Rhodes's 'Pervola' opens to public after 75 years, revealing layers of history

Rhodes's "Pervola" area, a historically significant site adjacent to the Palace of the Grand Master, has been unveiled to the public after remaining inaccessible for 75 years. Previously used as a repository for archaeological finds, a workshop, and even a garage by the Rhodes Antiquities Department, the 20-dunam site was largely forgotten.

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Not the idea, but the undeniable necessity for the development and enhancement of the Pervola arose after the on-site inspection we carried out on November 5, 2021. We found that behind a heavy, constantly closed door was an extremely important, but unseen and inaccessible archaeological site.

The transformation began after a site inspection on November 5, 2021, revealed the area's immense historical value, hidden behind a perpetually closed door. Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni described the site as "an extremely important, but unseen and inaccessible archaeological area."

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It was the site of the Hellenistic shipyards of the sea-faring Rhodes, later the Roman Tetrastoon with its two central streets, the cardo and decumanus, the Knights' mint, and the gardens of the Italian occupation. It was proof of the island's brilliant, historical continuity.

"It was the site of the Hellenistic shipyards of the sea-faring Rhodes," Mendoni explained, "later the Roman Tetrastoon with its two central streets, the cardo and decumanus, the Knights' mint, and the gardens of the Italian occupation. It was proof of the island's brilliant, historical continuity."

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The image was heartbreaking. The entire area was covered with dense vegetation, thousands of scattered architectural members and ceramic objects, while in some places one encountered old canopies, materials and equipment of the Ephorate of Antiquities.

The project involved significant archaeological work, including clearing dense vegetation, removing debris and makeshift shelters, and restoring ancient remains. A major undertaking was the cataloging and safe transfer of over 20,000 scattered artifacts and collections. The area now showcases elements from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Medieval periods, offering a tangible connection to Rhodes's layered past.

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The biggest undertaking was the removal and safe transfer, to appropriate storage areas, of most of the more than 20,000 scattered finds and collections, after their recording and documentation.