A medieval fortress commanding panoramic views of the Aegean
West of Rhodes, the tiny island of Halki beckons you to spend carefree and peaceful holidays and explore its beauties.
Wander through the picturesque alleys among the colourful houses of Nimborio, or Emborios, the island's only hamlet, which is built amphitheatrically around the harbour, and continue uphill towards the slope of the hill. There you will come across Chorio, an abandoned medieval settlement and the island’s erstwhile capital.
Make a stop at the small church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) and then ascend the path towards the top of Agios Nikolaos hill, where the Castle of the Knights stands, built in the 14th century by the Knights Hospitaller. It is said to be built on the foundations of a much older Hellenistic wall, while at the entrance you will see the coat of arms of the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller, Pierre d'Aubusson.
Before you enter, stand for a moment and gaze at the Aegean, the settlement and the restored windmills from high above. Within the castle walls, discover the chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas, its walls adorned with murals from the 15th and 17th centuries.
Historically, the castle was abandoned in 1493, when the inhabitants of the island went to Rhodes, while in 1522 it was occupied by the Turks. In its period of operation, it communicated with the tower at Cape Kefali on the south-western tip of the island, sending signals to the observers of Rhodes.
Wander through the picturesque alleys among the colourful houses of Nimborio, or Emborios, the island's only hamlet, which is built amphitheatrically around the harbour, and continue uphill towards the slope of the hill. There you will come across Chorio, an abandoned medieval settlement and the island’s erstwhile capital.
Make a stop at the small church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) and then ascend the path towards the top of Agios Nikolaos hill, where the Castle of the Knights stands, built in the 14th century by the Knights Hospitaller. It is said to be built on the foundations of a much older Hellenistic wall, while at the entrance you will see the coat of arms of the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller, Pierre d'Aubusson.
Before you enter, stand for a moment and gaze at the Aegean, the settlement and the restored windmills from high above. Within the castle walls, discover the chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas, its walls adorned with murals from the 15th and 17th centuries.
Historically, the castle was abandoned in 1493, when the inhabitants of the island went to Rhodes, while in 1522 it was occupied by the Turks. In its period of operation, it communicated with the tower at Cape Kefali on the south-western tip of the island, sending signals to the observers of Rhodes.
