It is also popularly known as the “Island of the Sun” in honour of the sun god Helios, the “Pearl Island” and “Island of the Knights”, having been under the rule of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem from 1310 to 1522.
It is also famous for the ancient Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Today, the Medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes is a World Heritage Site and is a very popular tourist destination.