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The Municipal Art Gallery of Rhodes

staff — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:43:46 +0000

The Municipal Gallery of Rhodes contains one of most significant collections of the Modern Greek painting. Featuring works by K. Maleas, G. Bouzianis, F. Kontoglou, Theofilos, S.Vasiliou, N. Hadjikyriakos – Gikas, Y. Spyropoulos and other prominent Greek artists, is an invaluable experience for the scholar of the Modern Greek painting. The visitor has the opportunity to see some of the most significative examples of their work.

Many of the paintings have been part of official exhibitions, both in Greece and abroad. Alongside the masters there are in display other important artistic expressions that complemented the intellectual character of each decade and each major historical period. With a few exceptions – mostly regarding recent generations of artists who are still developing their own style and technique – the Municipal Gallery of Rhodes is a highly representative museum of the Greek Art of this century.

With the sole exception of the painting by Angelos Yiallinas, the works in the Municipal Art Gallery of Rhodes belong to artists born after 1863. They cover the four distinct periods of 1863 to 1881, 1882 to 1897, 1898 to 1909, 1923 to 1940 and lastly the forties.

The first group contains fifteen artists, the most prominent of which are undoubtedly K. Maleas, K. Parthenis and Theofilos Hadzimihail. The second of the aforementioned groups includes D. Galanis, G. Gounaropoulos, F. Kontoglou, N. Lytras, G. Bouzianis, S. Papaloukas. The third group is consisted of forty artists (S. Vassiliou, A. Kontopoulos, N. Nikolaou, N. Hatzikyriakos – Ghikas and others); the fourth group features about thirty works, including the painters D. Diamantopoulos, N. Engonopoulos, Y. Moralis, D. Mytaras, G. Sikeliotis, Y. Spyropoulos, Y. Tsarouhis and others. The fifth group includes artists born between the wars, with approximately forty works by artists such as Y. Gaitis, G. Ioannou, N. Kessanlis, P. Tetsis, A. Fassianos, and others. The last group contains relatively fewer works, about ten in number, by artists such as H. Botsoglou, T. Patraskidis, Y. Psychopedis, O. Zouni and others.

Today the Gallery hosts 690 exhibits but only 90 are available to the public disposal. The paintings exhibited are changed in regular intervals.

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Rhodes Aquarium

staff — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:07:33 +0000

In 1934, during the Italian occupation of the Dodecanese Islands (1912-1943), the Governor Mario Lago launched the construction of the Reale Istituto di Ricerche Biologiche di Rodi (Royal Biological Research Institute of Rhodes) in Cape of Mili, the northernmost point of Rhodes Island.

The Italian architect Armando Bernabiti undertook the projects of designing and building, the latter finishing in 1935. In his work, local and Art Deco architectural elements were combined with others of naval aesthetics, such as curved lines, openings like portholes, various raising levels and a central cylindrical tower. The marine fauna inspired the main entrance decoration. Aquarium’s original interior, decorated with porous rocks and natural seashells, brings to mind an underwater cave and has not changed over the time. Unaltered has also remained the floor, paved with a black and white pebbles mosaic, on which marine creatures are represented.

The original exterior of the building did not change until 1971-72, when an exhibition hall (museum) and a pool for seals were added at the north side.

The Institute began to operate in 1937 focusing mostly on biological and hydrological subjects related to the Aegean Sea and also on problems regarding sponge fishing, fisheries and agricultural entomology, hosting at the same time an aquarium with interesting samples of the Mediterranean fauna.

From 1948, when Dodecanese Islands were united with Greece, until 1963 the Institute continued operating as a Regional Station of the Hellenic Hydrobiological Institute under Athens Academy of Sciences auspices. Since 1963, with its present name, the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes (H.S.R.) operates as Aquarium and Museum and research unit of the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (H.C.M.R.-Ministry of Development/General Secretariat of Research and Technology) (www.ncmr.gr, www.euac.org, www.eaza.net ).

The Greek Ministry of Culture has characterized H.S.R’s building as an historical landmark and distinguished sample of the “International” architectural style.The aim of the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes is “To develop and propagate scientific knowledge on the marine environment and its conservation”.
Some of its activities:

Oceanographic research in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.
Development of know-how in the field of aquariology.
Study and conservation of endangered aquatic species.
Rescue – treatment – rehabilitation – release of aquatic animals in distress.
Cooperation with other research and educational institutes.
Providing of training and consulting for a sustainable management of the marine environment Training of students on specialized subjects.
Educational activities aiming at awaking environmental conscience of secondary education pupils.
Transfer of knowledge concerning the seas to specific public groups by organizing specialized lectures and seminars.

