Street of the Knights
A perfectly preserved medieval street in Rhodes, once home to the Knights Hospitaller, offering an unparalleled journey back in time.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Street of the Knights
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A perfectly preserved medieval street in Rhodes, once home to the Knights Hospitaller, offering an unparalleled journey back in time.
"Walking down the Street of the Knights is like stepping into a living manuscript of medieval Europe."
🎯 Go Early or Late
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
🚶♀️ Walk Slowly & Look Up
Absorb the medieval atmosphere; don't rush. Look up at the facades and details.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Seven Inns (Auberges)
Along the Street of the Knights
Gothic stone buildings, each representing a different 'Langue' or nation of the Knights Hospitaller.
Palace of the Grand Master
Top of the Street of the Knights
A majestic fortress and former administrative center of the Knights Hospitaller.
Cobblestone Path
The entire length of the street
Walk on centuries-old stones, feeling the weight of history with every step.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Atmosphere
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early or Late
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
🚶♀️ Walk Slowly & Look Up
Absorb the medieval atmosphere; don't rush. Look up at the facades and details.
📚 Read the Plaques
Look for explanatory plaques for historical context.
💧 Hydrate!
It gets very hot, especially in summer. Carry water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early or Late
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
🚶♀️ Walk Slowly & Look Up
Absorb the medieval atmosphere; don't rush. Look up at the facades and details.
📚 Read the Plaques
Look for explanatory plaques for historical context.
💧 Hydrate!
It gets very hot, especially in summer. Carry water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Street of the Knights for its incredible preservation and immersive medieval atmosphere, often describing it as stepping back in time. The historical significance and architectural beauty are major highlights, though some note the heat and potential for crowds during peak hours. It's considered an essential Rhodes experience.
"Walking down the Street of the Knights (Οδός Ιπποτών) in Rhodes is like stepping into a living manuscript of medieval Europe. Perfectly preserved and hauntingly beautiful, this cobbled thoroughfare—once the ceremonial heart of the Knights Hospitaller—remains one of the most evocative streets in all of Europe.
Lined with austere yet majestic stone façades, each auberge tells a silent tale of the Order’s different Langues, or tongues—representing the various nations of the knights. The architecture is sober, noble, and powerful, just like the ideals the knights professed to defend. As you ascend slowly toward the Palace of the Grand Master, each step seems to echo with history.
There are no neon signs here, no tourist traps cluttering the view—just the hush of centuries under your feet and above your head. The street rewards those who walk it slowly, who look up, and who listen carefully.
To visit Rhodes without walking this street would be to visit Venice and miss the canals, or Cairo and skip the pyramids. It’s not just a place—it’s an experience of time carved in stone."
Dr Juan F Martínez-Canca
"Excellent. A bucket list visit for me, with a really good explanatory series of plaques in an alley to your left about halfway up. Provides a lot of helpful context. Interestingly, a poster in the palace's museum even suggests that the 'langues' were a precursor to the EU. A bit of a stretch to my mind; but there's no doubting the multicultural nature of the separate inns, when viewed as a whole community.
Visit early for the best views!"
N Shergold
"Walking down the Street of the Knights is like stepping into a living medieval painting. This remarkably well-preserved cobblestone street runs from the Palace of the Grand Master to the Hospital of the Knights and was the ceremonial heart of the Knights Hospitaller during their rule over Rhodes from 1309 to 1522.
Each building along the street once housed a "Langue"—a national division of the Order—representing different regions like France, Italy, Spain, and Germany. The facades display coats of arms and Gothic details that reflect the cultural identity of each group. Despite centuries of history, the street has retained its authentic medieval character, thanks to careful restoration by Italian architects in the early 20th century.
There’s a rare stillness here, even when the Old Town is bustling. The narrow passage, lined with tall stone buildings and arched doorways, feels timeless. Imagine knights in armor passing by on horseback, flags fluttering above, and the air filled with a sense of solemn duty and tradition.
Today, some of the buildings are used as government offices or museums, while others remain closed to preserve their historical integrity.
It’s best visited early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a quiet stroll—and incredible photos without the crowds. A must-see for anyone visiting Rhodes."
Ufuk Yüksekkaya
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Street of the Knights is located within the medieval Old Town of Rhodes. You can reach the Old Town by walking from the modern city center or by taking a local bus or taxi to one of the main gates. Once inside, it's a short walk to the street.
No, the medieval Old Town, including the Street of the Knights, is largely pedestrianized. Cars are not permitted within the walls. You'll need to park outside the Old Town and walk in.
The Old Town can be a bit of a maze, but the Street of the Knights is a main thoroughfare. Look for signs pointing towards the Palace of the Grand Master, as the street leads directly to it. Using a map app on your phone can also be helpful.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking down the Street of the Knights itself is free as it's a public thoroughfare. However, if you wish to enter the Palace of the Grand Master at the top of the street, a separate admission ticket is required.
The street is always accessible as it's an outdoor public space. However, the surrounding buildings and the Palace of the Grand Master have specific opening hours, which vary by season. It's best to check these in advance if you plan to visit any interiors.
The street itself is free to access. Entrance fees only apply if you plan to visit the Palace of the Grand Master or other museums within the Old Town.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To experience the Street of the Knights with fewer people, aim for early morning (shortly after sunrise) or late afternoon, closer to sunset. This also offers beautiful lighting for photos.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential as the street is cobblestoned and can be uneven. Given the Mediterranean climate, light, breathable clothing is recommended, and a hat and sunscreen are advisable due to sun exposure.
While the street itself is primarily historical architecture, you'll find restrooms and cafes just off the main thoroughfare within the Old Town. Some of the inns might have small shops or cafes associated with them.
This street was the ceremonial heart of the Knights Hospitaller from 1309 to 1522. Each of the seven inns (auberges) along the street housed knights from different 'Langues' or nations, making it a symbol of their organized military and religious order.
Absolutely! The Street of the Knights is incredibly photogenic. The best times for photography are early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer people.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities can be limited directly on the street. Comfortable shoes are a must for everyone, as the cobblestones can be tricky. Visiting early in the morning is ideal to avoid crowds and the heat, making the experience more pleasant for children. The Palace of the Grand Master at the end of the street might also hold their interest, though its reconstructed elements might be less captivating than the original medieval inns.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Best times for photos: Aim for the 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon. The soft, warm light enhances the textures and colors of the stone, and the reduced crowds mean you can compose your shots without obstruction. Look for details like coats of arms, arched doorways, and the patterns of the cobblestones. Don't forget to capture the grandeur of the Palace of the Grand Master at the top of the street.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Knights Hospitaller and Their Inns
Walking down the street today, you can still identify these inns, though their original functions have changed. Some now house government offices, museums, or are preserved as historical monuments. The preservation of these structures is remarkable, offering visitors a tangible connection to the medieval past. The street itself, with its well-maintained cobblestones and imposing buildings, creates an immersive historical experience, transporting you back to an era of chivalry and crusades.
It's important to note that while the street is a living testament to the Knights' presence, the Palace of the Grand Master at the top of the street was significantly rebuilt by the Italians in the 20th century. While impressive, this reconstruction has a different architectural feel compared to the original medieval structures. Nevertheless, the combined effect of the street and the palace provides a comprehensive glimpse into the Knights' legacy on Rhodes.
Experiencing the Medieval Atmosphere
Travelers often describe the experience as stepping into a 'living history book' or a 'medieval manuscript'. The silence, broken only by the echo of footsteps on cobblestones, enhances this feeling. It's a place that encourages slow exploration, inviting visitors to look up at the intricate details of the facades, imagine the daily lives of the knights, and appreciate the centuries of history embedded in the stone.
To truly capture this atmosphere, visiting during the quieter hours of early morning or late afternoon is highly recommended. This allows for a more personal connection with the space, free from the hustle and bustle of peak tourist times. The soft light during these periods also adds a magical quality to the street, making it even more evocative.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit