Grand Master’s Palace on Rhodes

At the highest point of the old town is the Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes. The magnificent structure of the Knights of St. John with its massive walls and towers stands out from afar and will magically attract you during your visit to the capital of Rhodes.

»The Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes is the most impressive sight of the old town. When you walk through the palace, it’s like traveling to the Middle Ages.”

The Grand Master’s Palace of the Order of St. John was built in the 14th century by the influential knights as a fortress to protect themselves from the imminent danger of the Ottoman Empire. But: Today’s palace is a copy of the original, it was rebuilt a hundred years ago – more on that later.

Why a visit to the Rhodes Grand Master’s Palace is worthwhile, what to discover in the area and where to stop for coffee or lunch, you can find out here:

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#1 Important information about the Grand Master’s Palace Rhodes

📍 Google Maps Location

The Grand Master’s Palace is located in the northwestern part of the old town of Rhodes at the end of the Ippoton Knights’ Road, about a five-minute walk from Mandraki Harbour. The Grand Master’s Palace can be visited all year round, with the exception of a few closing days such as Orthodox Easter.

In the high season (April – August) you can visit the striking castle from early morning until almost sunset. From autumn onwards, limited times apply, but it is much quieter. To avoid waiting times, it is worth using the Grand Master’s Palace ticket to book in advance – Information can be found here: Ticket without waiting time

Opening hours of the Grand Master’s Palace

In the high tourist season, the Grand Master’s Palace is open daily until 8 pm. In autumn and winter, the opening hours are shorter due to the lower number of visitors. In addition, there are days when the Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes is closed is: Easter Sunday, Christmas Day 1 and 2, January 1, May 1 and March 25.

• Rhodes Grand Master’s Palace in summer: from 01/04 to 31/08 from 08:00 – 20:00 (last admission 19:30)
• Rhodes Grand Master’s Palace in winter: from 01/11 to 31/03 from 08:30 – 15:30 (last entry 15:00)

From September, the last entrance to the Grand Master’s Palace is shortened by half an hour every two weeks because of the onset of sunset. The opening hours of the palace in autumn are as follows:

• • September 1 to 15 08:00 – 19:30, last admission at 19:00
  • September 16 to 30 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM, last admission at 6:30 PM
  • 1 to 15 October 08:00 – 18:30, last admission at 18:00
  • 16 to 31 October 08:00 – 18:00, last admission at 17:30

With the new ticket reform from 1 April 2025, the regular ticket admission to the Grand Master’s Palace currently 20 €. Our recommendation: Secure your tickets for the Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes conveniently online now via our partner GetYourGuide* and save yourself time on site:

➲ Skip-the-line online ticket*

• Grand Master’s Palace Admission for Adults: 20 €, concessions 10 € over 65 years
• Grand Master’s Palace free admission: free for EU citizens under 25 years old (non-EU up to 18 years old)
• Days with free admission to the Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes: 6 March (Melina Mercouri Memorial Day), 18 April (International Heritage Day), 18 May (International Museum Day) and the last weekend of September (European Heritage Day)
• Official website for Grand Master’s Palace tickets: hhticket.gr

Best time to visit the Grand Master’s Palace Rhodes

The Grand Master’s Palace is the highlight of the city of Rhodes. There is a large crowd here at any time of the day. If you visit the palace early in the morning (8 a.m. to 9 a.m.) or in the late afternoon (from 6 p.m.), you will still be able to stroll through the aisles relatively quietly. In addition, the light for photos is particularly beautiful. Around noon, long queues form in front of the entrance, among other things by cruise tourists.

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#2 Grand Master’s Palace Rhodes Guided Tours

If you don’t just want to see the palace, but also want to understand the history behind it, a guided tour is a good idea. Professional guides relive the time of the knights and tell exciting stories of crusades and pirate raids on Rhodes. Whether private, in a small group or just with an audio guide – there are numerous tours for the Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes.

If you need more information about the tours, just click on the links to GetYourGuide* to see prices and availability:

➲ To the ticket for the palace*

➲ To the ticket with audio guide*

➲ To the historical city tour*

On site at the entrance to the Grand Master’s Palace, you will also find professional guides whose services you can use. You also have the opportunity to audio tours for the Palace of the Grand Masters from external providers, it is recommended to use the Clio Muse App.

Private guided tours of the Grand Master’s Palace in Rhodes

If you are not accompanied by a guide, you will walk around the palace rather haphazardly. That’s what happened to us on our first visit. Unfortunately, there are not meaningful information boards for every exhibit inside. With a guide in the Grand Master’s Palace you will learn all the background and many great stories from the time of the knights.

The prices for a private guided tour of the Grand Master’s Palace Rhodes start from 100 € per person. In small groups, they are slightly cheaper, depending on the size of the group and the duration of the tour. The meeting point for the guided tours is on the square in front of the palace. Here you can book a private guided tour directly on GetYouGuide*:

➲ To the private palace tour*

Is a visit to the Grand Master’s Palace worthwhile for families with children?

Yes, visiting the Grand Master’s Palace with children is worthwhile, but only if the kids are at least 4-5 years old and have a soft spot for knights, castles and pirates. On a tour of the halls with their magnificent chandeliers, huge fireplaces and heavy armour and swords on the walls, history is conveyed in a tangible and exciting way.

A visit is generally recommended for schoolchildren from the 5th grade onwards, as the palace deals with important content from the time of the Crusades, which is dealt with in school lessons. The great advantage of this historical site in Rhodes is that all children, young people and young adults up to 25 years even free admission have.

By rental car to Rhodes Town

You can reach Rhodes town and the Grand Master’s Palace by rental car. Although the old town is a traffic-free zone, there are plenty of parking spaces around it, from which you can get to the palace in about 10 minutes, among other things. Parking Full Day Rhodes (Al. Diakou 5), Parking Akti Sachtouri and the parking lots along Filellinon Street.

At our partner Discover Cars* you can get a rental car for Rhodes here:

➲ To cheap rental cars for the island*

#3 Tour of the Grand Master’s Palace

The Grand Master’s Palace is an 80 by 75 metre building surrounded by mighty walls, built on the foundations of a Byzantine castle. Today’s castle looks medieval, but is a modern copy. Between 1937 and 1940, the Italian occupiers erected the monumental building based on the model of the original.

From the Ritterstraße you walk over the loggia of St. John to the spacious Plateia Kleovoulou. From there, the view immediately falls on the huge gate with its mighty towers and battlements – part of the few original elements that still remain. This area is still freely accessible and offers first photo motifs. At the entrance, you will also discover the original coat of arms of the Grand Master Hélion.

You will then enter the interior of the palace and reach the magnificent courtyard with its arcades and the striking geometric patterns. Under the arches are ancient statues that once stood in the Odeon of Kos. You can’t go any further here, but the area is ideal for photos. On certain holidays, parades and concerts are also held here.

For the actual exhibition inside, head back to the entrance and take the wide staircase up to the left of the ticket office. Follow the arrows for the tour and you will get to the first hall of the Palace of the Grand Master. Of the total of 300 rooms and halls, you can visit about 18 – depending on the exhibition.

When the windows of the premises are open, you will have a nice view over parts of Rhodes Town. The walls of the large knights’ halls are elaborately bricked with white and red sandstone from Lindos. The smaller rooms are decorated with wall reliefs in the Hellenistic and Italian styles.

In the rooms you will see numerous finds from Rhodes and the surrounding Dodecanese Islands, including marble statues from antiquity, but also works from the early Middle Ages. Particularly impressive is the copy of the Laocoön Group. The original is now in the Vatican Museum, but was probably created in ancient times on Rhodes.

The floors of the rooms of the Grand Master’s Palace are covered with ancient mosaics, most of which come from the island of Kos. They tell mythological stories such as “Eros Fishing”, “Battle between Poseidon and Polybotes”, “Medusa with Snake Hair” and “The 9 Muses”. The latter is considered the most valuable mosaic and is located in the large Dei Colonnati Hall.

The mosaics in the Palace of the Grand Masters are an important part of today’s palace architecture. They were laid here by the Italians, but were not present in the original medieval building. For our little daughter, however, the huge stoves were the highlight – they looked as if they had been used by giants.

