Church of the Virgin of the Burgh Ruins

The ruins of this Gothic Roman Catholic church are inside the medieval town, near the Gate of the Virgin. The church dates from the 14th century and was most likely one of the first buildings erected by the knights. During the Turkish occupation of Rhodes, the Ottomans converted the church into a mosque. Not much remains today due to the bombings of World War II. Only the three apses and parts of the small chapel have survived. However, it is an important monument as there are few other Roman Catholic churches from this period left on the islands. Fun Fact: The name "Burgh" comes from the commoners (as opposed to the knights) who inhabited this part of town

The Church of the Virgin of the Burgh lies at the eastern edge of the Rhodes Old City, in the Jewish Quarter. The 14th century construction is one of the oldest remaining buildings from the era of the Knights of Hospitaller during medieval times.Its grand, original Gothic style remains impressive, even though it sadly suffered damage from bombing during World War II. Only three of the church’s apses have survived unharmed and, despite the heavy damage, it retains a strong spiritual air and you can often find painters and artists gathered there soaking up the inspiration in the air. It was considered to be the most important Catholic Church on Rhodes, but, following the extensive damage, is no longer used.Located within the Old City, the church forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in 1300 and used by the Knights of St. John Hospitaller. Until its partial destruction, it was the largest church within the Old City.Located in the burgess district of the Medieval City – hence its name –, also known as the Upper Jewish Quarter, this construction has come to be emblematic of the activities of a foundation benefiting from extensive real property assets, including a hospital within Alhadef Park.Built sometime during the rule of the Grand Master Villeneuve (1319-1346), the construction was later, during the Knights era, to be endowed with six chapels and some seven vaulted tombs, encrusted within the northern wall of the church. During the Italian rule (1912 – 1943), restoration works were launched, freeing the original site of Panagia tou Bourgou, through the expropriation and razing of various homes allowed therein in the previous century. The Gate of our Lady (Pyli tis Panagias) was opened in 1955. Restoration works on this picturesque site are still under way whilst musical events have been hosted on these premises.

The Marienkirche in the castle, once the largest Catholic church in the old town of Rhódos, dates from the 14th century.