Evangelismos Church

Evangelismos Church stands proudly on Mandraki Harbour, instantly recognisable by its tall bell tower and elegant Gothic‑inspired façade. Built in 1925 during the Italian administration, it was intended as the Catholic cathedral of Rhodes, mirroring medieval architectural forms to harmonise with the nearby fortifications. After the island’s incorporation into Greece, it became an Orthodox church, making it one of the few modern buildings on Rhodes to carry such a layered identity. Inside, the church is surprisingly rich. The marble iconostasis features finely carved details and vibrant icons created by notable 20th‑century Greek painters. The interior walls are adorned with colourful frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, executed in a style that blends Byzantine tradition with modern artistic influences. The high vaulted ceiling and tall windows fill the space with soft Mediterranean light, giving the church a serene, uplifting atmosphere. One of the most interesting features is the church’s bell tower, inspired by medieval campaniles yet built with modern materials. Its height offers a striking vertical counterpoint to the harbour’s flat waterfront. Evangelismos also stands near the famous deer statues and the site traditionally associated with the Colossus of Rhodes, making it a natural stop during a harbour walk.