-Byzantine paintings, including portable icons and frescoes salvaged from other churches on the island. Visitors can still see fragmentary remains of wall paintings, including a 14th-century depiction of St. Lucia.

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