Jan 12 2011
The Fortress of Saint Nicholas in Old Town, Rhodes
Considered to be one of the most beautiful Greek islands, Rhodes Island lies just seven mile off the Turkish coast. It offers a great climate, beautiful beaches and many interesting archaeological sites. When you visit the island, you get a chance to discover the ancient home of Knights of St. John that was one of the greatest emperors and played a key role in Crusades as well.
Rhodes old town on Rhodes Island, which now happens to be a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, attracts tourists and visitors from all around the world. The Fortress of Saint Nicholas is found in the Rhodes Old Town.
Location:
On the entrance to Mandraki harbour, there are statues of deer. At the harbour, three old windmills are found in the centre while the ancient St Nicholas Fortress stands on its north side.
History of the Fortress:
In ancient times the Mandraki harbour was the military harbour of rhodes island. A tower was built in the medieval town in 1464-67 to protect this important harbour by the Grand Master Raimondo Zacosta. The tower was built at a natural dockside where many windmills are located.
This protective tower was later turned into a small fortress after the first siege of Rhodes. A bastion was constructed around the tower by Grand Master d’Aubusson turning it into a small fortress. The fortress got its name from the small chapel located inside it.
Historical Significance:
The reason for building the Saint Nicholas Fortress was to make the guard and security of Rhodes Island stronger and effectual. The Turkish attacks on the island from time to time were made ineffective by the fortress.
The Fortress of Saint Nicholas built in fifteenth century at the deck’s end of Mandraki harbour played a vital role in the defence of Rhodes city from the enemy attacks. Especially in the sieges of 1480 and 1522-23 the fortress played a key role in the defence of Rhodes Island.
Fortress of Saint Nicholas; Today:
The well preserved Saint Nicholas Fortress that stands today is one of the ancient structures from the medieval time. It serves as a great attraction for tourists that come from different parts of the world. The ancient moat of Fortress of Saint Nicholas now has a walking path and trees. There is also a Greek flag that flies high above the tallest parapet of the fort.
Even after centuries, only few parts of the fort have fallen while most are still undamaged. Within the fortress, there is a well built archway that leads to the beach and the docks from the old town. The main street of the fort goes ahead in the direction of the old town through the walls of the fort. The impressive structure is a very common subject for photography as well as for different documentaries on Rhodes Island.
If you want to have a great vacation experience on Rhodes Island then do not forget to plan a tour to Rhodes old town and its different historical sites. When it comes to nest places to visit due holidays, the Old Town of Rhodes is one.
There are numerous attractions in Rhodes. Lots of tourists are attracted here due to great Rhodes Holidays ideas, Rhodes Accommodation solutions and Rhodes Town Accommodations
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