In 1934 and during the Italian occupation of the Dodecanese complex of islands between 1912 and 1943, is when the construction of the "Reale Istituto di Ricerche Biologiche di Rodi" (Royal Biological Research Institute of Rhodes) begun and which was completed in 1935. From 1937 onwards it starts to operate as a research center and after the unification of the Dodecanese islands as part of Greek territory, its works are supervised by the Academy of Athens as a Greek Hydrobiological Institute. As of the year 1963 the aquarium - museum is named Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes and is considered an exemplary research unit in the Mediterranean basin covering programs across the entire spectrum of Oceanography.

The Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes attracts the visit of about 200,000 people on an annual basis who wish to explore the wealth of sea life in the region and the unique spectacle it provides. The specially designed tanks contain sea water and a significant number of specimens. In addition, the stone walls of the building and the low lighting complement the extraordinary setting. Last but not least, do not omit to spend some time on the ground floor of the aquarium where you will have the opportunity to admire from a wide selection of embalmed sea mammals and rare shells, to corals and oceanographic apparatus.

The Aquarium of Rhodes is open to the public throughout the year and the opening hours are:

9:00 to 20:30 from 1st April to 31st October

9:00 to 16:30 from 1st November to 31st March

From: Eva Kanellopoulos

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