Twelve cannon holes stare out across the harbor. They are the eyes of the Bastion of St Paul. Each one a silent witness to centuries of history.
Welcome to the Bastion of St Paul in Rhodes. This impressive bastion stands guard over Mandraki Harbour. It’s more than just a fortification. It’s a testament to the skill of medieval builders. It also boasts a rich and fascinating past.
The Bastion of St Paul wasn’t always called that. It was originally known as the Trebuc Tower. Then around 1477 Grand Master Pierre d’Aubusson took charge. He oversaw a major restoration project. A marble sculpture was added. It features the coat of arms of the Hospitallers Order and Pope Sixtus IV. Most importantly it includes an effigy of Paul the Apostle. This act gave the bastion its current name. The inscription “Sanctus Paul” in Gothic characters solidifies its new identity.
The construction techniques are truly remarkable. Experts still study the Bastion of St Paul today. Notice the vertical slots in the outer wall. These are remnants of a drawbridge system. Beams and counterweights once operated it. The same mechanism was used in Saint Athanasius Gate and the D’Amboise Gate.
World War II brought devastation to Rhodes. The Bastion of St Paul suffered immense damage. It almost collapsed completely. However it was painstakingly rebuilt in the early 1950s. Today it stands proudly. A symbol of resilience and a link to a glorious past.
For the best view of Mandraki Harbour. Look east from the foundations of the Naillac Tower. The tower itself is gone now. The view from its former location though remains stunning. Especially at dawn and dusk.
The Bastion of St Paul is more than just stone and mortar. It’s a gateway to the past. It’s a story of construction skill warfare and endurance. Take a moment to appreciate this silent guardian of Rhodes. Feel the weight of history beneath your feet. Let the whispers of centuries past fill your ears. This is the Bastion of St Paul a place where history comes alive.