The Church of the Virgin of the Burgh (Panagia tou Bourgou) features Gothic church ruins in Rhodes’ Old Town, slightly off the tourist paths.
This historic site is a window into the island’s Gothic and medieval past. Those who wander here will discover a serene and almost romantic atmosphere, and photographers will be especially happy to find quiet and charm without having to go too far.
A sublime portrait of the past
Panagia tou Bourgou Rhodes, also known as the Virgin Mary of the Burgh or Our Lady of Mercy, is one of the first churches built in Rhodes’ Old Town and one of its most distinctive landmarks.
When I see the photos I took there, I like to imagine its large stained-glass windows that once bathed the interior in vibrant colors, surrounded by high pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and elegant stone-carved details.
Originally dating from the early 14th century, this Rhodes Old Town medieval church was eventually destroyed in 1522, when the Ottomans laid siege to the town, and later endured severe damage during World War II bombings on the island.
Yet today, these Gothic church ruins in Rhodes remain hauntingly beautiful and still maintain that sort of decadent grandeur that Greece knows how to do so well.
Chasing the sun between the stones
That morning in Rhodes, I wanted to run a bit further and I casually discovered the ruins of the Church of the Virgin of the Burgh. When I arrived, there was no daylight yet, but I had the feeling that if I waited, I might be able to catch the sun coming through the old windows of the church.
And that’s exactly what happened. I waited 10 minutes for the sun to be high enough that I could catch the light passing through the ruins, and I positioned myself to include the Virgin Mary Gate (Panayia Gate) in the same photo.
Funnily enough, at that moment a cruise ship was passing by and it was visually framed by the Virgin Mary Gate in the background, creating a lively portrait of what Rhodes’ Old Town is like: a mix of ancient history and contemporary life.
A fascinating coincidence, but also a reward for patience and good timing, two qualities that will change your life as a photographer!
Tips for photographing Panagia tou Bourgou (Rhodes)
- To catch sunlight streaming through the arches of the Church of the Virgin of the Burgh, you need to be there early in the morning, shortly after sunrise.
- Depending on the time of day, be aware that some visitors use the ruins to pose for social media photos in their bathing suits, which takes away some of the mystique. Another reason to show up early!
- When researching the location, don’t confuse this with Our Lady of the Castle, another Rhodes Old Town medieval church, not far from there.
See also how my other photo this time of the full moon in Rhodes came out!
