Saint Nicholas Fortress

Saint Nicholas Fortress (Agios Nikolaos). This magnificent monument, a key symbol of the island, overlooks the port of Mandraki in Rhodes. While it’s often admired from a distance, you haven’t really seen the city’s allure until you walk closer. The vistas of Mandraki harbor and Rhodes town will leave you spellbound.

Built around 1464-1467 by Grand Master Piero Raimondo Zacosta, it was an important fortress for the defense of the city and the ports. In its place until 1464 there was only the church of Agios Nikolaos from which the fortress took its name. During the siege of 1480 by the Ottomans and the earthquake of 1481, it suffered severe damage which was restored by the Grand Master Pierre d’ Aubusson and the fortress was further strengthened. In the middle of the 17th century, a lighthouse was installed on the roof of the tower, which in 1863 was replaced by a more modern one, by the French company of Ottoman Lighthouses and its operation continues to this day.

The lighthouse of Saint Nicholas Fortress is one of the oldest and most historic operating lighthouses in the Mediterranean. In World War II the fortress was used by the Italians to protect the port of the city. The ravages of time did not leave this historical monument untouched. Thus, in recent years, restoration works have begun to make the fortress accessible to the public.