Again and again, knight’s armor, lances and swords hang on the walls and let you immerse yourself in the time of the knights. In the smaller rooms, you can marvel at furniture, everyday objects and also paintings from the late Middle Ages. After exploring the upper floor, you go back down a large staircase.

In the basement you will find the castle chapel of the Grand Master’s Palace with a modern bronze statue. In the vaults of the castle cellar there is still a small museum where jewellery, weapons and clay vessels from the last centuries are exhibited. The collection is extensive and well labeled.

After about an hour you will have the tour of the Grand Master’s Palace – depending on how much time you take reading the information boards. Unfortunately, some exhibits lacked more detailed information, so that you sometimes stand in front of it a bit perplexed without a guide.

→ For history buffs, it’s definitely worth a guided tour of the Grand Master’s Palace with flexible choice of dates: Grand Master’s Palace Guided Tours

#4 History of the Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes

The Grand Master’s Palace on Rhodes tells part of the island’s eventful history. From 1309 to 1522, the palace served the Order of St. John as a residence, center of power and fortification. When the Knights were expelled from Rhodes by the Ottomans, they founded the Order of Malta on the island of Malta in 1530 and also established a Palace of the Grand Master in Valetta.

Under Ottoman rule, the palace remained unscathed for a long time, until 1856 when a explosion destroyed the Palace of the Grand Masters, because an ammunition depot was maintained there. The Italians (1912-1944) uncovered many historical elements on Kos and Rhodes and so the palace was also magnificently rebuilt shortly before the Second World War.

This was less about a historically correct reconstruction than about an imperial symbol of power. The castle was to be used, among other things, as a summer residence for the dictator Mussolini. Today, the Grand Master’s Palace on the island is one of the most important Sights of Greece.

→ Enclosed you have the most important key points of the history of the Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes Town:

• 7th/8th century – Construction of a Byzantine citadel (Kastro), which later served as a foundation.
• 1309 – The Order of St. John conquers Rhodes and begins to expand the existing Byzantine Kastro into the Grand Master’s Palace
• 14th century – Under the Grand Masters, especially under Hélion de Villeneuve (Grand Master from 1319), the palace is considerably expanded in the Gothic style.
• 1522 – Siege by the Ottomans under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the Order of St. John leaves Rhodes and the palace loses its function.
• 17th/18th century – The palace is used by the Ottomans as a prison and later as an ammunition depot.
• 1856 – A powder explosion destroys large parts of the Grand Master’s Palace.
• 1912 – Rhodes is occupied by Italy after the Italo-Turkish War.
• 1937-1940 – The Italians, under the direction of the architect Armando Bernabiti, rebuild the palace in the idealizing neo-Gothic style.
• 1948 – The island of Rhodes belongs to Greece again after more than 600 years of foreign rule.
• Today – The Grand Master’s Palace is the most significant tourist attraction of Rhodes.

Who was the Grand Master of Rhodes?

The Grand Master of the Knights of St. John was the head of the order in the Middle Ages. To put it simply, he was the chief knight and had the say over all other members. His decisions determined the politics, warfare and religious life of the order. In Rhodes and later in Valletta, he led the defense against enemies such as the Ottomans.

Important grandmasters were Foulques de Villaret (1305-1319), Hélion de Villeneuve (1319-1346) and Philippe Villiers de L’Isle-Adam (1521-1534). The latter initiated the transfer of the Order of Knights from the island of Rhodes to Malta after the Ottoman Empire had taken over the rule of the Greek islands.

#5 Sights Around the Grand Master’s Palace

Around the Grand Master’s Palace, you’ll find several highlights from centuries past, all within easy walking distance. The most famous is the Street of the Knights, which leads you past former knights’ lodgings all the way to the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes. For our little daughter, the Roloi Clock Tower was the absolute highlight – the view from the top over the city is phenomenal for both kids and adults.

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Rhodes City Walls

The massive and well-preserved city walls of Rhodes surround the Old Town and offer fascinating views over the medieval city center. The entrance is just around the corner from the Grand Master’s Palace at the Cannon Gate (Pyli Kanonion), making it perfect for a short stroll.

