MOSCHATOS TRAVEL, RHODES - GREECE

Lindos

According to Homer, in the "Iliad", Lindos was built by the Dorians along with Kamiros and Ialyssos, probably in the 12th century B.C. The island of Rhodes sent nine ships to the Trojan War, and these were most likely all from Lindos. This would seem to indicate that at that time Lindos was the strongest of the Rhodian cities. Even as early as the 7th century B.C. there are reports of Lindian colonies and of the Lindian fleet that cornered a large part of the trade and shipping of the Mediterranean. The Lindians were first to draw up a code of maritime law, later known as the "Rhodian Law". It became the basis for Roman maritime law and even today forms the backbone of the law of the sea.

The city reached the height of its power in the 6th century B.C. especially under the reign of Cleovoulos, who ruled for more than 40 years. Cleovoulos was considered as one of the Seven Sages of Antiquity, being the first person to have the idea that public works could be financed by collecting money from the citizens.

The Acropolis and the area which surrounds it were excavated between 1902 and 1912. The acropolis itself is an approximately triangular rock, 116 meters high, which is wider and lower to the North and rises through four step-like levels to the South. At the top, on the fourth level, is situated the restored Temple of Lindian Athena. The Lindians were very proud of the fact that goddess Athena was worshipped in Lindos before she was even worshipped in Athens, so they named her "Athena Lindia" and that is how she is found in the scripts.

To visit the acropolis today one passes through the narrow pebbled streets of the medieval village with the old houses and walks up the large steps to the area of the ancient sanctuary.

These days, Lindos counts approximately 1 000 inhabitants and is probably the most famous village in Greece, at least among foreigners. Like the Medieval City of Rhodes, it has been declared a monument for preservation, and thus has been able to safeguard most of its traditional color. It is the most popular spot for outings on the island; it sees every day an influx of thousands of foreign tourists and locals who come to admire the village and the acropolis and to swim on its marvelous beaches.

The village today contains many houses dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, which are known as the Captains' Houses. Their architecture and decoration are unique in the Greek world.

Epta Piges

On the way from Kolymbia to Archipolis is located one of the most romantic places in Rhodes: Epta Piges, which means Seven Springs. It is an example of the unique beauty of the interior regions of the island. It is a cool, shaded area, which is surrounded by woodland. The attractive green gorge has seven bubbling springs and flowing rivers, which never dry out, not even in the summer. These rivers form a lake, built by the Italians. This water was used to irrigate the Kolymbia plain.
You will find ducks and peacocks there, which enjoy the peaceful nature, and a nice taverna situated in the shadow of plane and pine trees, with refreshing drinks and delicious food. And you shouldn't miss the exciting experience of a walk through the dark tunnel, which leads to the small lake, along stones and ankle high water. But it is not for those with claustrophobia.

Kallithea

When you leave Rhodes Town and drive on the east coast towards the well-known seaside resort Faliraki, you will find on the left hand side the medicinal thermal baths of Kallithea, which have been built by the Italians in the beginning of the 20th century for the Italian aristocracy. They are not functioning anymore, their springs have dried up, but in the 20s and 30s their water was very famous for healing stomach and intestine diseases.
The thermal buildings and equipment have been beautifully restored recently. Their interesting architecture, the lovely small beach and the numerous palm trees make this place one of the most magic and impressive places in Rhodes.
It is worth spending some time in Kallithea, visiting the buildings and watching the exhibition of old photographs, having a swim and a drink on the beach.