In the capital of the picturesque Greek island of Rhodes, on the famous street of the Knights in the Old city is the ancient Byzantine Church of the Panagia Kastrou. This is one of the most magnificent structures of the medieval Rhodes town and the main monument of the Byzantine era. Today in the building of Church houses a magnificent Byzantine Museum.

The Church of Panagia Kastrou was built in the XI century. Initially, the architecture of the building was a typical Byzantine structures cross-domed Church with the extended Western part. After Rhodes came into the possession of the knights of St. John, the building housed the Roman Catholic Cathedral, as evidenced by the papal bull 1322. Underwent extensive restoration work and changes in the architecture of the structures. In fact, the Church was rebuilt into a three-aisled Church with a transept. Those times are preserved some fragments of wall paintings Dating from the 14th century.

In 1522, after the capture of the island by the Turks, this Church, like many Christian churches, was converted into a mosque Aderol (also known as the Red mosque). Was added a minaret and a special niche for prayers – mihrab and wall painting is hidden behind the brickwork. Turkish additions were destroyed during the reign of the island Italians. Later the building was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Greek archaeological service.

In 1988 in the Church of Panagia Kastrou began to hold exhibitions of Byzantine and post-Byzantine painting. Today it houses the Byzantine Museum of Rhodes with its magnificent collection of icons and frescoes. The most valuable exhibits of the Museum are considered fine examples of painting of the XII century the monastery Taree and frescoes from the Church of Agios Zacharias from the island of Halki (late fourteenth century).