Church of Panagia tou Bourgou

Within the magical and historic Rhodes Old Town lies Panagia tou Bourgou, a key ecclesiastical treasure from the Knights’ era.

Known by various names, including the Virgin Mary of Burgos, the Virgin Mary of Mercy (Beata Maria Misericordia), and the Virgin Mary of Metropolis (Beata Maria de Metropoli), this important monument is situated near the Jewish Martyrs’ Square, right at the gate of the Virgin Mary.

The church of Panagia tou Bourgou was built entirely of Rhodian porolith in the 14th century by Grand Master Helion de Villeneuve of the Order of the Knights of St. John. Gothic in style with a three-column basilica, with two four-column arches and pointed arches, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Burgos was one of the first buildings constructed by the Knights. Archaeological research has shown that the church was in use until the 16th century and was destroyed during the siege of Rhodes in 1522 by Suleiman the Magnificent. The Temple was never converted into a Mosque during the Ottoman occupation.

Today only the three arches and parts of the chapels survive and the site is used for musical events.  The restoration of the monument by the Ministry of Culture was awarded an honorary distinction by EUROPA NOSTRA in 2006.

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