RHODESTRADITION

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PhotoThe modern town of Rhodes has the characteristics of a big city. Modern structures, broad streets and houses with colourful flowers in big yards are the main characteristics of Rhodes. The hotel units under construction try to combine harmoniously with the local traditional features influenced by the island's history. There are currently three preserved settlements on the island. The settlements of naval character, dating back to the early days of the island's inhabitation, the fortified settlements, existing ever since the Turkish Occupation and the years of the pirate raids, and the settlements built after the end of the Turkish Occupation. The old town is the most remarkable and best preserved medieval settlement, throughout Greece. The mansions, of the Knights, Castello and other public buildings, the alleys, the Turkish mosques and the squares create a unique scenery. Lindos combines elements of the Cycladean and the Medieval style with flat roofs, big gates and arched windows. The island of the sun developed science and art in every historic period. The flourishing sciences were Mathematics, Astronomy and Physics, as well as Philosophy, the main representatives of which were Kleovoulos - one of the seven Sages of Antiquity -Anaxandrides and Panaetios, the founder of the Promenade Philosophy on the island. In the area to Art, Rhodes was represented by personalities such us painter Parasios from Ephesus and sculptor Harris from Lindos, the creator of the infamous Colossus of Rhodes. The wonderful sculpt "Niki of Samothraki" was created by Pythocrates from Rhodes. This statue, along with "Aphrodite of Melos" are the most famous greek statues in the Louvre. The pride of Rhodes was the Rhetoric, the school of which was founded in 324 BC by the Athenian speaker Aeshines. The school attracted students from all around the Mediterranean Sea. Rhodes preserves the customs throught its history and the locals always seek an opportunity to revise them. Feasts, national anniversaries, weddings and organized events such as festivals organized by the Cultural Societies of the island, are the perfect opportunities to preserve tradition which has been altered by the touristic development, in spite of the efforts of the locals. The Carnival and Shrove Monday are celebrated in a unique local way, while, in the summer, many municipalities, such as the Municipality of Lindos, organise feasts with local dances and songs, where one can have free food and wine. In the cool, summer evenings, one can attend the show of "Light and Sound" at the Castle of the Knights, where the Turkish Occupations of Rhodes is presented in five languages. The town of Rhodes, as well as the villages, is full of shops selling souvenirs of folk Art, hand-made woven-fabrics, beautiful embroideries and traditional jewelry, since the people of Rhodes are famous for their skill in embroideries, pottery and jewelry-making. The area of Archaggelos is known for the ceremonies and the traditional rugs.


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