Palace of the Grand Master

The Palace of the Grand Master is located in the medieval part of Rhodes town , in the famous Knights Street , and represents a "fortress in the fortress", given the important level of fortification, which allowed for many centuries to protect the island of Rhodes from enemy attacks.

The Palace of the Grand Master is the most important building on the island of Rhodes and one of the most important examples of medieval European military architecture.

It was built in the 14th century on the ruins of a Byzantine fortress, by the Knights of Jerusalem, who took the name of Knights of St. John when they conquered the island of Rhodes and remained there for over 200 years. Here the knights made it become a real Citadel: warehouses, military buildings, fortified structures and in particular, the Residence of the Grand Master, the Governor's Palace, which with an administrative function. Thanks to the historical importance the Palace of the Grand Master has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Besides being the headquarters of the Order of the Knights, fortress and center of the "Collachium", the military district, it was also used as a refuge for the population in situations of danger. It was later used as a prison after the Ottoman victory over the Knights.

Over the centuries the Palace of the Grand Master was subjected to earthquakes and sieges and in 1856 it was partially destroyed due to the explosion of a powder keg in the nearby church of San Giovanni. From 1937 to 1940 it was rebuilt by the Italians, who thanks to the architect Vittorio Mesturino allowed it to recover its grand original appearance.

Later it became the residence of Vittorio Emanuele III and Benito Mussolini (who had a plaque engraved in his honor, still visible today inside the walls of the Palace of the Grand Master). Its evolution over the centuries has led to various decorative elements that have sometimes changed it compared to most of the attractions of the island of Rhodes.

Its walls are built with the beautiful white and red stones of Lindos, while the interior has been decorated with Murano chandeliers and Italian majolica.

The main entrance with the two towers and the battlements are among the few remaining original elements, together with the coat of arms of the grand master Hélion placed on the entrance. From here you enter the large courtyard of the building, a portico and paved with marble tiles with geometric patterns. On the north side, instead, Greek statues from the Odeon of Kos stand out.

The interiors of the Palace of the Grand Master are rich in mosaic-decorated rooms, which represent a union between the Hellenic and Italian styles. The first hall boasts sixteenth-century choir stalls and a late-Hellenistic mosaic on the floor.

A copy of the work of the same name dominates the room in Laocoonte. The original found in the Vatican was probably carved on the island of Rhodes. In the hall of the Medusa a Hellenic mosaic stands out with the head of the gorgon, Chinese and Islamic vases. The second cross vaulted room is paved with a mosaic from the 5th century, from the island of Kos.

The great hall "dei Colonnati", with two rows of arches resting on columns, also houses early Christian mosaics from the 5th century. Perhaps the most precious mosaic is that of the Nine Muse, located in the hall of the same name.

In our opinion, all these priceless works require the explanation of a guide, which we invite you to book, to better understand the history and riches of this majestic castle.

Every year the Palace of the Grand Master hosts interesting events, including the swearing-in ceremony for new members of the Order of Knights, from all over the world.

If you are on the island of Rhodes, you cannot absolutely miss its visit, as the Palace of the Grand Master is the fulcrum of its history and visiting it will allow you to understand even better and more deeply its beauty and uniqueness.

Timetables and entrance costs:

Hours: 8.00 am-7.00 pm
Monday 9.00-15.00

In winter it is open every day, except Mondays, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Entrance fee: € 9 / free under 18 years / over 65 € 5

You can buy the combined ticket for € 10 with the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, the Church of Panagia tou Kastrou and the Decorative Arts Museums.