The port of Rhodes: in the footsteps of the Colossus

The name of Rhodes is forever linked to its ancient Colossus. Like most of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, no trace of it can be found today other than in ancient legends and tales... But let it be said, the Colossus of Rhodes did exist!

Originally, Rhodes was shared by three flourishing cities: Kamiros, Ialyssos and Lindos, all of which faced the sea. Unusually, rather than go to war with each other, the three entities agreed to form an alliance and found a new city-state in the fifth century BC: modern-day Rhodes. A maritime power in antiquity, Rhodes developed both economically and culturally. The city's appetites were whetted, and it found itself under siege in the 3rd century BC by an imposing Macedonian army. However, the Rhodians won a miraculous victory: in gratitude, they decided to erect the Colossus of Rhodes, an enormous bronze and wooden statue dedicated to Helios, the sun, the island's protective divinity.

From its height of 33m, we can imagine that the Colossus spanned the entrance to the port of Mandraki, although this seems unlikely given its dimensions. Its existence was short-lived: 66 years later, around 2226BC, it collapsed following an earthquake... But the structure was so impressive that this short lifespan was enough for it to be included forever among the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World!

Today, the port of Rhodes around the Mandraki basin remains at the heart of the city's daily life. The ancient merchant ships have been replaced by sailing ships, and the military galleys by tourist excursion boats, but Rhodians continue to meet there, particularly at the end of the day, for the eternal volta, the stroll along the quays.

The quays of Mandraki harbour offer a number of postcard images of Rhodes: the row of mills on the water's edge, the fortress of Agios Nikolaos converted into a lighthouse, and the two columns topped by a stag and a hind, on either side of the entrance to the basin, marking the former site of the mythical Colossus of Rhodes! Mandraki borders the new town of Rhodes, Neochori, which is very different from the old medieval town with its architecture inherited from the Italian occupation at the beginning of the 20th century. Active and lively, it is alive all year round with boutiques and shops, restaurants and cafés, but also late at night with trendy bars and clubs. It's also a tourist destination, with no shortage of large, modern hotels in the area!

Neochori is home to a number of striking sights, including the orientalist Nea Agora ("New Market") with its kitsch souvenir shops, and the Museum of Contemporary Greek Art, which houses a large collection of modern art. Neochori is also home to Rhodes' two bus stations, which serve the whole island. The nerve centre of Rhodes, Neochori is the modern-day counterpart of the old town, with the port of Mandraki as a link.

Save a moment at the very end of the day for a stroll around Mandraki harbour, when the declining sun delivers its most beautiful colours and Greeks of all ages are out and about.

📍 Location: plateia Gavriil Charitou, Neochori

⏰ Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 10am-8pm

👛 Price: 6 euros