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Greece Rhodes Rhodes Regional Unit Fortress

Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights

About

The Palace of the Grand Master is the architectural crown of Rhodes, a fortress‑palace that once served as the seat of the Knights Hospitaller. Built in the 14th century on the site of a Byzantine citadel, it functioned as both a defensive stronghold and a ceremonial residence. After a devastating explosion in 1856, the palace was rebuilt by the Italians in the early 20th century, giving it the grand, almost theatrical appearance visitors see today. Inside, the palace impresses with vast halls, marble columns, and mosaic floors imported from Kos. The Hall of the Grand Council, with its high arches and austere Gothic atmosphere, evokes the political power the Knights wielded across the Mediterranean. The palace’s mosaics—depicting mythological scenes, marine motifs, and geometric patterns—are among its most striking features, adding colour and elegance to the otherwise fortress‑like interior. One of the most interesting rooms is the Knights’ dining hall, where long wooden tables and vaulted ceilings recreate the ambience of medieval life. The palace also houses a small but engaging museum displaying armour, sculptures, and everyday objects from ancient Rhodes, offering a broader historical context.

Rhodes Greece
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights
Location

The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights sits at the highest point of the Medieval Old Town of Rhodes, Greece. You’ll find it at the top of Ippoton Street (the Street of the Knights), Rhodes 85100. This large fortified building was once the residence and headquarters of the Grand Master of the Order of St John and still dominates the skyline of the old town. It’s an easy walk once you’re inside the walls – just follow the long straight Street of the Knights uphill and you’ll arrive at the main entrance. Inside you can explore the courtyards, the restored halls and the exhibitions that cover both the Knights’ period and earlier history of the island. Right at the bottom of the same street is the Archaeological Museum, housed in the former Knights’ Hospital. Nearby you’ll also find the church of Panagia tou Kastrou and the Decorative Arts Collection. The medieval walls and several of the old town gates are only a short stroll away, and from the palace area you can look out towards the harbour.

Archaeological Museum of Rhodes Archaeological Museum of Rhodes Museum Decorative Arts Collection of Rhodes Decorative Arts Collection of Rhodes Museum Municipal Art Gallery of Rhodes Municipal Art Gallery of Rhodes Museum Jewish Museum of Rhodes Jewish Museum of Rhodes Museum Fort of Saint Nicholas Fort of Saint Nicholas Fortress Panagia tou Kastrou Panagia tou Kastrou Church Medieval City of Rhodes and Fortifications Medieval City of Rhodes and Fortifications Historical Landmark Church of the Holy Trinity Rhodes Church of the Holy Trinity Rhodes Church Evangelismos Church Evangelismos Church Church Ruins of the Church of Panagia tou Bourgou Ruins of the Church of Panagia tou Bourgou Church Acropolis of Rhodes Acropolis of Rhodes Historical Landmark Ancient Stadium of Rhodes Ancient Stadium of Rhodes Historical Landmark Rodini Park Rodini Park Park Medieval Moat of Rhodes Medieval Moat of Rhodes Historical Landmark Windmills of Rhodes Windmills of Rhodes Windmill Clock Tower of Rhodes Clock Tower of Rhodes Historical Landmark Street of the Knights Street of the Knights Historical Landmark