Wander through the medieval Street of the Knights
Walk cobblestone passageways past sandstone inns of the Hospitaller tongues and gothic coats of arms to the Grand Master's Palace.
At a glance
April to June and September to November for pleasant Mediterranean sunshine without summer crowd density
Early morning before museum openings or late evening after lanterns are illuminated
2 to 3 hours including the Palace of the Grand Master and Archaeological Museum
Medieval street walk · Crusader palace and archaeological exploration
Easy
Drop-in possible
Why the Street of the Knights is Europe's most intact medieval thoroughfare
Inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list in 1988, the Medieval City of Rhodes is one of the most remarkable fortified urban settlements in the Mediterranean. Between 1309 and 1522, the island was ruled by the Sovereign Military Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem (the Knights Hospitaller), who transformed the ancient Byzantine city into an impregnable Christian bulwark against Ottoman naval dominance.
The ceremonial backbone of this chivalric realm was the Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton). Measuring roughly 200 metres long and six metres wide, it connects the monumental Hospitaller Hospital to the towering fortress of the Palace of the Grand Master. Remarkably, not a single modern sign, billboard, or storefront mars this thoroughfare—it looks today almost exactly as it did when armoured crusader knights walked its cobblestones five centuries ago.
Flanking the street are the imposing sandstone 'Inns of the Tongues' (Auberges), where knights from France, Italy, Provence, Auvergne, Castile, and England lived and dined together according to their spoken language. Examining the weathered marble coats of arms carved above arched doorways and listening to your footsteps echo between stone walls at night is an extraordinary time-travel experience.
Strolling the cobblestones of the Knights Hospitaller
Starting at the Knight's Hospital
Begin at the lower end of Odos Ippoton outside the imposing 15th-century hospital that now houses the Archaeological Museum.
Walking between the historic Inns
Ascend the gentle cobblestone incline past the Inn of Spain and the magnificent Inn of France with its carved stone crests.
Arriving at the Grand Master's Palace
Reach the upper square crowned by the massive twin drum towers and portcullis gate of the Grand Master's Palace.
Touring the palace courtyards and mosaics
Step inside to explore the grand council halls and magnificent Roman and early Christian mosaic floors brought from Kos.
Plan your experience
When to go
Late spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) provide glorious sunny days and pleasant evening strolls without the high summer heat. In summer, visit early in the morning before tourist excursions arrive.
Getting there
The Street of the Knights is in the Collachium (northern sector) of Rhodes Old Town, just a five-minute walk through the Marine Gate (Saint Paul's Gate) from Mandraki Harbour.
Booking & permits
Walking the Street of the Knights is free and unrestricted. A combined multi-site ticket covering the Palace of the Grand Master, Archaeological Museum, Church of Our Lady of the Castle, and Decorative Arts Collection offers excellent value.
What to bring
- Flat, comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles for rounded cobblestone paving
- Camera for capturing Gothic portal details, coats of arms, and arched bridges
- Sun protection when visiting open palace courtyards during midday
Before you go
- Walk down the Street of the Knights after dark when amber wrought-iron lanterns cast dramatic shadows on the sandstone walls
- Look closely at the facades to spot the personal heraldic emblems of Grand Masters d'Aubusson, d'Amboise, and de Lastic
- Combine your visit with a walk along the perimeter moat and massive four-kilometre ramparts of the Old Town
Official information
Always verify permits, seasonal weather conditions and access directly with public authorities:
Official Hellenic Ministry portal detailing opening hours, combined admission tickets, and historical exhibitions.
Official municipal portal with maps of the Medieval Town, events, and visitor information.
Ways to experience it
Walk the quiet street at your own rhythm early in the morning, pausing to inspect the coats of arms above each national inn.
Join an authorized Greek archaeological guide for an in-depth tour of the Hospitaller fortifications, crusader medical practice, and Ottoman sieges.
Certified providers & operators
Rhodes Official Tourist Guides Association
Certified historical and archaeological walking tours
Licensed Greek Ministry of Culture guides operating daily in multiple languages.