Rhodes, Greece - Day 35

Rhodes is one of the larger Greek islands and is located to the extreme southeast of Athens close to Turkey. The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the Ancient World once straddled the town’s old harbor.

We docked at about 1:00pm. We didn’t have any shore excursions planned, so we took a leisurely stroll along the city’s fortress walls and harbor front. The Old Town is primarily small pedestrian-only cobblestone lanes lined with cafes and restaurants. We visited the Archaeological Museum which is housed in the Gothic Hospital of the Knights built in 1440. It was incredibly interesting especially the old mosaic tile floors that were being restored. The Knights of St. John protected Rhodes from Turkey starting in the early 1300’s after conquering the citizens of Rhodes. The Knights came from noble Roman Catholic families. They had to vow chastity, obedience and poverty. They were overtaken by the Turks in 1522 and fled to Malta. Their Palace of the Grand Masters was what we had intended to visit but mistakenly entered the museum. We were so tired after the museum we headed back to the ship to collapse.

While the museum and the shopping streets were interesting, I’m not sure we would visit again. Jeff did score a couple of antique horses so he was extremely happy.
We have an at sea day tomorrow before we reach Israel.