The Colossus of Rhodes was a huge bronze statue of the Greek god Helios, which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Unfortunately, its life was short-lived, as the statue was completed in 292 BC and collapsed in 226 BC due to a strong earthquake. According to legend, the Colossus of Rhodes stood straddling the Mandraki harbour, each foot on a different pier, with ships passing under his feet. Today, two smaller bronze statues of a stag ('Elefos') and a rope ('Elafina'), dating from the Venetian period and placed on stone columns, greet incoming ships.

The old harbour of Mandraki is a very picturesque place, which today serves mainly smaller boats and yachts (large ferries go to the new harbour of Rhodes, which is next door). There are many interesting monuments and other buildings around Mandraki harbour, which is why it is also one of the popular tourist destinations of the capital of Rhodes.

On arrival at the port, visitors are greeted by the Church of the Annunciation (or Evangelismos Church), built by Italian architects in 1925 to the design of the medieval Gothic Church of St John (which stands in Rhodes Old Town, next to the Palace of the Grand Masters). It is therefore sometimes referred to as St. John's Church, and today also as Rhodes Cathedral. The church is particularly striking for its typical Gothic doors and windows, arches and high ceilings, and its interior is decorated with beautiful frescoes and icons. A tall bell tower with a clock stands at the side entrance of the church.

On the opposite shore of the harbour, the 15th century fortress of Agios Nikolaos, which takes its name from the island's patron saint, St Nicholas, is a sight to behold. Originally, there was a small church, Agios Nikolaos, which was rebuilt into a massive fortress by the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John. Today the fortress is complemented by a small white lighthouse. There are also three beautifully preserved medieval windmills on the long pier by the fortress. In their time, these served as a storehouse for grain unloaded from merchant ships in the harbour.

A favourite subject for photographs is the view across the harbour back towards the city, with the whole atmosphere of the place enhanced by two beautiful buildings - the Nea Agora, the new market square with its white gates and domes, many shops and bustling cafes (you can also get fresh fish, meat, herbs and more), and the towering Palace of the Grand Masters behind it, a huge Johannite fortress with walls and battlements. The marketplace was built by the Italians in the 1920s (they ruled the island of Rhodes from 1912 to 1947) and constructed in the Arabic style. The Palace of the Grand Masters, which was renovated by Italian architects in the late 1930s, also owes its present appearance to the Italians.

During the summer, boats leave daily from Mandraki harbour for Lindos, Symi or other neighbouring islands. After visiting the old port, you can continue your boat trip to other magical places on the Greek island of Rhodes and its surroundings.

More touristic destinations of Rhodes

Tips for trips on Rhodes: Lindos White Town, Rhodes Capital, Kalithea Spa, Symi Island and Panormitis Monastery, Seven Springs (Eptá Pigés), Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes), Faliraki Water Park

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