Hippocrates Square, Rhodes Travel Guide

Hippocrates Square, located in the heart of Rhodes Old Town, is more than just a landmark; it's a gateway to the island's rich and complex history. Throughout the ages, this square has served as a central hub for commerce, politics, and social gatherings.Originally known as Castellania during the era of the Knights Hospitaller, it later became recognized as Mosque Square under Ottoman rule. In 1924, a devastating fire obliterated the shops around the square, leading to a comprehensive reconstruction effort by the Italian authorities. During the Italian occupation the Square was called “Piazza del Fuoco”. Architect Armando Bernabiti revised the design to reflect the square's connection to the medieval, Ottoman, and Italian periods. At its heart, he placed a fountain combining Ottoman and Byzantine design elements.Today, Hippocrates Square stands as the largest square within Rhodes Old Town, where the town's labyrinthine alleyways converge. The square is framed by impressive medieval architecture. At the center of Hippocrates Square stands the striking Syntrivan Fountain, crafted from white stone with touches of blue ceramic. Shaped like a tower with window details, it is topped by an owl figure.Surrounding the square are remnants of the bygone era, from the imposing Castle of the Knights that looms nearby to the intricate mosaics that adorn the area. The Castellania Library, built in 1507 and restored by the Italians between 1925 and 1935, now functions as the public library and town archives. This spot also marks the beginning of Socrates Street, one of the island's most frequented thoroughfares.