The Palace of the Grand masters Photo: the Palace of the Grand masters

In the capital of the picturesque Greek island of Rhodes is the famous Palace of the Grand Masters. Today it is a magnificent medieval building is the main attractions of Rhodes is a UNESCO world heritage site.

The Palace of the Grand Masters was built in the 14th century by the knights of St John who ruled the island for over 200 years (from 1309 to 1522). In ancient times here was located the temple of the God Helios, and later the Byzantine fortress, the Foundation of which was actually built a magnificent Palace. The island of Rhodes became the official residence of the Order of St. John and the Palace – the seat of the Grand masters. After Rhodes was occupied by the Ottoman Empire, the Palace was used as a fortress.

In 1856 the explosion of ammunition magnificent medieval building was badly damaged. After the occupation of the island by the Italians in 1922, the Palace was restored, most retaining their original style, and was used as the residence of Victor Emmanuel III, and later Benito Mussolini. After Rhodes (together with the other Islands of the Dodecanese), was officially handed over to Greece, the Palace of the Grand Masters was converted into a Museum. The Palace has about 160 different premises, but only part of them available to the public. The interior of the castle and its finish is a stunning.

Today, the Palace of the Grand Masters is one of the most visited tourist attractions of Rhodes. It also hosts exhibitions, various cultural events and housed a magnificent Byzantine Museum.

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