The Sea Gate (Porta Marina) stands on the northern side of the Old Town of Rhodes, right next to Hippocrates Square. It truly resembles a small stone castle: a massive square tower with a crenellated roof, two powerful round towers on the sides, and a deep arched passage between them. The entire structure is built of large grey stone, in places overgrown with moss, and looks as if it has just been recaptured from an enemy. You can see at once: this is not just a gate, but a full-fledged fortress outpost.
If you stand facing the gate from the port side, you can see the Greek flag flying above the top tower. And if you walk through the arch, you find yourself on Hippocrates Square, the central square of the Old Town, where it is always bustling, cafes are open, and souvenirs are sold. The difference between the outer and inner sides of the gate is enormous: outside — the sea, the wind, medieval austerity; inside — the bustle of tourist life. The gate acts as a transition between two different worlds.
Why they are called that
The name "Sea Gate" appeared for a reason. When the gate was built in the 14th century, it led directly to the port. Merchants, knights, ambassadors and ordinary sailors — everyone who arrived in Rhodes by sea passed through this gate. It was the main ceremonial entrance to the city from the water. Through this gate, the Grand Masters of the Order entered after their election, expeditions set out, and through this same gate in 1523 the knights left Rhodes after the capitulation to Suleiman the Magnificent.
During the Ottoman period, the gate continued to be used, but its name was changed in the Turkish manner. After the Italian restoration of the 1920s–1930s, its historical name was restored. Today, it is still called the Sea Gate or Porta Marina.
Architecture of the Sea Gate of Rhodes
The Sea Gate is not just a passage through the wall. It is a complex fortification structure designed to protect the main sea gate of the city. It consists of:
• Central tower. The highest part of the gate, rectangular, with crenellations (merlons) on top. Inside it were guardrooms and weapons storage.
• Two side round towers. They project forward, allowing defenders to shoot at attackers from the flanks while they tried to break through to the gate.
• Arched passage. A high vaulted passage between the towers. Inside, grooves for a portcullis (herse) have been preserved — a heavy iron grating that was dropped down in case of danger, blocking the way.
• Arrow loops. Narrow vertical slits in the walls through which archers and crossbowmen could shoot at the enemy while remaining protected by stone.
At the top of the gate there was once a wooden defensive gallery, but it has not survived. However, the powerful stone brackets on which it rested are clearly visible.
An interesting detail: on the outer side of the gate, facing the sea, a marble relief with the coat of arms of Grand Master Pierre d`Aubusson (reigned 1476–1503) has been preserved. It was under him that the gate was strengthened after the Turkish siege of 1480. The coat of arms is heavily weathered, but it can still be discerned.
History of the Sea Gate of Rhodes
The exact date of construction is unknown, but the Sea Gate appeared at the end of the 14th — beginning of the 15th century, when the Knights Hospitaller were building new fortifications around the Old Town. At that time, Rhodes was one of the most powerful outposts of Christianity in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the gate was built with a serious siege in mind.
The first serious test came in 1480, when the Turks besieged Rhodes. The Sea Gate became one of the main targets of the attackers, but the knights held the city. After this siege, Grand Master d`Aubusson strengthened the fortifications, and the gate received additional towers and battlements.
In 1522, fortune turned against the knights. Suleiman the Magnificent brought an army of 100,000 men. After a six-month siege, the city surrendered. According to the terms of capitulation, the knights left Rhodes with military honours. According to tradition, it was through the Sea Gate that they exited to the port to board their ships.
During the Ottoman period, the gate continued to be used for its intended purpose but gradually fell into disrepair. When the Italians captured the island in 1912, the gate was in a deplorable state. The Italians carried out a large-scale restoration in the 1920s–1930s, restoring the medieval appearance of the gate and removing Ottoman layers. Thanks to them, the Sea Gate today looks almost as it did in the time of the knights.
What can be seen now
You cannot go inside the towers — they are closed. But you can inspect the gate from the outside at any time, and the passage through the arch is free.
The gate looks best at sunset, when the sun illuminates the stone with a warm orange light, and especially during rush hour, when people constantly pass through the arch, highlighting the contrast between medieval architecture and modern life.
The easiest landmark is Hippocrates Square. The gate opens directly onto this square. If you are already in the Old Town, simply find the square with the fountain and many cafes — from there, the gate is visible.
The Sea Gate is an example of well-preserved medieval fortification, accessible for free viewing at any time. Unlike many other historical sites, it has not been turned into a museum but continues to be used as a passage between the port and the Old Town. This makes it not just a monument, but a living element of the city`s infrastructure. When viewing, it is worth paying attention to the side towers, the grooves for the portcullis, and the coat of arms above the arch. The gate fits organically into the route from Mandraki Harbour to Hippocrates Square and further to the Street of the Knights.