Interesting fauna and flora species, endemic to the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean Seas are mainly exhibited in the Aquarium, along with immigrant species coming from the Red Sea. In the Aquarium’s part that is devoted to marine life there are 12 tanks, from 1.000 to 5.000 liters capacity, a 25.000 liters central circular tank and 15 small aquaria of 50-100 liters capacity each. In the Museum a 1.000 liters aquarium hosts the endangered freshwater fish Gizani (Ladigesocypris ghigii), endemic to Rhodes Island (www.life-gizani.gr).

Managing Aquarium’s hosted species (collection, transport, nutrition, care and display) and monitoring and maintaining the facilities demand daily and elaborate work of a team comprising biologists, ichthyologists and technicians. Special care is devoted to the preparation and distribution of food to the aquarium-hosted specimens. Their diet includes squids, mussels, shrimps, octopuses, fishes and fresh vegetables.

An open seawater circulation system is installed, i.e. the water is continuously renovated, with a minimum treatment, ensuring almost natural living conditions for the hosted specimens. The seawater, pumped at 44m, is filtered through pro-filters and sand-filters and successively is distributed to the tanks. A volume of about 75.000 liters of seawater circulates in the Aquarium’s installations, the curatorial tanks included. The seawater temperature in the tanks is 16,5-17° C in winter and 19-22° C in summer. The pH ranges from 7,90 to 8,60, the salinity is about 39‰, the dissolved oxygen 6,70-8,80 mg/l and the turbidity is nearly zero. Telematics are used for monitoring the aquarium’s technical installations and the seawater quality.

A closed system is used for the 3.500 liters of fresh water circulating in the exhibition and laboratory tanks. The fresh water undergoes an ultraviolet treatment and is recycled through mechanical and biological filters, while its physical-chemical parameters are daily monitored.

Museum’s interesting collection comprises rare exhibits that are accompanied with informative material and video-projections.

Opening hours
The Aquarium is open daily at following hours:
From April 1 – October 1 at 09.00 – 20.30
From November 1 – March 31 at 09.00 – 16.30
Closed on Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday, Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year’s Day (January 1).

Tsambika beach

staff — Fri, 07 May 2010 15:34:39 +0000

Tsambika is an 800 meters long beach of fine pure sand, gently shelving on the east coast of the island of Rhodes. Distant at about 26 km from the capital, this pure-sand beach has survived from permanent development as most of the land is owned by the Orthodox Church. In fact, at the north end of the beach, on a sharp peak overlooking the beach, there is the church of Panagià Tsambika.

This beach is considered as one of the best beaches on the island. It has crystal clear waters and it’s considered ideal for families with children as it is all sandy and shallow. There are umbrellas and loungers, watersports and a few canteens for sandwiches, ice cream and refreshments.

Tsambika can be reached by public transport but it is better to get there by car or bike as there are a lot of interesting surroundings to explore. Tsambika beach video clip

Aquarium beach

staff — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 10:31:50 +0000

The Aquarium beach, as the name suggests, lies in front of the Aquarium building, at a short distance from the town center. It is a mixed type of beach with large strips of sand. Surrounded by hotels it is the ideal place for long walks down by the sea. It is located exactly on the most northern point of the island. The beach starts from the east side which is the most popular and following the coastline bends to the west. So for most of the times can offer the choice of a windy – usually the west side – or of a calm sea. The water here is very clean but children must not be left unattended, as strong currents are developed around the tip.

The beach is easily accessed with some of parking space in the nearby. Most of the east side is covered with deck chairs and beach umbrellas for rent and it is pretty common to see ladies sunbathing topless. In high season it can be difficult to find chairs for rent here, as the beach is full of hotel guests but you can always take your towels from the and spread them out closer to the water front.

A lifesaver service operates from June to October daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Also there are lifesaving and first aid equipment and staff on duty on the beach. There are sport facilities and facilities for disabled people (ramps, WC).

Elli beach

staff — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 10:21:31 +0000

Elli beach also known as Trambolino beach is located at the northern tip of the island, facing towards the east, very close to the town center with plenty of hotels around. It is about 400 m long and 35 m wide, running in front of the Casino of Rhodes. It confines with the Aquarium beach to the north. The beach type is mixed with some parts of sand and some covered with pebbles and it is very easily accessed with a lot of parking spaces beside it.

