Discover the Fortress of Saint Nicholas in Medieval Town Of Rhodes
Friday, January 21st, 2011The beautiful Rhodes Island lies at a distance of seven miles from the coast of Turkey and is known world over for its astounding beauty among other Greek islands. It offers a great climate, beautiful beaches and many interesting archaeological sites. It was the ancient home of many civilizations that left their marks in the form of structures and buildings so when you come to Rhodes you can discover and learn about the great rulers like the Knights of St. John.
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. Fortress of Saint Nicholas is located in the medieval town of Rhodes.
Location:
On the entrance to Mandraki harbour, there are statues of deer. Three old windmills are found in the centre of the harbour whereas the St Nicholas Fortress is situated on the northern part of harbour.
History of the Fortress:
The Mandraki harbour used to be the military harbour in ancient times. 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 defensive tower was later on converted to a small fort after the first blockade 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:
At present, the Fort of Saint Nicholas is a well conserved and looked-after medieval structure. It serves as a great attraction for tourists that come from different parts of the world. The moat that was constructed in Saint Nicholas Fortress is now replaced by a trail and trees. There is also a Greek flag that flies high above the tallest parapet of the fort.
Some parts of the fort have fallen while the rest are intact. Within the fortress, there is a well built archway that leads to the beach and the docks from the old town. There is a main road of the fortress that provides access to the old town through fort walls. The impressive structure is a very common subject for photography as well as for different documentaries on Rhodes Island.
When coming to Rhodes Island for holidays you must not forget to visit the old town of Rhodes and its remarkable historical places. One of the best places on the Island of Rhodes is the old town of Rhodes.
Rhodes Island is a favourite vacation destination of many tourists around the world. You will enjoy many sightseeing as well as Rhodes Town Hotels and the other Rhodes Accommodation.