The Street of the Knights (Odós Ippotón) is the central and best-preserved medieval street in the Old Town of Rhodes. It connects the Palace of the Grand Masters (located in the western, highest part) with Mandraki Harbour. The street is approximately 200–220 meters long, and its width varies from 6 to 8 meters. The street is paved with large river cobblestones and has a slight slope from west to east.
The name "Ippoton" translates from Greek as "of the Knights". This name has been preserved since the Hospitaller period (1309–1522) and did not change throughout the subsequent Ottoman and Italian administrations.
Historical context: Knightly hierarchy in stone
The Street of the Knights was laid out in the first half of the 14th century, shortly after the capture of Rhodes by the Hospitaller knights. Its architectural design reflected the internal structure of the Order. The Order of St. John was divided into eight "tongues" (langues) — national divisions, each of which was responsible for a specific section of the defense and had its own residence (auberge, French: auberge).
These residences were located along Ippoton Street. Each tongue occupied a strictly defined place, and the order of arrangement corresponded to the hierarchy within the Order. The street served not only for movement but also as a symbolic space where knights of different nationalities interacted, held ceremonies, and prepared for defense.
After the Ottoman conquest of 1522, the street retained its structure, but the residences were repurposed: they housed residential buildings, workshops, and warehouses. During the Italian administration period (1912–1945), a large-scale restoration of the buildings was carried out, during which they were given back a "medieval" appearance, often with elements of stylization.
Architecture of the Street of the Knights in Rhodes
The buildings on the Street of the Knights are two- and three-story stone structures made of local limestone and porphyry. Characteristic features:
• Facades: Massive, with small windows on the ground floors (for defensive reasons). The upper floors have larger arched or rectangular windows, many of which were added during the Italian period.
• Entrance portals: Pointed Gothic-style arches — a distinctive feature of knightly architecture. Above the entrances, stone coats of arms of the Grand Masters or the symbolism of individual tongues are often preserved.
• Inner courtyards: Each residence had an inner courtyard with a well, stables, and utility rooms. Some courtyards are open for viewing (for example, the courtyard of the Auberge of France).
• Bay windows and balconies: Added during the Ottoman and Italian periods, not characteristic of the original knightly architecture.
Residences (auberges) on the Street of the Knights (Ippoton)
Listed below are the surviving residences in order from the Palace of the Grand Masters to the Archaeological Museum (harbour).
1. Auberge of Italy (Auberge d`Italie)
Located closest to the Palace. Built around 1519 under Grand Master Fabrizio del Carretto. The building is two-storied, the facade is decorated with pointed windows and coats of arms. Today, the administration of the Medieval City of Rhodes is located here, and entry for tourists is limited.
2. Auberge of France (Auberge de France)
Located on the south side of the street. The building was heavily damaged in the 19th century and restored by the Italians in the 1930s. A distinctive feature is the massive corner bay window and the coat of arms of France (three lilies) on the facade. The inner courtyard is open to visitors. Today it is used for cultural events.
3. Auberge of Provence (Auberge de Provence)
Located next to the Auberge of France. A less decorative building, more modest in architecture. It originally belonged to the knights from Provence (southern France). Municipal services are now located here.
4. Auberge of Auvergne (Auberge d`Auvergne)
Located opposite the Auberge of France. The building has a characteristic asymmetrical facade. The coat of arms of Grand Master d`Aubusson (1480–1503) is preserved on the wall. The inner courtyard contains the remains of a medieval well.
5. Auberge of Aragon (Auberge d`Aragon)
Located on the north side of the street. The building was completely rebuilt by the Italians and today is used as a government building (prefecture). Original elements are preserved only in the inner courtyard.
6. Auberge of England (Auberge d`Angleterre)
Located on the south side. The building was seriously damaged in the 1856 explosion and was reconstructed. Today, tourist information and a small exhibition hall are located here.
7. Auberge of Germany (Auberge d`Allemagne)
Located in the eastern part of the street, closer to the museum. Almost completely lost its original appearance after the Ottoman period. Restored by the Italians in a simplified style. Currently used for temporary exhibitions.
8. Auberge of Spain (Auberge d`Espagne)
The last residence, located at the end of the street. It was sometimes combined with Portugal, as the Pyrenean knights were few in number. The building is small, with a simple facade.
Functions of the Street of the Knights in different periods
• 1309–1522 (Knightly period): Administrative and residential street, ceremonial route, barracks-like accommodation of knights by tongues.
• 1522–1912 (Ottoman period): Residential street with craft workshops; buildings were rebuilt, lost knightly features.
• 1912–1945 (Italian period): Restoration and stylization into an "ideal medieval" appearance; creation of a museum space.
• 1948–present (Greek period): Pedestrian tourist street, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Legends and traditions
Several local tales are associated with the Street of the Knights.
Legend of the Night Patrol: It is said that on the night of June 1st (the day the 1522 siege began), the shadows of knights in full armour appear on the street, walking from the Palace to the harbour. Locals associate this with a vow made by the fallen Hospitallers: to protect Rhodes forever.
Oath on the Stone: At the entrance to the Auberge of France, there is a large flat stone. According to legend, it was on this stone that new knights took their oath of allegiance to the Order before their first patrol of the walls.
Wishing Well: In the inner courtyard of the Auberge of Auvergne, there is a well into which, according to tradition, one must throw a coin with the left hand over the right shoulder, making a wish to return to Rhodes.
Cultural significance today
The Street of the Knights is not just a tourist route, but a living historical space. Every year in June, the "Medieval Rhodes" festival takes place here, during which the street fills with people in knight costumes, and tournaments, craft fairs, and theatrical performances are held. In other months, one can meet street musicians, artists, and souvenir vendors on the street, but commercial activity is strictly limited to preserve authenticity.
The street is also used for official ceremonies: for example, for awarding prizes and receiving foreign delegations. Local authorities maintain the rule that all advertising signs must be made in neutral tones (wood, wrought iron) and not disturb the visual appearance of the medieval street.
The Street of the Knights (Ippoton) represents a uniquely preserved fragment of medieval urban planning, without parallel in Europe. It allows the tourist to walk from the residence of the Grand Master to the knights` hospital and see how the life of a military-monastic order was organized in the 14th–16th centuries. Even without visiting museums, a simple walk along this street provides a complete picture of the power, hierarchy, and daily life of the Hospitallers on Rhodes.
