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Silent under the coats of arms of Jean de Lastic and Pierre d’Aubusson, the Gate of St Athanasius still guards the western curtain of Rhodes Old Town. Knights, Ottomans, Italians, and modern travellers have all passed beneath its pointed arch, yet this portal spent four entire centuries bricked up after Suleiman the Magnificent sealed his 1522 victory.
Today, the gate—often called Saint Francis Gate because of the Italian cathedral nearby—offers one of the most atmospheric entrances to the walled city. This guide retraces its turbulent past, highlights the medieval details still visible, and helps you visit and photograph the site with insight.
The Gate of St Athanasius was constructed in 1441–1442 under Grand Master Jean de Lastic, and reinforced in 1487 by Pierre d’Aubusson, whose cross still decorates the gate. It was a functional portal that connected the moat system with internal roads, positioned between two major defensive lines near the powerful D’Amboise Gate.
During the siege of 1522, it became a tragic landmark. When Ottoman forces finally broke through the western defenses, it was through this gate that Suleiman’s Janissaries entered the city.
To mark his victory, the sultan ordered it sealed “so that no other invader could repeat the conquest the same way.” And so it remained—closed for 400 years, its arch hidden behind solid masonry.
The gate was ceremonially reopened by the Italian authorities in 1922, exactly four centuries after it was sealed. Soon after, in the 1930s, the nearby Cathedral of St Francis of Assisi was constructed, giving rise to the alternate name still used by many locals: Saint Francis Gate.
Standing in front of the gate, you’ll notice the carved coats of arms above the arch—one belonging to Grand Master de Lastic and the other to d’Aubusson. Just above the archway, the Latin motto “HOC ANTEMURALE”, added in 1487, reminds us of its function as a forward bulwark.
Step closer and examine the square holes to either side of the arch. These are the drawbridge grooves where wooden beams once pivoted up to close off the entrance. Inside the reveal, a Farsi inscription remains from Ottoman governor Abdülcelil’s maintenance works—one of the few traces from the post-siege period.
If you descend into the moat path and look back, the gate reveals one of the finest examples of interlocking crossfire design in Rhodes. The surrounding walls were engineered to trap and eliminate attackers in overlapping fields of fire.
Early morning light around 08:30–09:00 is ideal for photos. The western wall receives a warm glow, making the carved reliefs and stone texture stand out beautifully. In the blue hour after sunset, newly installed lighting inside the moat creates a dramatic silhouette through the arch—ideal for long exposures.
A short historical walk could start at the Gate of St Athanasius, then follow the western moat trail to the D’Amboise Gate and loop back using the elevated path along the walls. The total distance is about 1.1 km and takes 25–30 minutes. If you’re pressed for time, consider pairing this gate with the Red Gate (St John’s Gate) just a few minutes away. The two entrances, linked by siege history, form a compelling and compact itinerary.
Why is it also called Saint Francis Gate?
Because the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi stands directly outside the gate. Built during the Italian occupation (1936–1939), it gave the gate its modern nickname.
Is the gate open all day?
Yes. Pedestrians can use the gate 24 hours a day, though vehicle access may be restricted at night during peak season.
Can you still see evidence of the 1522 siege?
Yes. Look closely at the outer walls for impact marks from early bronze cannonballs, preserved during the 2018 restoration effort.
From its medieval origins to its symbolic closure and dramatic reopening, the Gate of St Athanasius is more than an entrance—it’s a witness to the rise and fall of empires.
Beneath its pointed arch, the layers of Rhodes’ history still resonate: the ambition of the Hospitallers, the might of the Ottomans, the ambition of the Italians, and the modern effort to preserve it all. Step through quietly, and you’ll pass not only into the Old Town—but also into six centuries of remembered resilience.
