Filerimos Hill

Filerimos Hill. An earthly paradise with lush forest, aromatic bushes, peacocks, unique monuments and breathtaking views. Located only 11 km from the city of Rhodes and is one of the destinations that you should not miss during your visit to the island. A beloved place since ancient times, as there was the Acropolis of Ancient Ialyssos.

During the early Christian era (5th-6th century AD) A three-aisled basilica was founded on the ancient temple and in the 10th century a single-aisled church with a dome was built in its north aisle. Also under the ruins of the ancient temple is the church of Agios Georgios Hostos (5th-6th century AD) with frescoes of the 15th century that survive until today. 

With the arrival of the Knights on the island, a medieval monastery was built, and the Byzantine church was converted into a Gothic church dedicated to the Virgin Mary (13th century AD) and the hill of Filerimos became one of the holiest places for the Knights. The icon of the Virgin Mary, work of Luke the Evangelist, was transferred during the crusades from Jerusalem to the church of Filerimos and was the holiest relic of the Order of the Knights. (After many wanderings in various countries since 2002 the icon is in the Blue Chapel of the National Museum of Montenegro, while in the church of Filerimos there is a copy of the icon as a gift of the Metropolis of Montenegro). During the Ottoman Empire, the monastery was abandoned, and the site was ruined. During the Italian occupation, in 1919 restoration works began on the site, with the aim of reviving it in one of the most important religious destinations.
In 1934, opposite the main entrance leading to the church of Panagia, the so-called “Golgotha Road” takes place. A cobbled walkway with 14 shrines narrating the passion of Christ. At the end of the corridor stands a 16-meter-high cross, which was demolished during World War II and reconstructed between 1994-1996. From this point the panoramic view of the northern part of the island is breathtaking. So, it is worth spending a day in this unique place full of history and culture and at the same time discover a piece of the Rhodian nature.