The Timeless Allure of Rhodes Old Town

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Yia sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Τι κάνεις;
  [Ti kanis?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσύ;
  [Kala. Esi?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε αγγλικά;
  [Milate anglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menou, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!Υγεία!
  [Ygeia!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosso, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voiθia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fiγe!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astinomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε για γιατρό!
  [Kaleste gia yatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Ime arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agoraso...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kitao]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Boreite na meiosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (deka)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Aurio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dyo]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Εφτά
  [Efta]
• 8Οκτώ
  [Okto]
• 9Εννιά
  [Ennia]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Boreite na mou dixete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για ....)
  [Ena isitirio (gia ....)]

Rhodes Old Town is built on the foundations of the ancient city of Rhodes, which was established in 408 BC. It was here that the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, stood before the harbor, symbolizing the island's wealth and power. This giant statue was erected to celebrate Rhodes' victory over Cyprus and became a lasting emblem of the island's glorious past.

From 1309 to 1522, Rhodes Old Town was transformed into a fortress by the Knights of St. John, who sought refuge from the advancing Ottoman Empire. The Knights fortified the city, constructing impressive walls, towers, and palaces, which still stand today. Their influence is evident in the architecture and layout of the Old Town, which features the Grand Master's Palace and numerous churches reflecting Gothic and Renaissance styles.

After the fall of Rhodes to the Ottomans in 1522, the Old Town experienced significant changes as Turkish influences permeated the area. The Ottomans built mosques, baths, and various public buildings, which introduced a new cultural dimension to the city. The coexistence of Christian and Muslim communities gave rise to a unique blend of traditions, visible in the bustling markets and diverse religious sites throughout the Old Town.

In the early 20th century, Rhodes became part of Italy after the Italo-Turkish War. The Italians undertook extensive restoration projects in Rhodes Old Town, enhancing its medieval character while modernizing infrastructure. This period saw the introduction of new public amenities and the preservation of historical sites, culminating in a unique architectural style that combines medieval, Renaissance, and modern elements.

In 1988, the Old Town of Rhodes was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical significance and well-preserved medieval architecture. This status has helped promote conservation efforts and tourism, allowing visitors to experience the rich tapestry of cultures that have shaped Rhodes over the centuries, from its ancient roots to its medieval grandeur and beyond.

Rhodes Old Town is easily accessible from other neighbourhoods. If you are arriving from Rhodes International Airport, take a taxi or a shuttle bus directly to the Old Town. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. From the New Town, you can walk to the Old Town through the D'Amboise Gate, a scenic and historical entrance. Local buses also connect various parts of Rhodes, with lines running frequently to the Old Town.

Rhodes Old Town is a pedestrian-friendly area, making it ideal for walking. The narrow cobblestone streets are best explored on foot. Bicycles can be rented from various shops, and some hotels offer bike rentals as well. There are no trains or trams in the Old Town, but taxis are available for longer distances. Be cautious of electric scooters, which can be found in the area, as they share the roads with pedestrians.

Rhodes Old Town is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be observed. Avoid displaying valuables and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, such as markets and popular tourist sites. While there are no specific high-crime areas, it's best to avoid poorly lit back streets at night. Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local hospital, Hospital of Rhodes, is located in the New Town, just a short taxi ride away. For minor health concerns, there are pharmacies scattered throughout the Old Town. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like the Palace of the Grand Master. Don't wear beachwear outside of the beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs; avoid loud behavior in sacred spaces. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow travelers. Don't eat or drink in public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Kalimera' (Good Morning). Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like moussaka and souvlaki. Don’t refuse food or drink offered to you, as it may be considered rude.

To experience Rhodes Old Town like a local, visit the vibrant local markets, such as the Old Market, where you can find fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with local artisans and shopkeepers who often have fascinating stories to share. Attend a local festival if your visit coincides with one; these events are a great way to immerse yourself in the culture. Take time to relax at a traditional kafeneio (coffeehouse) and enjoy a cup of Greek coffee while watching the world go by.