FULL DAY PRIVATE RHODES WEST COAST TOUR
Inside Kritinias castle
Doric temple
Amazing view of Kritinias castle
Kritinias Castle
FILERIMOS: Filerimos, located on a hill south of Ialysos, one of the major sights of Rhodes, mainly because of the monastery of Panagia Filerimos and the beautiful renovation of the place.However, in the Middle Ages, Philerimos was primarily a fortress.
The acropolis was a fortified settlement in Byzantine times and the name Fileremos (associated with monastery history) occurs in the written sources from the 13th century.
On the northern side and on the western side (where is the entrance now) there was a trench of 10-15m wide. For the other two sides no such protection was needed because…. there, the slopes of the hill are too steep. Only a few sections of the medieval wall survive, as the wall was destroyed by the trenches built by the Italians at the second World War.The knights built a building on the tower base in the northwest corner.In the northeast corner constructed a building with a tank (which now is half-demolished) and a little further a narrow building with dormitories, dining room, kitchen and others.
In the southeast corner, next to the Byzantine tower, they built a two-story building (for commander’s office?) with an external stair. All these seem to have been renovated by the Italians.
ANCIENT KAMIROS: The ancient city was built on three levels. At the top of the hill was the acropolis, with the temple complex of Athena Kameiras and the stoa.
A covered reservoir having a capacity of 600 cubic meters of water enough for up to 400 families was constructed about the sixth century BC.
Later, the stoa was built over the reservoir. The stoa consisted of two rows of Doric columns with rooms for shops or lodgings in the rear.
The main settlement was on the middle terrace, consisting of a grid of parallel streets and residential blocks. On the lower terrace are found a Doric temple, probably to Αpollo the Fountain House, with the Agora in front of it and Peribols of the Altars, which contained dedications to various deities.
The Acropolis was excavated by Alfred Biliotti and Auguste Salzmann between 1852 and 1864. Many of the finds from their digs are now kept in the British Museum in London. In 1928 the Italian Archaeological School began a systematic excavation of the area together with restoration work which continued until the end of the Second World War.
Kritinia Castle: 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.
To get there from Rhodes, you can expect a journey of about 34 miles (55 km) southwest of the island. The original settlement, Kamiros Skala lies 3,5 miles (5 km) from the new location on the edge of the sea. You can also visit the island of Halki from there by availing the ferry service.
Also you will have leisure time in a seaside or a mountain village tavern before heading back to your hotel. You will have time to decide your own sightseeing & dining priorities and pace. It will be a great, active day, you will have photo opportunities, scenic routes. The best tour if you enjoy heritage sites with history & scenic routes.
Tour Duration: 7 hours
Departures: EVERY DAY Mon/Sun
Approx. 9.30-16.30
Participants: 2-6 persons
Price: 240€
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WHAT WE OFFER
-Pick up from your hotel in Faliraki, Kallithea, Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos
EXCLUDED
-An extra charge might apply Admission fees to Archaeological sites & museums
Meals & Beverages , Personal expenses
Gratuities
Inside Kritinias castle
Main Gate Kritinia Castle
Doric temple
Amazing view of Kritinias castle
Kritinias Castle