History of the Johannite castle of Kritinia (Kastellos)

Kritinia Castle, originally known as Kastellos, was built in 1472 by the Grand Master of the Johannite Order, Giorgio Orsini. The castle was intended to protect the inhabitants of the adjacent village of Kritinia from hostile attacks by Ottoman naval fleets. A strategic location on top of a nearby high hill was used for its construction, from where the defenders had a very good view of the whole sea.

The original village, however, was located right on the coast, in what is now the site of Kamiros Skala (i.e. about 2.5 km northeast of Kritinia Castle), and was then called Kastelli (derived from the Latin "Castellum", translated as "castle").

After the liberation of the Dodecanese islands, the village acquired the name Kritinia, which translates as "New Crete". Kritinia was founded by families who fled the island of Crete because of the growing influence of the Ottoman Empire. Due to the dangers of frequent pirate raids, the village eventually moved inland from the coast to where the current village of Kritinia is located (approximately 4.2 km southeast of Kritinia Castle).

Later, during the Italian occupation, the castle also served as a naval base.

Kritinia Castle as a tourist destination

Kritinia Castle has never been completely conquered, making it one of the best preserved monuments on the island of Rhodes. The perimeter walls of the fortress are well preserved and the coats of arms of two Grandmasters, Grandmaster D'Amboise (1503-1512) and Grandmaster Origny (1467-1476), are visible above the entrance. In terms of architecture, Kritinia Castle represents both Byzantine and Venetian architectural elements. There are also the remains of the Chapel of St John, the interior of which is decorated with beautiful 16th-century murals.

There is also a legend from ancient Greek mythology associated with Kritinia Castle. According to the legend, Athaimeles, the eldest son of Kateras and grandson of the Cretan king Mínós, had to leave his native land because of a terrible prophecy that Athaimeles was to kill his own father. Athaimeles thus left Crete out of fear and settled on the island of Rhodes, where he founded the settlement of Kritinia.

The remains of the medieval castle of Kritinia are open to the public. There is an asphalt road leading to the monument and a small car park directly below the castle.

More touristic destinations of Rhodes

Most favourite sights of Rhodes: Acropolis of Lindos, Acropolis of Rhodes, Monolithos Castle, Tsambika Monastery, Kolossos of Rhodes, Palace of the Grand Masters - Rhodes Town

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Rhodes.