The Greek Ministry of Culture has announced a major initiative to restore and enhance the Palace of the Grand Master on the island of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The project, which is part of a broader strategy to preserve and promote the medieval history of Rhodes, will address structural concerns, accessibility improvements, and the integration of new uses for the palace complex.
As part of this effort, the Technical University of Crete has been tasked with conducting an extensive research program to assess the current condition of the palace, analyze its structural integrity, and propose restoration measures. The study includes historical documentation, mapping, material analysis, and damage assessment, as well as a review of previous restoration efforts. In addition to structural reinforcement, the project will introduce electromechanical upgrades, fire safety improvements, and increased accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
“The Medieval City of Rhodes is one of the enormous comparative advantages, not only of Rhodes and the Dodecanese, but of Greece,” explains Lina Mendoni, Greece’s Minister of Culture. “It is a residential complex, unique in our homeland, which is preserved almost intact, with its fortifications and urban organization, public buildings, temples, and residences. We must invest in this area, which was declared and included in the UNESCO World Heritage monuments, in order to create a better future for the city itself and its inhabitants. A dominant and major monument is the building complex of the Palace of the Grand Master.”
The palace, originally built as the administrative centre of the Hospitallers in 1309, has undergone several transformations over the centuries. It suffered extensive damage during the Ottoman siege of 1522, was later used as a prison, and was significantly reconstructed during the Italian occupation (1937–1948). Today, the palace serves as a museum, housing exhibits on the history of Rhodes and the military order.
Addressing Modern Challenges
East of the Palace of the Grand Master – Photo courtesy Greek Ministry of Culture
Despite its historical and architectural significance, the Palace of the Grand Master faces several structural and functional issues. The impact of humidity, thermal stress, and earthquake-related damage has led to deterioration in various sections of the building. Visitor infrastructure also remains fragmented, with limited accessibility to different parts of the complex. Currently, access for people with disabilities is severely restricted, with only a small portion of the palace accessible by elevator.
The restoration project aims to redefine the functionality of the palace, making it more visitor-friendly while preserving its medieval character. Planned improvements include:
Structural reinforcement and restoration of deteriorated sections
Installation of modern fire safety and security systems
Enhanced accessibility features, including upgraded elevators and improved pathways
Better visitor services, such as reorganized exhibition spaces, ticketing, and refreshment areas
Lighting and ventilation enhancements to improve preservation conditions and visitor experience
Beyond the palace itself, the initiative includes efforts to revitalize its surrounding environment, such as the restoration of the medieval gardens, the ancient shipyards (Neoria), and the development of an outdoor sculpture gallery in Pervola.
A New Chapter for Medieval Rhodes
View of the courtyard of the Palace of the Grand Master – Photo courtesy Greek Ministry of Culture
With this comprehensive restoration, the Greek Ministry of Culture aims to enhance the role of the Palace of the Grand Master as a historical and cultural landmark. By modernizing visitor facilities while preserving the authenticity of its medieval architecture, the project will ensure that this monumental site remains a living testament to the medieval history of Rhodes.
The initiative reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding medieval heritage for future generations, making the Palace of the Grand Master a more engaging and accessible destination for scholars, tourists, and history enthusiasts worldwide.
View of the lighting in the courtyard of the Palace of the Grand Master – Photo courtesy Greek Ministry of Culture
Top Image: The Hall of Feasts, Palace of the Grand Master – Photo courtesy Greek Ministry of Culture
The Greek Ministry of Culture has announced a major initiative to restore and enhance the Palace of the Grand Master on the island of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The project, which is part of a broader strategy to preserve and promote the medieval history of Rhodes, will address structural concerns, accessibility improvements, and the integration of new uses for the palace complex.
As part of this effort, the Technical University of Crete has been tasked with conducting an extensive research program to assess the current condition of the palace, analyze its structural integrity, and propose restoration measures. The study includes historical documentation, mapping, material analysis, and damage assessment, as well as a review of previous restoration efforts. In addition to structural reinforcement, the project will introduce electromechanical upgrades, fire safety improvements, and increased accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
“The Medieval City of Rhodes is one of the enormous comparative advantages, not only of Rhodes and the Dodecanese, but of Greece,” explains Lina Mendoni, Greece’s Minister of Culture. “It is a residential complex, unique in our homeland, which is preserved almost intact, with its fortifications and urban organization, public buildings, temples, and residences. We must invest in this area, which was declared and included in the UNESCO World Heritage monuments, in order to create a better future for the city itself and its inhabitants. A dominant and major monument is the building complex of the Palace of the Grand Master.”
The palace, originally built as the administrative centre of the Hospitallers in 1309, has undergone several transformations over the centuries. It suffered extensive damage during the Ottoman siege of 1522, was later used as a prison, and was significantly reconstructed during the Italian occupation (1937–1948). Today, the palace serves as a museum, housing exhibits on the history of Rhodes and the military order.
Addressing Modern Challenges
Despite its historical and architectural significance, the Palace of the Grand Master faces several structural and functional issues. The impact of humidity, thermal stress, and earthquake-related damage has led to deterioration in various sections of the building. Visitor infrastructure also remains fragmented, with limited accessibility to different parts of the complex. Currently, access for people with disabilities is severely restricted, with only a small portion of the palace accessible by elevator.
The restoration project aims to redefine the functionality of the palace, making it more visitor-friendly while preserving its medieval character. Planned improvements include:
Beyond the palace itself, the initiative includes efforts to revitalize its surrounding environment, such as the restoration of the medieval gardens, the ancient shipyards (Neoria), and the development of an outdoor sculpture gallery in Pervola.
A New Chapter for Medieval Rhodes
With this comprehensive restoration, the Greek Ministry of Culture aims to enhance the role of the Palace of the Grand Master as a historical and cultural landmark. By modernizing visitor facilities while preserving the authenticity of its medieval architecture, the project will ensure that this monumental site remains a living testament to the medieval history of Rhodes.
The initiative reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding medieval heritage for future generations, making the Palace of the Grand Master a more engaging and accessible destination for scholars, tourists, and history enthusiasts worldwide.
Top Image: The Hall of Feasts, Palace of the Grand Master – Photo courtesy Greek Ministry of Culture
Subscribe to Medievalverse
Related Posts