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Medieval Town Moat: A Fortification Turned Promenade

Explore Rhodes' Medieval Town Moat: a historic defense transformed into a stunning park, offering a unique glimpse into the island's past.

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The Medieval Town Moat in Rhodes is a well-preserved defensive structure that never held water. Today, it's a beautifully landscaped park offering a unique glimpse into the island's history and fortifications. Visitors can stroll through lush gardens and admire the impressive medieval walls.

A brief summary to Medieval Town Moat

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the moat's sandy paths and exploring the surrounding area.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat of the day.
  • Check for events or performances happening in the moat during the summer months.
  • Take advantage of the free parking at Akandia Harbor and the complimentary mini-bus service to the Old Town gates.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Medieval Town Moat is easily accessible on foot from various points within Rhodes Old Town. From the Palace of the Grand Master, walk south, and you'll find stairways leading down into the moat. Alternatively, access the moat from the gardens near Liberty Gate in the north or Akandia Gate in the southeast. There is no cost to enter the moat.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by bus, disembark at Mandraki Harbor. From there, walk towards the Old Town and follow signs to Liberty Gate or Akandia Gate, where you can access the moat. Bus fares within Rhodes Town typically cost around €1.20. Alternatively, a free mini-bus service operates from Akandia Harbor parking lot to the gates of the Medieval City every 20 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Rhodes. Ask your driver to take you to one of the Old Town gates, such as Liberty Gate or St. Athanasios Gate, for easy access to the moat. Taxi fares within Rhodes Town start at around €5 and increase based on distance. Be sure to agree on the fare before starting your ride.

  • Parking

    If driving, free parking is available at Akandia Harbor. From June to September, a complimentary mini-bus service runs every 20 minutes from the parking lot to the gates of the Old Town. Alternatively, free parking can be found on Byronos Street, near the football stadium, except on Thursdays due to the farmers market. Parking lots are also available near the Archaeological Museum, though these may charge a fee.

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Discover more about Medieval Town Moat

Encircling the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Medieval Town of Rhodes, the Medieval Town Moat stands as a testament to the island's strategic importance and the ingenuity of its defenders. Unlike typical moats, this vast trench was intentionally dry, serving as a calculated military instrument designed to impede and expose attackers. Stretching approximately 2.5 kilometers, the moat forms a crescent around the city's western and northern flanks, showcasing the formidable defenses erected by the Knights of Saint John. Originally, the moat was a killing zone, engineered with steep inner walls that left attackers vulnerable to archers and cannons positioned along the city's battlements. The deliberate decision to keep the moat dry allowed defenders to actively use it during battle, intercepting breaches and countering mining operations. During the Ottoman sieges of 1480 and 1522, the moat proved decisive, stalling attacking forces and turning the area in front of the walls into a deadly field. Today, the Medieval Town Moat has been transformed into a serene and picturesque space. Landscaped with spacious lawns, vibrant flowers, and sandy paths, it offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Visitors can explore the moat via multiple access points, including the gardens near Liberty Gate, Akandia Gate, and stairways at the gates of St Anthony and St Athanasios. As you wander through the moat, keep an eye out for stacks of stone cannonballs, remnants of the Ottoman sieges, and the occasional vestige of ancient urban life revealed by the moat's depth. In the summer, the moat occasionally hosts concerts and theatrical performances.

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