Rhodes, which is often called the pearl of the Mediterranean, is extraordinarily rich in both natural beauties and archaeological sites. It has been declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.
At the entrance to the harbor once stood the famous Colossus - one of the seven wonders of the ancient world - which is a huge bronze statue depicting the god Helios with a burning torch in his hand. One of his feet rested on one edge of the entrance to the harbor, the other on the other, ships passed in the space between them. This statue, destroyed by a terrible earthquake, is still being sought. However, most likely, the Colossus broke into pieces, which the Saracens sold as bronze.