Jewish Museum of Rhodes

Rhodes Town


The Jewish presence on Rhodes dates back to the 2nd century BC, while a 13th-century influx of Jewish refugees from Spain resulted in the creation of a local ‘Ladino’ dialect combining Spanish and Hebrew. This fascinating museum, entered via the 1577 Kahal Shalom Synagogue, celebrates the history of the community through photos and documents, and mourns its tragic end with mass deportations to Auschwitz in 1944.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rhodes Town attractions

1. Kahal Shalom Synagogue

Built in 1577, and featuring a fine black-and-white pebble-mosaic floor, Kahal Shalom Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in Greece. A commemorative plaque…

2. Jewish Quarter

0.09 MILES

The Jewish Quarter, an enclave of narrow lanes in the Old Town’s southeast corner, centres on Plateia Evreon Martyron (Square of the Jewish Martyrs). Now…

3. Virgin Mary's Gate

0.09 MILES

This modern city gate, opened in 1955, connects the Old Town with the harbour.

4. Akandia Gate

0.12 MILES

At the southeast corner of the Old Town, this is one of the few city gates you can drive through, with parking to the right inside.

5. St Catherine's Gate

0.16 MILES

Also known as the Windmills Gate, St Catherine’s Gate provided access to the windmills on the waterfront.

6. Ibrahim Pasha Mosque

0.18 MILES

The oldest mosque on Rhodes, built soon after the Ottomans arrived in the 16th century; it's not open to visitors.

7. Marine Gate

0.2 MILES

This imposing pedestrian gateway makes a dramatic point of entry for arriving ferry passengers. If you use the Old Town as a base for some island hopping,…

8. St John's Gate

0.21 MILES

The gate of St John is said to have become dyed red with blood during the siege of 1522.