Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes Jewish Heritage

A Remarkable History Brought to Light Uncover the precious history of Rhodes’s Jewish community during an enlightening walking tour. Meet your guide and drive through the New Town of Rhodes, passing Mandraki Harbor and Fort Nicholas before pausing at Monte Smith, site of the acropolis, where you will admire sweeping vistas of the city, the castle and the Turkish coast. Continue to the Old Town for a walking tour of Jewish Rhodes. During its height in the 1930s, the Jewish community here numbered approximately 4,000; only 150 of Rhodes’s Jews survived the Holocaust. From Martyrs’ Square, walk to the Kahal Shalom Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in Greece and the sole remaining synagogue on the island that is still used for services. In six rooms formerly used for women’s prayer, you will have time to explore the Jewish Museum of Rhodes. Following your poignant visit, you will return to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.