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Municipality of Rhodes
The city of Rhodes was founded
in 408 BC, when the citizens of Ialysos, Lindos and Kamiros decided
to built a strong new island capital. The city plans were drawn
up by Hippodamous, and Rhodes was soon admired as one of the most
beautiful cities of the period. The new city quickly developed into
a financial and cultural centre, but by the time it became a Roman,
and later a Byzantine, dominion it had lost its ancient glory.
In 1309 the Knights of Saint John conquered Rhodes and they built
strong fortifications, transforming it into the thriving multinational
medieval city. In 1523 Rhodes was conquered by the Ottoman Turks,
and the Greeks had to settle outside the walls, where they created
the new districts known as "Marasia". In 1912 Rhodes,
as well as the wall of Dodecanese, were seized by the Italians.
The new rulers enhanced the architecture of the city with magnificent
buildings, wide roads and squares. It was not until 1948 that Rhodes
official became a part of Greece. The modern city of Rhodes is (with
Asgourou and Kritika) one of the biggest municipalities in the Greek
islands, with about sixty thousand permanent residents. It is the
financial and cultural centre of the south-eastern Aegean, and successfully
combines a lively present with a rich historical past.
There are many reasons why Rhodes is one of the most popular resorts
in the Mediterranean: the natural surroundings (crystal clear seas,
many parks and recreational facilities), the bright sun, and the
warm hospitality of the islanders themselves. The city has an excellent
tourist infrastructure and offers a wide variety of entertainment
(night-life, sports cultural events, and day trips to wonderful
Lindos and the neighboring islands). Finally, visitors have opportunity
to learn something of the eventful history of the city, visit the
museums, or go sightseeing.
For more information
on Rhodes Island, refer to www.rhodes.gr
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Municipality of Lindos
KALATHOS, VLYHA, PEFKOS, PYLONA, LARDOS, LAERMA
Lindos, and the neighbouring villages of Kalathos
Pylona and Lardos, together with Laerma, make up the municipality
of Lindos. The ancient city-state of Lindos, protected by its strong
acropolis, was a major maritime power and experienced a significant
cultural growth.
Lindos was the birthplace of the wise tyrant Kleoboulos, and was
admired for its wealth, beauty and strategic position. During the
period of the Knights its fortress was reinforced and its maritime
importance continued into the 19th century. Before reaching Lindos,
you can marvel from afar at the panoramic view of the town.
The view is just as wonderful from the sea, if you should decide
upon a day trip there, setting of f from Rhodes town's Mandraki
harbour. Traditional Lindos, with its white houses, ship-owners
mansions ,Byzantines churches and cobbled narrow lanes, lies at
the foot of the rocky acropolis. Taking one of these narrow lanes
through the town, or hiring a donkey from the main square, you can
ascend the ancient acropolis that stands dominating the village,
surrounded by its strong walls.
The ancient Byzantine and Knights remains, as well as its astonishing
views over the town and sea, make a visit to the acropolis a must.
On the town beach, or at Saint Paul's bay, you can relax in the
azure sea or join in the water. There are numerous shops, restaurants
and night-clubs catering for all visitors. Some of the sights close
to Lindos include: Kalathos, with Vlyha's sandy beach and modern
hotel complexes; Pylona's famous church of Panagia Kira;Pfkos, an
expanding resort with a long shoreline; Lardos, with its beach,
quiet Glystra bay, and traditional tavernas. The monastery of the
Archangel Michael at Tharri, close to the village of Laerma, is
especially interesting.
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