Gate d’Amboise
A majestic, well-preserved 16th-century gate, serving as a grand and atmospheric entrance to Rhodes' UNESCO-listed Old Town.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light for photos
Gate d’Amboise
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic, well-preserved 16th-century gate, serving as a grand and atmospheric entrance to Rhodes' UNESCO-listed Old Town.
"It's one of if not the best entrance to the Old Town, setting the mood of medieval atmosphere."
🎯 Best Entrance to Old Town
Arrive via Gate d'Amboise for the most atmospheric approach to the Palace of the Grand Master.
📸 Photographer's Paradise
Capture stunning shots of the medieval architecture, especially during golden hour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Stone Architecture
Entrance to Rhodes Old Town
Imposing circular towers and thick stone walls create a formidable, well-preserved defensive structure.
Path to the Palace
Leading to Palace of the Grand Master
This gate is a scenic and atmospheric route, setting the mood for exploring medieval Rhodes.
Rampart Views
Surrounding ramparts
Explore the ramparts for panoramic views of the city and harbor, offering a unique perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Strategic Entry Point
Best Photo Ops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best Entrance to Old Town
Arrive via Gate d'Amboise for the most atmospheric approach to the Palace of the Grand Master.
📸 Photographer's Paradise
Capture stunning shots of the medieval architecture, especially during golden hour.
🚶♀️ Free & Family-Friendly
The walk through the gate and surrounding areas is free and enjoyable for all ages.
🧘♀️ Unique Event Spot
This gate is a venue for special events like yoga and handpan sessions. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best Entrance to Old Town
Arrive via Gate d'Amboise for the most atmospheric approach to the Palace of the Grand Master.
📸 Photographer's Paradise
Capture stunning shots of the medieval architecture, especially during golden hour.
🚶♀️ Free & Family-Friendly
The walk through the gate and surrounding areas is free and enjoyable for all ages.
🧘♀️ Unique Event Spot
This gate is a venue for special events like yoga and handpan sessions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Gate d'Amboise as one of the most impressive and well-preserved entrances to Rhodes' Old Town. Its majestic architecture, historical significance, and role as a scenic pathway to the Palace of the Grand Master are frequently highlighted. While not a museum itself, the experience of walking through it is considered a must-do for its atmospheric and visual appeal.
"You'll be crossing a bridge over a big moat to get through this well preserved gate. As you approach you will see the inner fort above the stone walls and it just looks majestic a d grand. It's a nice way to get to the Palace of the Grand Master as it leads you through several gates and shows you some cool towers on the way. It's one of if not the best entrance to the Old Town."
David Briscek
"The Gate d’Amboise is one of the most impressive and well-preserved entrances to the medieval Old Town of Rhodes. Built in the early 16th century by the Knights of St. John, this massive gate was named after Grand Master Emery d’Amboise, under whose leadership many of Rhodes’ fortifications were strengthened to resist the growing threat of the Ottoman Empire.
The gate features two imposing circular towers with thick stone walls, surrounded by a dry moat, creating a formidable defensive structure. It served not just as a passageway, but as a powerful symbol of the island’s resilience and strategic importance in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Visitors entering through Gate d’Amboise often feel as if they are stepping into a living history book. The stone-paved path leads directly to the famous Street of the Knights and deeper into the UNESCO-listed Old Town, where medieval architecture and vibrant street life coexist.
Although the gate itself is not a museum, walking through it is an experience in itself. The surrounding ramparts can be explored, offering beautiful panoramic views of the city and harbor. If you're interested in both history and photography, this is a must-visit spot—especially in the early morning light or at golden hour."
Ufuk Yüksekkaya
"Better arrive from this side, if you want to reach the entrance of the palace. The walk is setting the mood of the medieval atmosphere. The whole walk is for free and can be done even with kids. Near by many sellers and not too far from bars and if you're lucky parking spots."
Decio Denis Bernardo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gate d'Amboise is a primary entrance to the Old Town of Rhodes. If you're arriving by car, look for parking near the Old Town walls. Many visitors walk from nearby accommodations or use local buses that stop close to the Old Town entrances.
