Rhodes is about to step into the international spotlight, chosen as the captivating subject for a new episode of Channel 4’s acclaimed television series, “Treasures of the World with Bettany Hughes.”
This highly successful show reaches an astounding audience of nearly two billion viewers across more than 120 global networks. Its creator and presenter, the distinguished historian and author Bettany Hughes, is renowned for her insightful explorations of historically and culturally rich destinations.
This upcoming production follows a previous episode focused on Greece, filmed in 2021, which featured iconic locations like Athens, Nafplio, Sparta, Aigai, Olympia, and Epidaurus.
The “Treasures of the World” team’s interest in Rhodes stems from its centuries-old history, profound cultural heritage, and the stunning natural landscape that has consistently drawn visitors to its shores.
The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) is backing Rhodes’ inclusion, providing approximately €66,800 in funding to support filming and secure promotional rights. The decision to spotlight Rhodes is expected to significantly boost the island’s global visibility, showcasing its unique charm and solidifying Greece’s image as a destination offering authentic experiences.
Rhodes boasts a rich and layered history, a testament to its strategic position at the crossroads of civilizations. Its story begins in antiquity, with the island flourishing as a major maritime and trading power.
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes, a colossal bronze statue of the sun god Helios, once straddled its harbor entrance, symbolizing its ancient might. The island later became a significant center in the Roman and Byzantine Empires.
However, it was under the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John from the 14th to the 16th centuries that Rhodes truly left an indelible mark. They transformed the capital, Rhodes Town, into a formidable medieval fortress, an architectural marvel with imposing walls, a grand Palace of the Grand Master, and intricate Gothic buildings.
This medieval city, still remarkably preserved, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, inviting visitors to step back in time. Subsequent Ottoman and Italian rule each left their own distinct cultural and architectural imprints, contributing to the island’s unique mosaic of historical periods.
Beyond its historical grandeur, Rhodes captivates with its diverse and breathtaking natural beauty. The island offers a stunning array of landscapes, from the sun-drenched, golden beaches of its eastern coast, perfect for swimming and relaxation, to the more rugged, wind-swept shores of the west, ideal for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Inland, verdant valleys like the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) provide serene oases, teeming with unique flora and fauna. Pine and cypress forests carpet the hills, leading to panoramic viewpoints that offer sweeping vistas of the Aegean Sea.
Charming traditional villages, nestled in the countryside, exude an authentic Greek island atmosphere with their whitewashed houses and bougainvillea-draped alleys.
The combination of its crystalline turquoise waters, dramatic coastlines, lush interiors, and year-round sunshine ensures Rhodes remains a premier destination in Greece.
