Knights of Rhodes - Greece Index

The Order of the Knights of Rhodes, St. John, was founded by a charitable brotherhood whose members were permanently residents in the Holy City.

After the Crusaders took Jerusalem in 1099 the order became a military organization under the control of the church.

In 1187, when Jerusalem fell to Saladin, the Knights moved in northern Palestine. The total failure brought them to seek refuge in Cyprus. They stayed 18 years in Cyprus and then moved to Rhodes.

Rhodes saw again a period of wealth. After settling in Rhodes, the Knights extended their power over the near-by islands. They gave the island a particular character, still visible in the walls, churches, gates and palaces.

They’ve been in Rhodes for 213 years. In 1522, the last of the Grand Masters, Villiers de I’ Isle Adam had to surrender to island to Suleiman the Magnificent.

The Castle of the Knights is located at the end of Street of Knights and is also known as the Palace of the Grand Masters. Only two circular towers and a gate survived through the centuries.

The citadel was build at the beginning of the 13th century A.D. by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. The castle had 205 rooms and a conference room which often hosted important summits.

Today it houses the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes.