Rhodes: Palace of the Grand Master Ticket and Private Tour

The majestic Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes Old Town offers a captivating glimpse into the island’s rich medieval history. Once the headquarters of the Knights of St. John, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts exquisite Byzantine-era mosaics, archaeological exhibits, and meticulously restored medieval furnishings. Guests can embark on a private guided tour to uncover the palace’s evolution from a Byzantine fortress to the seat of power for the Knights, gaining unique insights into its pivotal role in shaping Rhodes’ past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply captivated by ancient architecture, the Palace of the Grand Master promises to transport you back in time and leave you eager to explore further.

Key Points

• The private walking tour of the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes Old Town lasts approximately 1 hour and is guided by an English-speaking licensed professional.
• The tour includes entry to the palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring well-preserved medieval furnishings, intricate mosaics, and captivating archaeological exhibits.
• The palace has a rich history, having evolved from a Byzantine fortress to the headquarters of the Knights of St. John.
• The palace is located in the heart of Rhodes Old Town and is easily accessible through St Anthony’s Gate, the designated meeting point.
• The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and personal expenses and hotel transfers are not included.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

The private walking tour of the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes Old Town includes entry to the palace and lasts for approximately 1 hour, guided by an English-speaking licensed professional.

Visitors will explore the medieval Palace of the Grand Master, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the residence of the Knights of St. John. The tour showcases the palace’s rich history, medieval furniture, mosaics, and archaeological exhibits.

Guests will learn about the building’s evolution from a Byzantine fortress to the residence of the Knights of St. John and its restoration under Italian occupation after an explosion.

The tour’s meeting point is at the palace gate, with entry at the top of the preserved medieval Street of the Knights.

Highlights of the Palace

Visitors can explore the palace’s well-preserved medieval furnishings, intricate mosaics, and captivating archaeological exhibits during the private tour.

Highlights of the palace include its rich history as the former residence of the Knights of St. John, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The guided tour provides insights into the palace’s evolution from a Byzantine fortress to the headquarters of the Knights of St. John.

Guests can marvel at the grandeur of the palace’s architecture and learn about the significant role it played in the history of Rhodes.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and take in the fascinating legacy of the Palace of the Grand Master.

History of the Palace

The Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes Old Town originally served as a Byzantine fortress, before later becoming the residence of the Knights of St. John, a prominent military order during the medieval period.

The palace’s history is quite fascinating, as it has been restored and transformed over the centuries.

In the early 20th century, the palace was severely damaged by an explosion, but it was later meticulously restored under Italian occupation.

Today, the palace stands as a well-preserved museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history and the grandeur of the Knights of St. John who once called it home.

Location and Access

Though located in the heart of Rhodes Old Town, visitors can easily access the Palace of the Grand Master through St Anthony’s Gate, the designated meeting point for the private tour.

From there, the tour guide will lead guests up the well-preserved medieval Street of the Knights, which provides a picturesque approach to the palace.

The entrance to the palace grounds is situated at the top of this historic street, allowing tour participants to fully enjoy the medieval atmosphere before stepping inside the impressive castle.

With clear directions and a knowledgeable guide, even first-time visitors to Rhodes can seamlessly find their way to this UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

As for what’s included in the tour package, visitors gain access to the Palace of the Grand Master with their entry ticket and benefit from the expertise of an English-speaking licensed guide during the private walking tour.

However, hotel transfers and personal expenses aren’t covered under this offering.

The tour provides a rundown of the palace’s rich history, architecture, and archaeological exhibits. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the medieval furniture, mosaics, and other captivating features within this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to the palace’s layout and accessibility challenges.

Duration of the Tour

According to the details provided, the private walking tour of the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes Old Town lasts for approximately 1 hour.

This means visitors can expect to spend around 60 minutes exploring the medieval palace and learning about its rich history from a knowledgeable, English-speaking licensed guide.

The tour allows guests to explore the palace’s past as a Byzantine fortress and the former residence of the Knights of St. John.

With the guided exploration, visitors will have the opportunity to see the palace’s impressive medieval furniture, intricate mosaics, and archaeological exhibits, all within the span of the 1-hour tour duration.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its exceptional cultural and historical significance. This medieval palace, once the residence of the Knights of St. John, is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture and a testament to the rich history of Rhodes.

The palace’s designation as a UNESCO site underscores its universal value, as it’s recognized for its outstanding contributions to humanity’s cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the palace’s well-preserved interiors, including its medieval furniture, intricate mosaics, and archaeological exhibits, gaining insights into the grandeur and opulence of this remarkable structure.

The Palace of the Grand Master stands as a captivating link to Rhodes’ past, a must-see destination for any cultural enthusiast.

Residence of the Knights

For centuries, the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes Old Town served as the principal residence of the Knights of St. John, a prestigious military order that played a pivotal role in the island’s history. The knights, known for their white mantles emblazoned with a red cross, occupied the palace from the 14th to 16th centuries, using it as a base of operations for their naval and military campaigns. During this period, the palace underwent significant renovations and expansions, transforming it into an imposing fortress-like structure that reflected the power and prestige of the order. Within its walls, the knights lived, strategized, and upheld their code of chivalry, leaving an indelible mark on the history and architecture of Rhodes.

	Residence	Military Base	Center of Power
Knights of St. John	✓	✓	✓
14th-16th Centuries	✓	✓	✓
Renovations & Expansions	✓		✓
Imposing Fortress-like Structure	✓	✓	✓
Code of Chivalry	✓	✓	✓

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Private Tour?

The tour is a private walking tour, so the group size is limited to a small, intimate number of guests. The exact maximum group size is not specified in the provided information.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Special Interests?

Yes, the tour can likely be customized for special interests. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility to tailor the experience to your’ specific interests and preferences regarding the palace’s history and highlights.

Are Audio Guides Available for the Self-Guided Visit?

Audio guides are not mentioned as being available for the self-guided visit. The tour includes a private guided experience with an English-speaking licensed guide, but does not state if audio guides can be used independently.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Palace?

Photography is generally allowed inside the Palace of the Grand Master, though visitors may be asked to refrain from using flash photography to protect the palace’s artifacts and interiors. Specific photography rules may vary, so it’s advisable to check with staff upon arrival.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the palace offers discounted entry tickets for students and seniors. Students and seniors can receive a reduced admission fee upon presentation of valid identification at the palace entrance.

Recap

The Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes Old Town is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

This private walking tour provides a rundown of the palace’s rich history, from its origins as a Byzantine fortress to its role as the headquarters of the Knights of St. John.

Visitors can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, admire the well-preserved medieval architecture, and gain unique insights into the palace’s significant place in Rhodes’ history.

You can check if your dates are available here: