05/06/2026
SRU History Students: Abroad Edition 🌎🧳
Wondering why you were seeing castles on our page? No, that’s not what Spotts looks like. Our social media assistant, Eirene Paliouras, was able to travel to the islands of Rhodes and Symi for a little over a week. Over the course of her trip, she was able to explore the islands, soak up the culture, and learn about their rich history!
You may know Rhodes from the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World list which features the Colossus of Rhodes. While the 30-meter bronze statue depicting Helios no longer exists, there are many wonders on this island. One of them is Rhodes’s Medieval Old Town, which was built by the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem who ruled from 1310 to 1522. Since its construction, it has served as a cultural center and has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Greek Orthodoxy has always been a key component of Greece’s culture and a vital part to Eirene’s identity. She was able to hike up the historical 300 steps to the Panagia Tsambika Monastery located on Tsambika Mountain. The icon of Panagia Tsambika holds cultural importance as it has proven to be miracle-working icon for women struggling to bear children. Another miraculous icon Eirene was able to see was Agios (Saint) Phanourious located in the heart of Old Town. He is famous for helping people find lost or hidden things, or spiritual matters of the heart. In Greece and amongst Greek populations around the world, people honor Agios Phanourious by making a symbolic cake called “Phanouropita.”
By exploring islands full of castles, miracles, pebble-lined streets, and runaway goats, Eirene was able to use her research skills from the SRU history program to cultivate items she wants to use in future projects in her college career and beyond.
Interested in planning a historical trip? Check out the deep, rich, and bountiful culture and history of Rhodes and Symi! 🏰
