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The Gates of the Old town of Rhodes: Portals to a Storied Past
The Gates of the Old Town of Rhodes, an island rich in history and culture, are a magnificent testament to its vibrant past. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town features a labyrinth of cobbled streets and medieval architecture, with its formidable gates standing out.
These gates, intricately woven into Rhodes’ history, served as both strategic defenses and symbolic portals connecting the lively life within to the world beyond.
Named after saints, Grand Masters, or notable landmarks, each gate holds a story about the Knights Hospitallers who once defended this island. Join us as we explore the secrets behind the Gates of the Old Town of Rhodes and delve into the rich tapestry of its medieval past.
D’Amboise Gate: Gateway to the Palace
The D’Amboise Gate stands as a grand entrance to the Old Town, captivating visitors with its majestic presence. Named after Grand Master Emery d’Amboise, this gate is celebrated as one of the most impressive and historically significant in Rhodes. It leads directly to the Palace of the Grand Master, a focal point of power and prestige during the medieval period.
Flanked by two imposing bastions, the architectural grandeur of the D’Amboise Gate is evident. The coats of arms of the Order of the Knights Hospitallers and d’Amboise adorn the gate, reflecting the strength and authority of the Knights.
This gate was more than a mere entrance; it was a key defensive structure, pivotal in safeguarding the town from invaders. Its strategic placement along Republic Avenue of the New Town underscores its importance, guiding both residents and visitors into the heart of Rhodes’ historical landscape.
Sea Gate: The Gateway to the Sea
The Sea Gate, aptly named for its proximity to the bustling harbor, served as a vital entry point for merchants and travelers arriving by sea. This gate, with its commanding view of the Aegean Sea, played a crucial role in the economic and social life of Rhodes. Its robust design features two massive towers with battlements, showcasing its defensive capabilities.
Above the arch, the Sea Gate is adorned with intricate reliefs depicting the Virgin Mary, St. John, and St. Peter, offering a glimpse into the spiritual life of the Knights.
The gate’s location near Hippocrates Square made it a bustling hub of activity, where goods and ideas flowed freely into the city. The Sea Gate’s significance extends beyond its function as a gateway; it is a testament to Rhodes’ thriving maritime heritage and its enduring connection to the sea.
Gate of Tarshana: Entrance to the Shipyards
The Gate of Tarshana, also known as the Shipbuilders’ Passage, holds a unique place in the maritime history of Rhodes. Its name likely derives from a shipyard (naushtatmos) that operated within the city walls until the 15th century. The gate’s large dimensions suggest it was used to move ships to and from the port, highlighting its role in the island’s shipbuilding industry.
Today, the Gate of Tarshana remains one of the few vehicle entrances to the Old Town, underscoring its continued importance in modern times. Its connection to Rhodes’ shipbuilding past adds an industrial layer to the city’s history, reflecting the island’s long-standing relationship with the sea and its crucial role in Mediterranean trade.
Gate of Panagia: The Heart of the Burgos Quarter
The Gate of Panagia, named after the church of Panagia of Bourgkou, serves as the main entrance to the Burgos quarter, a bustling area that was home to merchants and the working people of Rhodes. The gate’s cultural significance is deeply rooted in its role as a gateway to the diverse and vibrant community within the Old Town.
The Gate of Panagia offers a glimpse into the historical context of Rhodes, connecting visitors to Hippocrates Square, a classic meeting place in medieval times. Although only remnants of the church remain today, the gate continues to serve as a critical link to the historical and cultural life of the city. It stands as a testament to the dynamic and interconnected nature of Rhodes’ past, where commerce and community thrived.
Gate of St. Aikaterini: The link of trade and Industry
The Gate of St. Aikaterini, located near the old Jewish quarter, is another historically significant entrance to the Old Town. Its name evokes the numerous mills that once operated in the area, grinding grain and other essentials that supported the town’s economy. This gate provided direct access to the commercial port, linking Rhodes’ industries to the wider Mediterranean trade network.
