Liberty Gate

Crossing through Liberty Gate, visitors transition from the imposing ancient moat into the vibrant Mandraki, the newer section of Rhodes that once served as a formidable military harbor.

Today, Mandraki offers a picturesque scene with its array of yachts, inviting coffee houses, and the charmingly reconstructed medieval windmills, standing as a testament to the area’s rich historical tapestry. At the entrance to Mandraki harbor, travelers are greeted by two striking columns, each topped with sculptures of a deer – a male and a female. These statues are not merely decorative but symbolize a captivating legend tied to the island. Historically, Rhodes grappled with a severe snake infestation that threatened the well-being of its inhabitants. Desperate for a solution, the locals consulted the oracle at Delphi, seeking divine intervention. The oracle, channeling the wisdom of Apollo, advised the introduction of deer to the island. Miraculously, as the deer populated the landscape, the snakes vanished, leading to a significant reduction in their numbers. This successful ecological intervention marked the deer as a symbol of Rhodes, a status they maintain to this day. Presently, around 2,000 deer roam freely in the mountainous regions of the island, protected under strict conservation laws that prohibit hunting.

The Liberty Gate itself, flanked by the historical moat and the modern vibrancy of Mandraki, serves as a portal between eras, encapsulating the enduring legacy and the evolving story of Rhodes. This location not only offers a glimpse into the medieval past with its architectural elements but also tells a story of ecological triumph and cultural heritage through the deer of Rhodes.

Photo: Jorge Láscar