Saint Nicholas Fortress

Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas) Fortress. One of the most imposing monuments and one of the most photographed symbols of the island, dominates the port of Mandraki in the city of Rhodes. Although most admire it from the opposite side, if you do not walk there, you have not seen anything of the beauty of the city. The view to the port and the city will charm you. 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 Agios Nikolaos 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 of Agios Nikolaos accessible to the public.