Square of Jewish Martyrs, Rhodes

Tucked away in the southeast corner of the Old Town, the Jewish Quarter is a maze of narrow streets, anchored by the Square of Jewish Martyrs, also known as Sea Horse Square for its charming sea horse fountain. Here, amidst quaint eateries and shops, lies a solemn reminder of the quarter's poignant history.

Once bustling with life, the quarter was home to 5500 residents a century ago; however, the tumultuous events of the 1930s saw half of its inhabitants flee, while the tragic deportation of 1673 Jews to Auschwitz in 1944 left only 151 survivors. Today, a black marble Memorial, inscribed with the words "Never Forget" in various languages (including English, French, Greek, and Hebrew), stands solemnly in the square, shaded by towering Ficus trees and surrounded by street artists.

For a deeper understanding of this history, visitors can explore the Jewish Museum of Rhodes, accessed via the Kahal Shalom Synagogue.