• Opening hours Rhodes City Walls: 12:00 – 15:00 (Sat + Sun closed) | Admission: €6 (toddlers free)

Roloi Clock Tower Rhodes

The Roloi Clock Tower offers fantastic panoramic views over the Old Town. It’s only about a 3-minute walk from the Grand Master’s Palace, making it easy to combine with a stroll through the Old Town. Especially worth visiting in the late afternoon or evening – one complimentary drink at the Roloi Cafe Bar is included with the ticket.

• Opening hours Roloi Rhodes: 09:00 – 21:00 | Admission: €5 (includes one free drink)

Suleiman Mosque

The colorful Suleiman Mosque dates back to the 16th century and reflects the Ottoman history of Rhodes. It is located opposite the Roloi Clock Tower, about a 5-minute walk from the Grand Master’s Palace, and can easily be included in a walking tour through the Old Town or a shopping stroll along Sokratous Street.

• Opening hours Suleiman Mosque: closed for several years already

Street of the Knights of Rhodes

The most famous street in Rhodes connects the palace with the Knights’ Hospital, which today houses the Archaeological Museum. The Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton) transports you straight back to the Middle Ages with its original buildings and knights’ coats of arms – a must for history lovers.

• Opening hours Street of the Knights Rhodes: freely accessible day and night

Archaeological Museum of Rhodes

Housed in the former Knights’ Hospital, the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes displays impressive finds from antiquity and the Middle Ages. It’s less than a 5-minute walk from the Grand Master’s Palace and makes a great addition to a historical city walk. The museum also features a green inner courtyard with a café.

• Opening hours Archaeological Museum Rhodes: 08:00 – 20:00 | Admission: €10 (€6 reduced)

#6 Restaurants near the palace

Whether it’s stylish dining with a view or a quick snack in between – you’ll find plenty of culinary options around the palace. Many taverns near the Palace of the Grand Masters even have shaded courtyards or roof terraces. Due to the large crowds, there are unfortunately also tourist traps. We recommend reading the reviews on Google or Tripadvisor before stopping for a bite to eat.

→ For restaurants and cafes near the Grand Master’s Palace Rhodes we can give you the following recommendations:

• Koozina
• Beerõkouto
• Nomad Mediterranean Gastronomy
• Urban Burger Bar
• Bahar Souvlakeri

→ More helpful posts about the island with numerous Rhodes travel tips can be found here:

• Rhodes Highlights – the most beautiful sights
• Rhodes Beaches – our top 12 bathing spots
• Rhodes Blog – Overview of all posts

FAQ for Palace of the Grand Master Rhodes

What is the entrance fee for the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes?

The regular admission is 20 €, reduced 10 € (for visitors aged 65 and over). EU citizens under 25 years of age get free entry upon presentation of a valid ID. Tickets can be booked online in advance via GetYourGuide to skip the queue at the entrance.

What are the opening hours of the Palace of the Grand Master?

In summer (April–August) the palace is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., last admission at 7:30 p.m. In winter (November–March) the opening hours are reduced: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., last admission at 3:00 p.m. In September and October the hours shorten gradually every two weeks.

How long does a visit to the Palace of the Grand Master take?

Plan at least one hour for the tour through the approximately 18 accessible halls and rooms. With a guided tour or a thorough look at the information panels, two hours pass quickly.

When is the Palace of the Grand Master least crowded?

Early in the morning between 8 and 9 a.m. and in the afternoon from 4 p.m. onwards tend to be the quietest times. Around midday, cruise ship tourists in particular cause long queues at the entrance.

Is the Palace of the Grand Master worth visiting with children?

Yes, from around 4–5 years of age and with an interest in knights, castles and pirates, a visit is well worth it. Armour, swords, enormous fireplaces and ancient mosaics bring history to life. Children and young people up to the age of 25 also get free admission.

Is the Palace of the Grand Master the original building or a reconstruction?

The current palace is a reconstruction. The original was largely destroyed by a gunpowder explosion in 1856. Between 1937 and 1940, the Italian occupiers rebuilt it based on historical records, but with neo-Gothic elements added — originally planned as a summer residence for Mussolini.

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