Mandraki Harbour

Overview

Mandraki is the ancient harbour of Rhodes, where the Colossus of Rhodes — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — is believed to have stood. Today two bronze deer statues stand on columns at the narrow entrance, with the medieval fortress of St Nicholas beyond.

Highlights

• Bronze Deer: A stag and doe on twin pillars mark where the Colossus may have once straddled the harbour entrance.
• Windmills: Three restored medieval grain windmills stand along the harbour mole.
• Fort of St Nicholas: A 15th-century seaside fortress at the end of the breakwater, now a lighthouse.

History

Mandraki has served as a harbour since antiquity. The Colossus of Rhodes, a 33-metre bronze statue of the sun god Helios, stood near here from 280 BC until an earthquake toppled it in 226 BC. The current deer statues were placed in the 1930s.

Visitor Tips

• Morning Walk: The harbour promenade is pleasant in the early morning with yacht masts and the medieval skyline as a backdrop.
• Boat Trips: Excursion boats to Symi and Lindos depart from here.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.