Yes, there are parking areas available outside the Old Town walls, though they can fill up quickly. It's often easier to walk or use public transport if possible.
Many recommend approaching from the sea side or outer walls to experience the full grandeur of the gate and its fortifications before entering the Old Town.
Yes, local buses serve Rhodes town, and stops are usually a short walk from the Old Town entrances, including those near Gate d'Amboise.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the cruise port to the Old Town, and Gate d'Amboise is one of the main entry points you'll encounter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking through Gate d'Amboise itself is free. It serves as an entrance to the Old Town. Tickets are required for attractions like the Palace of the Grand Master.
Gate d'Amboise is an open passageway and is accessible at all times. However, the surrounding ramparts and attractions may have specific operating hours.
Entry into the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Rhodes is free. You only pay for specific museums or attractions within the Old Town.
Yes, the gate is an open passage and can be visited at night, offering a different, atmospheric experience.
Many guided tours of the Old Town begin or pass through Gate d'Amboise, as it's a significant historical landmark and a great starting point.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon (golden hour) offer the best light for photography, minimizing crowds and enhancing the architectural beauty.
You can capture stunning shots of the imposing towers, thick stone walls, the moat, and the path leading into the Old Town. Panoramic views from the ramparts are also excellent.
Visiting early in the morning or later in the evening significantly reduces crowds, making it easier to get unobstructed photos.
Drone regulations can be strict in historical areas. It's advisable to check local rules before flying a drone in Rhodes' Old Town.
For the stone architecture, consider using a wider aperture for depth and a tripod for low-light conditions during golden hour.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Gate d'Amboise was built in the early 16th century by the Knights of St. John, named after Grand Master Emery d'Amboise, to strengthen defenses against the Ottomans.
Its primary purpose was defensive, serving as a critical entry point to the Old Town and housing cannons to bombard approaching enemies. It was also a symbol of the island's resilience.
It features two imposing circular towers, thick stone walls, and was originally protected by a dry moat and a retractable wooden bridge.
Yes, Gate d'Amboise is a significant part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of Rhodes.
Grand Master Emery d'Amboise oversaw significant fortifications of Rhodes, including the reinforcement of Gate d'Amboise with drum towers for artillery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a relatively easy and accessible path, making it suitable for strollers, and there are often vendors nearby for snacks. The journey through the gate sets a magical tone for the rest of your exploration, leading towards the Palace of the Grand Master, which also offers family-friendly exhibits.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to explore the adjacent ramparts for elevated perspectives of the city and harbor. The interplay of light and shadow on the stonework, especially during sunrise or sunset, creates a truly magical photographic experience.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
The walk through the gate and along the ramparts provides stunning views and a deep sense of history. It's an excellent way to begin your exploration of Rhodes' Old Town, saving your budget for other attractions or local cuisine.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Strategic Importance of Gate d'Amboise
This gate served as a crucial defensive point, positioned to protect the inner city and the Palace of the Grand Master. The drum towers housed cannons, capable of bombarding any forces attempting to breach the defenses. Its construction reflects the era's advanced military engineering and the Knights' commitment to maintaining control of this vital Mediterranean stronghold.
Today, walking through Gate d'Amboise offers a tangible connection to this history. It's a gateway not just to the Old Town, but to a past where resilience and strategic planning were paramount. The sheer scale and preservation of the gate provide a powerful first impression for visitors exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Experiencing Gate d'Amboise: Beyond the Entrance
The walk through the gate itself is often described as setting the mood for a medieval adventure. It leads visitors through a series of gates and past impressive towers, creating a sense of anticipation before reaching the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master. This free, scenic route is highly recommended for its atmospheric quality and its suitability for all ages, including children.
Interestingly, Gate d'Amboise has also become a unique venue for cultural events. It has hosted yoga and handpan sessions, leveraging its historical ambiance for a serene and memorable experience. This demonstrates how historical sites can be revitalized and appreciated in new and engaging ways.
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