14th-century Knights' fortress, rebuilt in the 1930s as an Italian-era residence, with mosaic floors from Kos and exhibitions on ancient and medieval Rhodes.
The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes stands at the top of Ippoton (Knights) Street in the Old Town of Rhodes, in the South Aegean region of Greece. Built in the 14th century as the headquarters and residence of the Grand Master of the Knights of St John, it was badly damaged by an explosion in 1856 when lightning struck a gunpowder store in the Ottoman period. The Italian administration rebuilt it in the 1930s as a summer residence for King Victor Emmanuel III and later for Mussolini, which explains its grand, somewhat theatrical interiors. Visitors cross a drawbridge-style entrance between two large round towers, enter an inner courtyard with ancient statues, and climb a marble staircase to the first floor. Rooms hold fine mosaic floors brought from Kos, including scenes of Medusa and the Muses, along with period furniture and chandeliers. The ground floor hosts exhibitions on the ancient history of Rhodes and on the medieval city, with sculptures, inscriptions and architectural fragments. The upper rooms can be seen at a relaxed pace, and views from windows and terraces look over the Old Town rooftops and the nearby fortifications. A visit generally takes about an hour and a half, a little longer for those who read the exhibition texts carefully. Opening hours are longer in summer, roughly 08:00 to 20:00 between April and October, and shorter in winter, and the adult ticket is about 10 EUR, with free entry for young visitors who meet the heritage-agency conditions. Tour groups from cruise ships and coaches crowd the courtyard and staircase from late morning, so arriving at opening gives the quietest atmosphere and the best light for photography in the courtyard. Visitors often combine the palace with a walk down the Street of the Knights and the nearby Archaeological Museum.
| Admission | Adult 10 EUR (11.5 USD) adult (about; verify at hhticket.gr) · Child Free for EU citizens under 25 and non-EU citizens under 18 with ID |
|---|---|
| Hours | Summer (April-October) about 08:00-20:00; winter about 08:30-15:30 (varies by day; check odysseus.culture.gov.gr) |
| Typical visit | 1.5 hours |
| Best time | Opening time, before tour groups arrive |
| Getting there | Walk uphill along the Street of the Knights from Museum Square, or from Eleftherias Gate (10 min). |
| Address | Ippoton Street (top of the Street of the Knights), Old Town, 851 00 Rhodes, Greece |
Location
Ippoton Street (top of the Street of the Knights), Old Town, 851 00 Rhodes, Greece
36.4478, 28.2273 View on map
Highlights
- Twin round towers and a grand inner courtyard
- Mosaic floors from the island of Kos in the first-floor rooms
- Exhibitions on ancient and medieval Rhodes on the ground floor
- Italian-era 1930s reconstruction of a 14th-century fortress
- Windows and terraces overlooking the Old Town
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at opening to avoid tour groups that arrive from late morning.
- Check current hours and prices on odysseus.culture.gov.gr or hhticket.gr before visiting.
- Bring photo ID to claim the free or reduced entry for eligible young visitors.
- Allow about 90 minutes and combine with the Street of the Knights next door.
- Wear flat shoes; the stone floors and stairs are polished and slippery.
When to visit
Opening time, before tour groups arrive, gives the quietest visit. Winter days are also calm but closing time is earlier.
Accessibility
The palace has stairs and uneven stone floors, and the upper floors are reached by a marble staircase. Mobility access is limited, so visitors with wheelchairs should check with the site in advance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Palace of the Grand Master take?
About an hour and a half is typical. Visitors who read the exhibition panels in detail may need two hours.
Is the palace original?
Not entirely. The 14th-century fortress was largely destroyed by an explosion in 1856, and the present building is an Italian-era reconstruction from the 1930s.
Is it worth it for kids?
Children often enjoy the towers, courtyard and mosaic floors, though long exhibition rooms can be tiring for younger visitors.
Is photography allowed?
Photography without flash is generally allowed in most areas, but visitors should follow signs and staff instructions in individual rooms.