Atop the gate, the coat of arms of the Magistrate d’Aubusson can still be seen, highlighting its importance in the town’s defenses. The Gate of St. Aikaterini played a crucial role in the economic prosperity of Rhodes during its medieval heyday. Its enduring presence reminds us of the vital connection between trade and industry, underscoring the interconnectedness of Rhodes’ past.
Liberty Gate: The Gateway to the New Town
Liberty Gate, known for its symbolic name and central location, is one of the most frequently used entrances to the Old Town from Mandraki. This modern entrance offers easy access by car, leading visitors directly to Symi Square, where the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite and the Municipal Gallery await.
Despite its modernity, Liberty Gate serves as a bridge between the past and present, connecting the historical center to the vibrant life of the New Town.
Its frequent use today underscores the living nature of the Old Town, where ancient walls continue to serve the needs of a contemporary community. Liberty Gate stands as a symbol of Rhodes’ resilience and adaptability, inviting exploration and discovery.
Agios Athanasios Gate: Guardian of the South
Agios Athanasios Gate,one of gates of the Old town of Rhodes, named after the nearby tower of St. Athanasios, stands as a guardian of the southern part of the Old Town. Constructed in the 15th century, this gate took its final form under the direction of the Master d’Aubusson, showcasing the architectural prowess of the Knights.
The thick walls and internal reinforcements around the gate reflect its strategic importance, providing a robust defense against potential invaders. Agios Athanasios Gate connects directly to the southern districts of the Old Town, offering a critical access point for those wishing to explore this quieter, less touristic part of Rhodes. Its presence serves as a reminder of the island’s storied past and the dedication of those who protected it.
Koskinous Gate: The Southern Outpost
The Koskinous Gate, likely named after the village of Koskinou, is one of the lesser-known entrances to the Old Town. Also referred to as the Gate of St. John or the Red Gate, it is closely associated with the tower of St. John and the brutal massacres that occurred during the fall of Constantinople by the Turks.
Despite its relative obscurity, the Koskinous Gate bears the coats of arms of the Order of the Knights of St. John and Grand Master J. De Milly, marking it as a site of historical significance. Primarily used by locals, this gate offers a glimpse into the less touristic side of the Medieval City, inviting exploration and reflection on the hidden stories of Rhodes.
Gate of St. Paul: The Path to Pilgrimage
Situated southeast of Mandráki Harbour, Saint Paul’s Gate serves as an outer defensive bastion of the Old Town, offering a scenic route along the waterfront. This entry point opens at the northwest end of Kolóna, the central hub of Rhodes’ three bustling ports, filled with vibrant activity from colorful fishing boats, ferries from Turkey, cruise ships, and large catamarans.
The gate showcases expert construction techniques, marked by twelve strategically positioned cannon holes that afford a wide firing range over the two harbors and the mole of Saint Nicholas.
Similar to the Gates of St. Aikaterini and D’Amboise, Saint Paul’s Gate features a historical drawbridge mechanism, evidenced by the vertical slots on the external wall where the beams once operated.
Inside the semi-cylindrical tower on the inner wall lays a marble sculpture displaying the coat of arms of Grand Master d’Aubusson, along with those of the Hospitallers Order and Pope Sixtus IV. This iconic emblematic section of the fortifications, completed around 1477, is a testament to the restoration efforts led by d’Aubusson to enhance the northern walls.
Despite sustaining significant damage during World War II and experiencing near-collapse, the gate was rebuilt in the early 1950s. Presently, one of the finest vantage points for appreciating the stunning views of Mandráki can be found from the remnants of the Naillac Tower, just east of the gate.
Gates of the Old town of Rhodes as Guardians of History
The gates of the Old Town of Rhodes serve as historical markers, reflecting the island’s rich past. Each gate, from the D’Amboise to the Gate of St. Paul, embodies stories of power, trade, and daily life in medieval times. They were essential for the city’s defense and trade, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of those who shaped Rhodes’ history.