Along the beach-front there are a few lounge bars with cushy chairs going all the way down to the water, bars with cold drinks and little restaurants facing the beach. In high season, it can be very difficult to find chairs for rent here, as the beach is full of hotel guests.

A lifesaver service operates from June to October daily from 10 am to 6 pm. There are lifesaving and first aid equipment, facilities for disabled people (ramps, WC) and staff on duty on the beach.

Afandou

staff — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:34:47 +0000

Lying on a narrow, fertile and flat coastal plain, backed by some green hills the village of Afandou (or Afantou Greek: Αφάντου)¹ is one of the biggest villages on Rhodes (pop. 5500). It is the seat of the Municipality of Afantou, located on the east coast of the island at about 18 km south of the capital and 20 km from Diagoras International Airport.

The name of the village derives from the Greek word afanto which means invisible, and for a good reason. There were times when Mediterranean islands were overrun by the pirates. The villagers in order to protect themselves from the excursions choose wisely the position their village close enough to the beach but in a place not noticeable from the sea.

Although it is not considered among the top tourist spots on the island, Afandou has recently begun gaining popularity for its fabulous 4 km long beach and its vicinity with the famous Faliraki (5 km). Like any other place in Rhodes, this village is also all natural beauty but at the same time you can find everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable vacation in a relaxing atmosphere. At the village square you can spend night and day, enjoy drinks and watch people passing by and still not get bored. There are stores and shops of every kind. You can find great stuff and get gifts from the souvenir shops to take home like the hand-made carpets, a local speciality or the beautiful hand decorated ceramics (notably painted plates bearing a deer the symbol of Rhodes).

In the village and the surroundings of Afandou, there are a number of modern holiday villas, apartments, hotels and studios that one can book to stay. Afandou beach is perfect for kids, being wide, at a safe distance from the busy traffic and offering calm and clear water. The miniature “train” that runs between the village and the bay makes it very easy to access the beach and it is bound to appeal particularly to kids. If you like walking there are several paths you in the olive and orange tree orchards that surround the village or you can take a walk up to the hilltop church of Profitis Ilias, offering impressive sea views. On the main road that leads down to the beach stands the small but very old church of Pagagia Katholiki with 16th-century frescoes, built on the remains of an early Christian basilica.

There is a number of activities which you can practice during your holidays in Afandou, mainly a choice of water sports down on the beach-front. Golfers will particularly enjoy the 18 holes 72-par golf court designed by Donald Harradine, overlooking the sea, at Afandou Golf Club.

A common problem when dealing with Greek names is how to render them using latin characters. The letters nt (ντ) are pronounced more like d in the local Rhodian idiom. Notice that the letter d, although it originates from the Greek δ, has no phonetic correspondent in Greek.

Wi-Fi access in Rhodes

staff — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:26:26 +0000

There is rapidly growing number of wi-fi spots and wireless networks all around the island. A large number of hotels, in particular those that offer convention facilities, have wi-fi services with internet access. In addition there is a number of subscription based networks offering hotspots mainly in and around the town center. Forthnet (a Greek Carrier) offers wifi access at Starbucks caffes (2 locations in town center) and at the McDonalds. You have to be a Forthnet customer or you need to buy a card in order to use them. A local company, Rodos Wi-Fi, offers the widest network operating in the town. Also SkyFi has a subscription hot spot located at the Hellenic Tours offices.

Recently, the Dodecanese Prefecture published a map of free access wi-fi hotspots at various locations around the town center of Rhodes. For more information you may contact wifi@nad.gr (SSID: www.nad.gr – no password required).

Most of the cafes in Rhodes town offer wireless free access. For example all of the Swedco and Finn cafes have open hot spots offering free internet access. You can also search at Free-Hotspot.com although the site doesn’t seem to be very up-to-date.

The Municipality of Rhodes offers free Wi-Fi access in the following locations:

Aktaion cafeteria, Elevtherias Sq. (Mandraki)
Palio Syssitio cafeteria, 179, Socratous St. (Medieval Town)
Information Office of the Municipality of Rhodes, 3, Averof St.

Also the Municipality of Kalithea is offering free wireless internet access in Psinthos and Koskinou. In the center of Faliraki a subscription service, RodosDigital WiFi, covers a large area that includes the Bar Str. and the main beach.

According to an announcement free Wi-Fi access will be soon available at Diagoras International Airport.

If you have further information about Wi-Fi access in Rhodes, please post it through your comments.

