The street was organized by 'Tongues,' which were administrative divisions grouping knights by their mother tongue, such as France, Provence, Auvergne, Italy, England, Germany, and Castile.
Each inn features unique heraldic crests and carved coats of arms on the facade, signifying the specific nationality of the knights who resided there.
The street slopes upwards toward the Palace of the Grand Master, a strategic design that gave the fortress-like complex a commanding view over the harbor and lower town.
The original medieval structure survived significant bombardment and conflict during the Ottoman sieges of the 16th century, though many facades underwent restoration during the Italian occupation in the early 20th century.
The Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton) is the best-preserved medieval thoroughfare within the Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It serves as the primary artery connecting the Hospital of the Knights at the lower end to the Palace of the Grand Master at the upper end. The street is lined with the 'Inns of the Tongues,' historical residences designated for knights of the Order of St. John based on their linguistic and national origins. Architectural features include 15th-century Gothic facades, armorial shields, and external stone staircases. The thoroughfare maintains its original cobblestone paving and width from the period of the Crusades. It historically functioned as the ceremonial processional route for the Grand Master and high-ranking officials. The buildings are primarily constructed from local volcanic stone, contributing to the street's uniform grey aesthetic.
From the bottom of the street looking upward toward the Palace of the Grand Master, capturing the symmetrical row of inns.
Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds brought by cruise ship excursions.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes as the original cobblestones are uneven and slippery.
Look up at the upper levels of the buildings to see the intricate stone masonry and heraldic carvings that are often missed by those focused on the ground level.
Avoid visiting during the peak midday hours of summer when the stone surfaces reflect intense heat and the street becomes severely overcrowded.
The street is a public thoroughfare and accessible at all times, though individual interior sections or associated museums may follow seasonal operating patterns.
Respect that some buildings may house local residences or government offices; avoid climbing on private stairs or touching historical carvings.
