Page 108 - BLUE INK 2018

BLUE GUIDE
Best of
Rhodes
12 things not to miss
By Despoina Sampson
1. Rare fish and corals at the Rhodes In the aquarium the visitors (200.000 per year)
Aquarium, at the northernmost part of the can admire specimens of entozoan, molluscs
island (Niohori area). The main building – a
listed structure – blends local architecture with
art deco. From 1937 until 1945, under Italian
rule, it was recognised as the ‘Reale Istituto di
Ricerce Biologiche di Rodi’. After the unification
of the Dodecanese Islands with Greece, it was
renamed ‘Hellenic Hydro biological Institute’
and continued operating under the supervision
of the Academy of Athens. Today, the Hydro
biological Station of Rhodes operates as a
Museum and Aquarium and is also used a
a research centre. The Aquarium belongs to
the National Centre of Marine Research. The
aim of the Hydro biological Station of Rhodes
is the preservation and display of embalmed
and living creatures of the Mediterranean sea.
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Keep a lookout for the peacocks that live here! A of the island and in fact many locals are named construction of this building began in 1440 by
small paradise just 3 km from the city center.
Grand Master de Lastic and it was completed in
Tsambikos for men and Tsambika for women.
4. A pilgrimage to the sculpted wooden 5. Windsurfing at Prassonisi, at the 1948 by Grand Master d’Aubusson. The building
was renovated in the early 20th century by the
iconostasis at the monastery of Panaghia
southernmost part of the island. It is definitely
Tsabika, to the east of the island. The old worth making the 40-km trip from Lindos to Italians, as was the whole Medieval Town of
monastery of Tsambika is built on the top of visit the two exotic beaches created by a strip Rhodes. Today this museum contains findings
a hill with stunning view to the sea and the of sand that cuts the Carpathian Sea in half. In from excavations all over the island and some
surrounding area, while the new monastery, order to reach Prasonissi you will have to cover small islets of Dodecanese. Don’t forget to see
which works today, is found on the road that most of the southern part of the island. Right the whole collection of vases, figurines, small
sharks and other fish, sea turtles, toothed connects Archangelos to Rhodes Town. It is not after passing the village of Katavia, there is a objects and tomb groups that from were found
whales, (Odontoceti) and Mediterranean known when the old monastery was founded, turn to the left and after a few kilometers, from in Ancient Ialyssos and Ancient Kameiros and
monk seals. Thanks to the research facilities but we know that it was reconstructed in 1770 the top of a hill, you will get your first glimpse of date from the Geometric till the Roman times
of the Hydro biological Station of Rhodes and by a monk. This monastery was built according this exotic paradise! Have in mind that during as well as the mosaic floors from the Hellenistic
the National Centre of Marine Research, the to the Dodecanesian architecture with hollow July and August surfers, accompanied with times and funerary slabs of the Knights.
Station runs research programmes, covering roof tiles. The floor of the temple and the yard sports and catering facilities, flood the area. 8. A hike on the mountain path starting at
every aspect of oceanography in the area of are covered with pebbles and shells. Some icons 6. A cold beer at Lindos Square, where Pink Aghios Isidoros, a village still living in the ’60s,
the Dodecanese. It thus functions as a model date from the 19th century, while the iconostasis Floyd stayed and chatted till late in the shadow to the top of Attavyros Mountain (1,215 m).
research unit in the Mediterranean. (T +3 0 is even older. The name of the monastery comes of the ancient acropolis, which was dedicated 9. Selfies at the exquisite Springs of Kallithea.
22410 27308) from the word tsamba, which means spark in to the goddess Athena. Leave your car outside Since the ancient times, the mineral springs
2. A walk around the medieval city of Rhodes, the local dialect. In fact, tradition says that a the village and climb high up to enjoy the view, were famous for its therapeutic powers. They
a UNESCO World Heritage Site combining the local shepherd found an icon of Virgin Mary which is reminiscent of a Cycladic Hora. Below, could treat various diseases and conditions
Western European style of the Late Gothic on top of the cliff, where the old monastery the quiet bay of Apostolos Pavlos awaits to offer and people from the surrounding islands, the
period with Renaissance sculpture. Cross the was later built, following a vigil light. The icon of relaxation to the tired visitor. coasts of Asia Minor and other Mediterranean
stone bridges connecting the present with the Panagia Tsambika is considered miracle-working, 7. A visit to the Archaeological Museum which countries would come to Rhodes to get healed
past and wander around the narrow alleys. particularly for the childless women, which is why is located in the Old Town of Rhodes. It is housed with baths in these springs. In 1912, the Italian
Touch the heavy iron doors, gaze up at the many women offer to the icon of Panagia child in the Medieval building of the Hospital of the governors of Rhodes ordered a systematic
Gothic churches and Renaissance sculptures, dolls. This monastery is considered a protector Knights, in the Palace of the Grand Master. The study of these waters by distinguished
and take a deep breath in the very same spots
where the Knights of St John of Jerusalem
once walked. The 4-km-long wall encloses a 09
mesmerizing past, revealing a fascinating way
of life. Follow the Street of the Knights past
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squares and ramparts until you reach the Palace
of the Grand Masters, with its 80 halls at the
northwest side of the castle. Discover the Burgo
to the south and, finally, get out into the light of
Socratous Street, with the open-air market that
(gastropods and cephalopods), species of the dates back to those times…
crab family, echinoderms, many fish families, 3. A refreshing visit to the world’s oldest park at
as well as sea turtles. In the Museum are also Rodini, a small valley with oleanders, lily ponds,
displayed exhibits such as various kinds of planes and other trees providing ample shade.
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Photo: Shutterstock
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