Hydro biological Station of Rhodes
Few things in this world compare to the beauty of the underwater ecosystem, and fortunately for those who are fascinated by life under the sea, a trip to the small Aquarium of Rhodes, a building with Art Deco influences and pure Mediterranean fauna exhibits, is worth a visit!!!
The Hydro biological Station of Rhodes was built during the period 1934-36. In 1937, under Italian rule, operating as the Reale Istituto di Ricerce Biologiche di Rodi, until 1945, after the unification of the Dodecanese with Greece, it was renamed “Hellenic Hydro biological Institute” under the supervision of the Academy of Athens. Today, the Hydro biological Station of Rhodes operates as a Museum and Aquarium as well as a research centre, and belongs to the National Centre of Marine Research.
The décor of the main entrance was inspired from the marine environment. In the basement at sea level you will walk on mosaics with sea stars and other marine organisms, going through a ‘cave-like’ tunnel of rocks giving you an underwater feeling surrounded by lobsters, groupers and many other marine species which certainly gives you a good idea on what organisms lives under your feet when you are swimming in the clear waters of the Mediterranean sea, kids will be amazed and a chance to see some sea turtles! The museum exhibits various kinds of sharks and other fish, sea turtles, toothed whales (Odontoceti) and Mediterranean monk seals on display. The Greek Ministry of Culture has characterized the building as an historical landmark and distinguished sample of “Eclecticism” and “International” architectural style.
Thanks to the research facilities of the Hydro biological Station of Rhodes and the National Centre of Marine Research, the station runs research programs, covering every aspect of oceanography in the area of the Dodecanese. The scientific vessel the “Alkyon” is equipped with modern maritime and scientific instruments operates for research activities of the station, covering oceanographic studies, measurements in the water column, geophysical studies of the sea bed and its substrate and various monitoring programs of the marine environment.
Location : Cos Street – Elli Beach
Open all year : 1/4 – 31/10 09:00 – 20:30 hrs
1/11 – 31/3 09:00 – 16:00 hrs.
Entrance : Adults 5,50 euros. Children 3,50 euros.
Tel : 22410 27308-78320
https://rhodes-aquarium.hcmr.gr/en/
A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME IN THE MEDIEVAL TOWN OF RHODES
Why did you choose the island of Rhodes for sure you were told about the stories of the ‘Medieval Town of Rhodes’ – perhaps to the “Castello”, indeed one of the best ways to start exploring your holiday. A magical town not to be missed!
The medieval town of Rhodes, one of the few fortified settlements from the Middle Ages to have survived almost entirely undamaged – complete with its original walls, layout, public buildings, places of worship and residences – In 1988, UNESCO declared the architectural complex of the Knights of Rhodes to be World Heritage Site. This status places it among those venerable monuments to humanity’s cultural and natural heritage with outstanding value to the global community. The ancient city of Rhodes was founded in 408 BC with the “merger” of three ancient cities of the island: Kamiros, Ialysos and Lindos. In Byzantine times the city shrank in size, but without losing its geopolitical significance.
The Medieval Town of Rhodes acquired its current form after the arrival of the Knights of St. (worth strolling around). John of Jerusalem, who ruled Rhodes from 1309 to 1522, when the island was conquered by the Ottomans. Major renovations of the Palace of the Grand Master and the town’s fortifications under Italian rule (1912-1947) further shaped the Medieval Town. In 1948, the Dodecanese Islands were incorporated into the Greek state, and the responsibility for the protection of the Medieval Town of Rhodes passed to the Ministry of Culture.
Among the Medieval Town’s many historic buildings, pride of place is taken by the Palace of the Grand Master. This building is believed to occupy the site of the Byzantine acropolis, with construction have begun immediately after the Knights of St. John settled in Rhodes in the early 14th century. The ground floor hosts two permanent exhibitors’ about the town which cover ancient of medieval times, while on the first floor, visitors can observe items and mosaic floors that the Italians used to decorate various halls in the 1940’s.
The Archeological Museum of Rhodes, meanwhile, is housed in the medieval building of the New Hospital of the Knights. The museum’s collections include artifacts’ dating from the early bronze age to the Roman era. A number of these finds were unearthed on Rhodes during excavations conducted under Italian rule, while others were discovered in more recent decades. The museum’s exhibits aim to highlight and promote understanding of Rhodes’ ancient history.
Make sure that you have some time to stroll around the walls and admire the Medieval Moat from the top, a beautiful free walking area!
Hydro biological Station of Rhodes
Few things in this world compare to the beauty of the underwater ecosystem, and fortunately for those who are fascinated by life under the sea, a trip to the small Aquarium of Rhodes, a building with Art Deco influences and pure Mediterranean fauna exhibits, is worth a visit!!!
The Hydro biological Station of Rhodes was built during the period 1934-36. In 1937, under Italian rule, operating as the Reale Istituto di Ricerce Biologiche di Rodi, until 1945, after the unification of the Dodecanese with Greece, it was renamed “Hellenic Hydro biological Institute” under the supervision of the Academy of Athens. Today, the Hydro biological Station of Rhodes operates as a Museum and Aquarium as well as a research centre, and belongs to the National Centre of Marine Research.
The décor of the main entrance was inspired from the marine environment. In the basement at sea level you will walk on mosaics with sea stars and other marine organisms, going through a ‘cave-like’ tunnel of rocks giving you an underwater feeling surrounded by lobsters, groupers and many other marine species which certainly gives you a good idea on what organisms lives under your feet when you are swimming in the clear waters of the Mediterranean sea, kids will be amazed and a chance to see some sea turtles! The museum exhibits various kinds of sharks and other fish, sea turtles, toothed whales (Odontoceti) and Mediterranean monk seals on display. The Greek Ministry of Culture has characterized the building as an historical landmark and distinguished sample of “Eclecticism” and “International” architectural style.
Thanks to the research facilities of the Hydro biological Station of Rhodes and the National Centre of Marine Research, the station runs research programs, covering every aspect of oceanography in the area of the Dodecanese. The scientific vessel the “Alkyon” is equipped with modern maritime and scientific instruments operates for research activities of the station, covering oceanographic studies, measurements in the water column, geophysical studies of the sea bed and its substrate and various monitoring programs of the marine environment.
Location : Cos Street – Elli Beach
Open all year : 1/4 – 31/10 09:00 – 20:30 hrs
1/11 – 31/3 09:00 – 16:00 hrs.
Entrance : Adults 5,50 euros. Children 3,50 euros.
Tel : 22410 27308-78320
https://rhodes-aquarium.hcmr.gr/en/