Reg.Nr. HA-2017/GR/05

Bastion of the Grand Master's Palace in Rhodes

The project focussed on the restoration and enhancement of the Bastion of the Grand Master’s Palace in the medieval town of Rhodes. This composite defensive structure extends to the north of the Palace complex and is surrounded by the dry moat on its three other sides. The ...
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Project details

Title:Bastion of the Grand Master's Palace in Rhodes
Entr. year: 2017
Result:Award
Country: Greece
Town: Island of Rhodes
Category type: building conservation
Building type/ Project type: Military/Defence/Fortified building/system
Former use:Defensive complex; worksite area with machinery for poros stone carving; storage area; electrical power supply substation
Actual use:Venue hosting a variety of cultural events, integrated into the Museum – Conference Centre of the Grand Master’s Palace, with separate entrance through the “Master Builder’s Gate” and access to and from the dry moat.
Built: Middle Ages
Architect / Proj.leader: Directorate of Byzantine and Postbyzantine Antiquities of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports
The Jury's citation: “The careful archaeological research and documentation efforts have effectively recovered much that had been lost of this prominent cultural heritage site, the focal point of the medieval city of Rhodes”. “The project has enhanced this important part of the World Heritage City of Rhodes and helped to recover the fortress’ topographical position. It has also created a new space for public activities, confirming the Palace’s status as a centre of activity in the city”.

Description:
The project focussed on the restoration and enhancement of the Bastion of the Grand Master’s Palace in the medieval town of Rhodes. This composite defensive structure extends to the north of the Palace complex and is surrounded by the dry moat on its three other sides. The project aimed at the restoration of the large-scale collapse at the east side of the Bastion and the overall conservation and upgrading of the areas, once the location of the renowned “garden of the Grand Master”. Furthermore, it was intended to configure – enhance the area as a venue hosting open-air events, taking full advantage of its excellent location with captivating view. The main project was implemented by direct-labour contracts by the Ministry of Culture during 2001-2009 and 2011-2015 in the framework of respective European funding programmes (3rd CSF and NSRF). It included integral restoration of the fortification structures, landscaping of the areas of the garden and integration of reception facilities for visitors. The Bastion – Garden of the Grand Master in its new form and function has been already presented to the public since September 2015 as a venue hosting a variety of cultural events