Castle of Asklipio

Even though centuries have gone by, you’ll still find the Castle of Asklipio in Rhodes standing proudly above the village that shares its name—a constant reminder of its rich and fascinating history.

Located in Asklipio Village on the southeastern side of Rhodes Island, about 64 km from the city of Rhodes and 20 km from Lindos, it sits on a hill that rises 250 meters in the village’s northeast. It played a vital role as a stronghold during both the Byzantine and Medieval periods.

The castle was originally built in the 15th century by Pierre d’Aubusson, Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of St. John, on the site of an older Byzantine fortress. Thanks to its strategic location and sweeping panoramic views, it offered full control and supervision of the surrounding area. The Knights Hospitallers later reinforced and expanded it several times. Outside the castle, you can even see an inscription confirming that major construction work took place in 1473.

Originally, Asklipio Castle featured four towers and a surrounding wall about 110 meters long. Inside, it covered around 750 square meters, and the outer walls were 1.5 meters thick. Today, you can still admire two of its towers, the striking entrance gate, and ruins of various interior structures—all in relatively good condition.

As you explore, you might notice how different it is from other castles on the island. According to 20th-century studies, its battlements were uniquely designed, and the elevated interior stands out compared to the lower entrance and exterior.

During the Italian occupation of Rhodes, extensive renovations were made, which changed some of the castle’s original medieval character.

How to Get There

Getting to the Castle of Asklipio is easy, with signs to help you find your way. You can leave your car in the village’s main square or under the castle. It takes roughly 15 minutes to climb. If you’re going in the summer, try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat.