On Rhodes Island there are a number of sightseeing places and attractive sites that you can visit during your vacations here. The wide variety of attractions that is offered by Rhodes Island is not matched by any other tourist destination in the world. Rhodian Deer Statues is one of the attractions in old town that you must see during your Rhodes Holidays.

Rhodian Deer Statues:
On the entrance of Mandraki harbour you will find the two deer statues guarding it. These are the sculptures of the unique Rhodian deer which has now become a symbol of Rhodes Island. The statues of deer on two slim columns are found on the entrance of harbour of Mandraki – one is a stag while the other is a doe. The statues look very appealing and never go unnoticed when you come to the pictorial harbour of Mandraki during Rhodes Holidays. If you know the history and significance of the Dama Dama deer you will find the Rhodian deer statues in old town more interesting and attractive for your Rhodes Holidays.

Dama-Dama- The Rhodian Deer:
The Dama-Dama deer also known as the Rhodian Deer is unique deer species found only on Rhodes Island in Greece. According to legends, the deer was brought to the Island during the Crusades, many centuries ago, in medieval times. However, many sources and findings have revealed that they existed on the island since ancient times. Indeed, the island of Rhodes was known as “Elafioussa’ that means “with many deers” in the olden times. The Dama Dama deer is unique to Rhodes and existed in a large number on the island. That is why, when you enter from Mandraki Harbour, you see the deer statues that serve as a symbol of Rhodes.

Significance of the Dama Dama Deer:
The Dama Dama Deer of Rhodes is significant for many reasons. One of the reasons for why the deer is significant is that it was effective against poisonous snakes that infested the island and threatened human lives.

There are many stories, myths and beliefs that how the Dama Dama deer caused the number of the snakes to diminish greatly. All beliefs about the deer propose that the deer were in one way or the other very effective in minimizing the poisonous snake population.

Cause of Extinction:
During the times of Knights of St John the deer were reintroduced on the island. This allowed the deer to flourish during medieval times. During the Ottoman era they were hunted to extinction but were reintroduced later in 1930s by the Italians. At present, a very small population of Rhodian deer is left which are kept in a well protected natural habitat in park. The Dama Dama deer is not just important for maintaining balance in ecosystem but also as it is a symbol of Rhode’s glory. The unique Rhodian deer specie is a must see attraction on island of Rhodes for Rhodes holidays. Therefore, in order to appreciate the importance of the Dama Dama deer and its role in Rhodes, you must see the Rhodian Deer Statues.

When you come for Rhodes Holidays to Rhodes Island, you will be welcomed by the Rhodian Deer Statues on the entrance to Mandraki harbour. We recommend that you choose a Aparthotel Rhodes like Rhodes Town Hotels in order to see the other attraction here too.

Tags: Dama Dama, Hotels, Rhodes Holidays, Rhodes Island, Rhodian Deer Statues

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