The historical ''Aktaion''

It was founded during the Ottoman oppression as an Officer’s club, but after the Italians seized the Dodecanese islands on May 5, 1912 almost unarmed – persecuting the Ottomans who had conquered them since 1522 – they embraced it and turned it into a Military and Political Club.

They renamed the Club in “Circolo d ‘Italia” and it was used again as a Club of Italian Officers and Senior Officials of the State. From 1912 until 1948, all social events take place in the same Aktaion as todays. Next to the Italian Club, in the area of ​​Mandraki, parades, musical events, major political, sporting, social and religious events took place, and every Sunday afternoon brides would meet potential suitors and they were then auctioned.

Thousands of young people children, elders and their families would go there every Sunday to take a walk, eat some ice cream – whilst the young boys would try to catch a hint, a nod or a smile from one of the girls from the villages of our Beautiful Island.

Since 1948, all formal political speeches directed to the public, numerous literary, sporting and social events have been hosted at this historic center of Rhodes. Even Mr. Plastiras spoke from Aktaion’s balcony.

At the time of our Liberation, March 31, 1947, and at the time of the incorporation of the Dodecanese islands in the state of Greece (March 7, 1948), all events were centered and targeted at AKTAION, which is so loved and appreciated by the Rhodesians and the visitors of our emerald island.

The tree of the beautiful, large and historic courtyard of Aktaion, is also a historic monument. It is called Ficus Benjamina in Latin and “Syke” or “Mikra” in Greek. It was planted on March 31^st, 1947 (Our Liberation Day) as a reminder of the 5,000 year old Hellenic Civilization in the Dodecanese!