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La Juderia

The Island of Rhodes has maintained a Jewish community for centuries. During the 1920's the Island had an estimated Jewish population of 4,000, whose social and cultural background was strongly influenced by the refugees of the Spanish Inquisition. Now in Rhodes there are only 7 families, 35 people, of Jewish origin remaining. The Jewish Quarter of the city was affectionately known as "La Juderia".

The Square of the Martyred Jews:

The "Square of the Martyred Jews" (known in Greek as " Evreon Martyron "), is located in the heart of the former Jewish Quarter. The square was originally an area of Jewish homes and small shops. However, the area was bombed during World War II, and in its place was established a small park and square. The present fountain ornamented with three seahorses replaced a previous fountain that was destroyed during World War II.

The “Kahal Shalom” synagogue:

The “Kahal Shalom” is the oldest synagogue in Greece, and the sole remaining Jewish synagogue on Rhodes used for services. There was once six synagogues in the Jewish Quarter (called "La Juderia"). The “Kahal Shalom” was built in the year 1577. The full name of the building is “Kahal Kadosh Shalom” (Holy Congregation of Peace). It is used for prayer services when visitors or former residents and their families visit the island for Friday night services, High Holiday services and for special occasions. A great Woman Lucia Soulam, a survivor of Aushwitz, is the caretaker of the “Kahal Shalom” Synagogue in Rhodes. She speaks Judeo Spanish (Ladino), Italian, Greek and a little French and Turkish and very little English.

The Rhodes Jewish Museum :

Here you will be provided with information regarding the historical exhibition which is located in the rooms formerly used as the women's prayer rooms at the "Kahal Shalom" synagogue, it is home to a memorial of the once large Jewish community here in Rhodes, housing many photos and memorial plaques.

The Jewish Cemetery :

Originally the Jewish cemeteries in Rhodes were forced to be moved by the Italian government during the late 1930's away from the Jewish Quarter to its present location in the new city. The Jewish Cemetery is one of the best preserved in Europe and contains tombstones from the 1500's to the present and it is located outside the Old City of Rhodes along the main road towards Kalitheas and Faliraki. Excavations of additional tombstones are continuing and during the last five years over 300 burial stones have been uncovered.