Rodini Park

On the road to Lindos, just 3 kilometers from the city of Rhodes, lies the unique Rodini Park, a place often described as an earthly paradise. This is one of the oldest landscaped parks in the world—a small valley filled with oleanders, shady plane trees, flowing streams, and cool ponds covered with water lilies and charming little bridges crossing over them.

While the park can be explored by car, the best way to experience its beauty is on foot, strolling along its picturesque pathways. The idyllic scenery is complemented by a magnificent rose garden, a small waterfall, and a mini-zoo where visitors can admire the famous Rhodes deer. Adding an exotic touch to the park, peacocks roam freely, displaying their majestic plumage.

A Place of History and Legends

According to legend, this park was home to a renowned school of rhetoric, founded in 330 BC by the great orator Aeschines. It is believed that some of history’s most famous speakers, including Cicero and Julius Caesar, studied here.

During the era of the Knights of St. John, the site of today’s Rodini Park was once home to the Grand Master’s Palace. Later, under Ottoman rule, the valley was transformed into the lush park we see today.

Archaeological Wonders

One of the park’s most significant historical attractions is a remarkably well-preserved section of the ancient water supply system of Rhodes. Above the park, in the area known as Pefkakia, lies the remains of a necropolis dating back to the 4th-3rd centuries BC, extending towards the districts of Faneromeni and Karakonero.

Visitors to the ancient necropolis can witness rock-cut tombs and Hellenistic burial mounds adorned with Dionysian reliefs. The most striking monument is the Ptolemaic Tomb, an impressive rock-cut structure measuring 27.8 meters in length. According to tradition, it was dedicated to Ptolemy I. The rock has been artificially shaped to resemble a large square pedestal supporting a burial mound, adorned with 21 Doric half-columns.

This remarkable tomb was restored in 1924 during the Italian occupation of Rhodes.

A Park in Restoration

Today, ongoing restoration efforts aim to return Rodini Park to its original splendor as a place of leisure and recreation. A municipal café operates within the park, offering visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Rodini National Park is open all year round, and entry is free. Whether you seek history, nature, or simply a tranquil escape, Rodini Park is a must-visit destination for every traveler to Rhodes.