The Palace of the Grand Master, Rhodes, is an exceptional work of architecture that the Knights of St. John of the island of Rhodes constructed in the 14th Century. This was built after renovation of the Byzantine fortress of the 7th Century. It is now used as a museum. Be sure to visit The Palace of the Grand Master, Rhodes, on your Rhodes Tours.
History
Towards the end of the 7th Century, the Byzantine fortress was constructed. It was at the same site that the Knights of St. John (1309-1522) started renovation of the fortress. In the 14th Century they converted this citadel into the Grand Master's residence. It was also used as an administrative center then. In about mid-19th Century, the first floor caved in. The work of restoration began in around 1937. At present the first floor contains the dining room, a number of official rooms like the Great Council Chamber, and the private quarter, Margaritae. The time when the Italians took over the land, a chapel was constructed beside the marble staircase that leads to the first floor. This chapel contains a statue Saint Nicholas, which was made of bronze.
Features
The palace is square in shape. It spreads around a courtyard, that extends across 2000 square meters. At the main entrance of the palace in the south, there are two circular towers. Both are placed on either side of the gate. The gate of the palace has an arch that is pointed. There are 158 rooms which contain beautiful and exquisite furniture. There are oriental vases, statues, polychrome marble floors and carpets in these rooms. However, only 24 rooms are open for public viewing. Some of the rooms are:
- waiting room
- reception hall
- room of the Medusa mosaic
- room of the icons
- ballroom
- music room
In the northern part of the building, there are underground rooms which are believed to be storerooms. It has been suggested that these rooms probably acted as hideoutd when there was an attack from the enemy. There are vaulted rooms of several sizes on the ground floor.
Location
This grand palace also called Kastello, is located at the highest point of Rhodes, an island in Greece. It is situated towards the north-western part of the city. A visit to The Palace of the Grand Master, will surely add more flavor to your Rhodes travel and forms an important part of Rhodes Tourism.
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