When coming for vacation to Rhodes Island you have plenty of choices when it comes to visiting the attraction and sightseeing. The wide variety of attractions that is offered by Rhodes Island is not matched by any other tourist destination in the world. When you come for Rhodes holidays to the old town, one of the main attractions you will find is the Rhodian Deer Statues.
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. At the entrance of Mandraki harbour the statues of deer are found - there is a doe and a stag placed on elegant, long and slim columns. The statues look very appealing and never go unnoticed when you come to the pictorial harbour of Mandraki during Rhodes Holidays. In order to really know the attraction that these Rhodian Deer Statues offer for your Rhodes Holidays and why these statues are so important, you must know about the special Dama-Dama deer of Rhodes.
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. When you enter the Mandraki harbour, you find the Rhodian deer statues on the entrance as they are the 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. However, all beliefs suggest that they were effective in one way or the other in combating the reptiles.
Cause of Extinction:
During the times of Knights of St John the deer were reintroduced on the island. This helped the deer to flourish and grow in number on the island in olden 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. As you can find this deer only in Rhodes therefore you must not miss to watch it during 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.
As you enter the Island of Rhodes from Mandraki harbour for your Rhodes Holidays, the Rhodian deer will welcome you. Aparthotel Rhodes or Rhodes Town Hotels are easily available in the old town and new town of Rhodes.