Rhodes is a place where myth and history come together. According to legend, the island emerged from the sea as a gift to the god Helios, who blessed it with eternal sunshine and its symbolic flower, the rose. From its lofty ancient origins to its flourishing during the Dorian period, Rhodes has always been a beacon of cultural and historical significance, but it is the Medieval period, particularly the era of the Knights of St. John, that truly stands out in the island’s storied past.
Witness the Medieval Festival of Rhodes this October
The Medieval Festival of Rhodes, due to be held between 10-12th October 2025, aims to recreate the ambience of this fascinating era through a series of events, workshops, and reenactments, so if you happen to be on the island in Autumn, and have decided on your luxury all-inclusive 5 star hotel in Rhodes, make sure you peek into it.
Bringing History to Life
Fast forward a few centuries, to enterprising locals that have volunteered to create the Medieval Festival of Rhodes. First realized in 2007, this get-together aims to recreate the daily life, customs, and legends of medieval Rhodes. Held in the Medieval Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it transforms this historic backdrop into a vibrant, living history museum.
There are quite a few events taking place to educate and entertain, including workshops and games that bring medieval traditions to life. The festival’s art team, composed of professional and amateur artists from Rhodes, creates authentic costumes and set pieces, while the executive team makes sure that everything runs smoothly.
The Origins of the Knights of St. John
During the Medieval Festival in Rhodes, also referred to as the Annual Medieval Rose Festival, you will get the chance to really immerse in the history of this period, which is inextricably linked to the Order of the Knights of St. John. Founded in the early 12th century in Jerusalem by Pierre Gerard, it started as a hospitaller organization, and by the time it evolved into a military order under Raymond du Puys, its mission expanding to include fighting for Western imperialism in the Middle East.
Following the fall of Jerusalem in 1247, the Knights gradually lost their strongholds and finally relocated to Cyprus in 1291. In 1309, under the leadership of Grandmaster Foulques de Villaret, the Knights acquired Rhodes, where they would remain until 1523, henceforth known as the Knights of Rhodes.
Highlights of the Medieval Festival in Rhodes
One of the most popular events of the festival is the reenactment of the legendary story of the dragon of Rhodes, where according to tradition, in 1332, a dragon living near Mount St. Stephen, wreaked havoc on the island, until a consortium of knights unsuccessfully attempted to slay the beast. Eventually, Dieudonné de Gozon, a young knight, devised a plan that saw him training his horse and dogs to attack a model of the dragon, and killed the creature, becoming a local hero.
This extraordinary tale is brought to life through an adventurous game resembling an Easter egg hunt that sees participants form teams of three, mirroring Gozon’s original expedition with his two servants. Teams navigate the Medieval Town and Moat, solving puzzles and riddles, deciphering the language of dragons, and uncovering hidden passages, and the winning knight is ceremoniously girded and receives the Cape and Sword of Gozon, while the two servants receive honorary certificates and souvenirs.
Cultural and Economic Impact
The Medieval Festival of Rhodes is a chance to celebrate its rich history but also to enhance the cultural heritage and economic development of the island, and this is done by organizing events inspired by medieval customs and traditions, promoting cultural education and tourism, while the festival attracts visitors with a keen interest in history and culture, boosting the local economy. What’s more, it provides valuable new job opportunities for artists, craftsmen, and other professionals.
Medieval Rose, the organization behind the festival, works in close cooperation with public and private entities to ensure the festival’s success. In addition, the organization fosters cultural connections with similar groups across Europe, facilitating the exchange of ideas and cultural elements.
If you happen to be taking vacations during late Autumn, and want a dash of the old world sprinkled in with your holidays, look out for the Medieval Festival of Rhodes – a unique event that brings the island’s medieval heritage to life, offering an immersive experience that educates and entertains. Whether you’re wandering the mysterious streets of the Medieval Town, participating in the quest to slay the dragon, or enjoying the vibrant medieval markets, the festival is an unforgettable journey through time.
