Rhodes

It is the fourth largest Greek island –following Crete, Evoia, and Lesvos-, and with its endless coastlines, its mountains full of pine-trees, mountainous villages,  archaeological sites and its medieval town of unique beauty, Rhodes attracts over one million tourists every year.

It is the largest island of Dodecanese complex, extends over a surface of 1,398 km2, its coastline is 220 km and counts 120,000 inhabitants. It was firstly inhabited during prehistoric age and flourished during Mycenae Period. It became especially prosperous during 4^th century B.C, when the famous Colossus of Rhodes was built by Lindios Haris, apprentice of Lysippos.  After the disastrous earthquake in 155 A.C, the island met many conquerors (Persians, Arabs, Saracens as well as Seltzouk Turks). In 1309 the Knights of St. John came in the island, renovating the castle with a unique fortification technique for the European standards of that time. The island was their seat until 1522, when it was conquered by the Turks after harsh battles.  In 1912 the island passed in the command of Italians and in 1948, along with the rest Dodecanese, it was incorporated into the Greek territory.

Mandraki Harbor,Rhodes

Mandraki harbor was the main as and military harbor of ancient Rhodes for almost 2,500 years,and its mouth could be shut off by chains. Now the mouth is adorned by statues of a male and female deer ( Elafos and Elafina) symbols of the island - which stand on columns.It is believed that the Colossus of Rhodes was standing there, a Rhodian symbol of strength and wealth. The harbor with its millionaires' yachts, moored alongside quaint, old fishing boats is an unspoilt place, lined by seaside Cafes. Mandraki is used by boats which leave here every day for short cruises to nearby islands and to bathing places on Rhodes. On the long breakwater front at Mandraki stand the three medieval windmills which ground the grain unloaded from merchant vessels in the harbor.

Colossus of Rhodes

one of the seven wonders of the world, was built around 304 BC by Chares the Lindios (from Lindos), in honor of Apollo the god of the sun (Helios in Greek) and patron god of Rhodes. It stood one hundred feet tall and it was located at the entrance of Mandraki harbor. Made entirely of bronze, it was then used as a lighthouse. It symbolized the strength and wealth of the Rhodian people.

It is believed to have been destroyed in 226 BC by a powerful earthquake. Later the pieces, it is believed, to have been taken by the Egyptians.