Centre de Conférence Bouddhiste

“Did you hear about the church built by a former king?” Aghios Konstantinos stands before you, a testament to the turbulent history of Rhodes. In its simplicity, it echoes the tale of Theodosios III, a tax collector thrust into the whirlwind of rebellion. Imagine the year 715. The Byzantine Empire, weakened by internal strife, is battling the relentless Umayyad Caliphate. A fleet, dispatched to counter the Arab threat, finds itself embroiled in a mutiny, right here in Rhodes. Theodosios, a reluctant figurehead, is proclaimed emperor by the rebellious sailors. Aghios Konstantinos, built centuries later, stands as a silent witness to this pivotal moment. It’s a humble structure, devoid of the grandeur of the Palace of the Grand Masters or the ancient ruins that dot this island. Yet, in its very existence, it speaks volumes about the shifting tides of power and the unexpected turns of fate that have shaped Rhodes. Theodosios’ reign was short-lived, ending in a forced abdication. However, his story, intertwined with the rise of Aghios Konstantinos, serves as a reminder that even the seemingly insignificant can become pivotal in the grand narrative of history. As you gaze at Aghios Konstantinos, remember the echoes of rebellion, the tax collector turned emperor, and the enduring spirit of Rhodes that has weathered storms and emerged stronger, its history etched in stone and whispered in the wind.