Mole Naillac and De Naillac Tower

Nestled along the historic coastline of Rhodes, the Mole Naillac and De Naillac Tower stand as formidable reminders of the island’s medieval past. Constructed in the early 14th century by the Knights Hospitaller, this defensive bastion was strategically designed to protect the harbor and fortify the city against naval attacks.

The tower, named after the Grand Master Philibert de Naillac, who played a significant role in strengthening the fortifications of Rhodes, served not just as a military outpost but also as a pivotal point for administrative and commercial activities in the Knights’ period. Under De Naillac’s leadership, from 1396 to 1421, Rhodes witnessed significant enhancements in its defense mechanisms, preparing it for the numerous sieges that would come, including the persistent assaults by the Ottomans.

The architecture of the tower is a captivating example of medieval military construction, featuring robust stone walls and strategic vantage points essential for surveillance and defense. The adjoining mole, or pier, extends into the sea, illustrative of the period’s engineering acumen, which allowed for better control of naval activities and effective loading and unloading of goods, crucial for the economic sustenance of the island during the siege times.

Legend has it that the tower was also the site of secret meetings and planning sessions held by the knights during times of imminent threats. The tales recount how, through the thick walls of De Naillac Tower, strategies were devised that would eventually lead to the successful repulsion of various sieges, crafting a narrative of resilience and strategic brilliance that is celebrated in the local lore.

Today, this historical structure offers a profound glimpse into the chivalric and tumultuous past of Rhodes, embodying the spirit of an era characterized by knightly valor and the relentless pursuit of protection and peace in the Mediterranean.

Photo: Jorge Láscar