Kassos

staff — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:41:07 +0000

Kassos (Kàssos, Κάσος) is a small rocky island, steeply raising from the Karpathian sea, at the southernmost part of the Dodecanese islands with a population of 1.088 inhabitants. It is 18 km long with a coast long about 55 km and covers a total area of 64 sq. km. It is located very close to the shores of Karpathos (about 3 nmi) and the eastern part of Crete (26 nmi). The highest peak is Prionas Mt. at 545 m. while there are 5 inhabited settlements on the island. Fry (Frì, Φρύ) is the capital and harbor while Agia Marina, built on a slope above Fry, is the biggest village.

› View more photos on Flickr

This small island has a long, rich history, with traces dating back to the Minoan Period and a strong naval tradition. It is estimated that during the times of the Greek Revolution, Kassos population numbered about 12.000 people. The island paid a heavy price for its generous involvement in the Revolution. In the spring of 1824, Ottoman naval forces destroyed the islands and its villages completely, killing about 1.000 people, raping and bringing to slavery the women and children.

The islands is full of beautiful churches, scattered in all around its territory, and impressive captain houses. There is a number of beautiful beaches of any type and many coves to explore. The locals are open ad warm. They’re famous for their dairy products and their traditional recipes that combine tastes of the Mediterranean with spices from the East.

Kassos is regularly connected by ferry and by air with Rhodes, Karpathos and Crete.

Seven Springs

staff — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:56:13 +0000

Seven Springs (Eptà Pigès, Επτά Πηγές) is a great place to escape from the heat of the summer and enjoy a magnificent natural scenery. It is a romantic destination surrounded by woodland and green, distant about 30 km from the capital, on the road that leads from Kolymbia to Archipolis and Eleousa, towards the mountain area of the island. The seven bubbling springs generate water all year long, culminating in a small man-made lake that provides a natural habitat to tortoises, eels, crabs and a rare fish species called gizani that lives exclusively in the creeks of Rhodes.

› View more photos on Flickr

The access to the lake is really popular with visitors and a tremendous experience. The combination of crystal-clear waters with pine and plate trees creates a peaceful scenery, offering the visitor relaxing moments. To get to the lake you have to walk through a very narrow dark tunnel 186 m long. The tunnel, constructed back in 1931, leads the water of the seven springs and river Loutanis to the lake. Almost at the middle its length, there is a well used as an air-shaft. Walking through the dark tunnel with your feet in the running water, is an eerie yet exciting and unforgettable experience that can be particularly refreshing. If you don’t fancy the trip through the tunnel, then you can simply follow a walking path to the lake.

The lake itself is about 200 m in length, 10 to 50 m wide and from 1 to 8 m deep and has a small cascade at its narrow end. It is used as a depository for the irrigation of Kolymbia region. It is the only place in Rhodes where visitors can enjoy a swim in fresh water. Surrounding the springs are beautiful cool pine trees and rich vegetation. There are many little rustic bridges and rivers, numerous footpaths and the area is known for the geese, ducks and peacocks wandering through the woods.

The area belongs to a Natura 2000¹ protected zone (GR4210006) together with the Valley of Butterflies (Petaloùdes, Πεταλούδες) and Mt. Profitis Elias².

¹ Natura 2000 is the centrepiece of EU nature & biodiversity policy. It is an EUwide network of nature protection areas established under the 1992 Habitats Directive. The aim of the network is to assure the long-term survival of Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitat.
² Greece has a total of 359 Natura 2000 zones, many of them located on the islands. On Rhodes there are 2 different zones the second one (GR4210005) extends over an area of 27.514,59 ha at the south-western part of the island.

Natura Areas in South Aegean

Kritinia

staff — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:09:01 +0000

Kritinia (Κρητηνία) located in the southern part of the island, at a distance of about 50 km from the capital city of Rhodes. It is a small picturesque village (pop. 650) with lovely sea views and a little harbor, Kamiros skala, at 4 km that connects with the island of Halki. Here at this charming place, the authentic Greek islands feel emerges. Surrounded by the beautiful landscape you will really enjoy your visit.

The local economy is based in farming as Kritinia along with Embona and Mandriko, are the most productive agricultural areas of the island.

The main attraction is the medieval Castle of Kritinia, located just outside the village, stands proudly overlooking out across the bay atop a pine clad hill. In the nearby small monastery of St. Ioannis you view paintings dating back in the 16th century. There also some small secluded beaches like Kalami and Paliochora, a good choice if you want to avoid the crowd ones but keep in mind that this part of the island can be particularly windy.