Place Villa de vecchi

An interesting place like the Villa de Vecchi, which we came across by chance, can be found on the slope of the Prophet Elijah mountain (798 m above sea level). You can drive to the nearby Elafos Hotel, where you can park or start an easier ascent from the village of Salakos.  

The history of the Villa de Vecchi dates back to the period of Italian possession of the island of Rhodes. It is better known under the name Mussolini's villa. At the time, it figured in the plans of the Italian fascists as a potential resting place for the Duce – the truth is, however, that Mussolini never visited the villa. The villa is named after one of the leading fascist politicians, Cesare Maria De Vecchi, Count of Val Cismon. This Italian commander was the governor of the Italian possession of the Aegean Islands until the end of 1940.

The building is in a desolate state, as nature and vandals have taken care of it, but it is still freely accessible. During the tour, you need to be careful of falling plaster and other material and, for example, only enter the terrace with a view to the sea from the edge. A relatively well-preserved chapel is located one terrace above. A visit to the dilapidated Villa de Vecchi on the island of Rhodes is definitely worth a visit, as is a tour of the surrounding area.