Old Silk Factory

The Old Silk Factory, nestled in the southern part of Rhodes Island, Greece, offers a compelling glimpse into a poignant chapter of the island's past. Far from a typical museum with curated exhibits, this site is an abandoned historical establishment that serves as a powerful point of interest for those seeking a deeper understanding of Rhodes' wartime history.

A Vestige of Italian Control and War History 🕰️

Originally established during the period of Italian control of Rhodes (specifically between 1937 and 1943), the Old Silk Factory was not merely a textile production site. Its strategic location near Kattavia village meant it also functioned as a vital storage facility for both civilian supplies and materials destined for the nearby military airport.

However, its history took a darker turn following September 11, 1943, when Germany's defeat of the Italian forces led to its repurposing. The factory was then utilized by the Nazis as a "laager," or detention camp, to imprison Italian soldiers. According to historical sources, this site bore witness to immense suffering, including the starvation and murder of many Italian soldiers and Greek civilians. Italian accounts suggest that approximately 40 executions occurred within its walls, making it a place of solemn remembrance rather than lighthearted amusement.

Visitors venturing around the area might also discover other abandoned structures from the Italian control period, adding to the sense of stepping back in time.

Visiting the Site: What to Expect and Considerations 🤔

For those considering a visit to the Old Silk Factory, it's essential to set appropriate expectations, as this is an unmaintained, abandoned "lost place":

1. Entry and Cost: There is no entry fee to access the site, making it an accessible historical landmark.
2. Condition of the Site: As an abandoned structure, the factory retains its raw, untouched character. Some reviewers note the presence of "hazards," suggesting visitors should exercise caution, particularly if considering bringing small children.
3. Photography Opportunity: The desolate beauty and historical weight of the factory make it a particularly interesting subject for photography enthusiasts, especially when the lighting conditions are favorable.
4. Atmosphere: Expect a "very warm" environment, even in cooler months like October. More importantly, the site carries a heavy historical significance. Many visitors emphasize that it is a place for "sober remembrance," not for joking or trivializing its past.
5. Amenities: Be prepared for a lack of modern amenities. There are no shadowed parking slots, and contrary to its name, you certainly "could not buy silk" here.

In conclusion, the Old Silk Factory offers a unique and sobering experience for visitors to Rhodes. It is highly recommended for those with an interest in WW2 history, abandoned places, or historical photography, providing a powerful, unvarnished connection to a significant and often tragic period of European history. It stands as a silent testament to the lives that were impacted by the events of the past.

Lovely place to pull up and see the old silk factory. Very warm in even on October. Little tiny house to the left down dirt road, abandoned but has chairs and tables in it..

This abandoned silk factory just off the main road, close to Kattavia village, represents the period under the Italian control of Rhodes. Was used both to store materials for civilian and the military airport from 1937 to 1943. When Germany defeated the Reign of Italy after the 11tj of September 1943, it was used by Germans as a laager to detain Italian soldiers. According to Italian sources, an approximate number of 40 executions happened in this place.If you go around, you can see other abandoned buildings form the Italian control period.

Positive:- no entry fee- nice lost place with plenty of historyNegative:- no shadowed parking slots😂- could not buy silk😂But honestly, the negative reviews here are gold. What are the people expect from a lost place?

I don't appreciate the joking reviews. This was used as a prison by the Nazis in WW2 after the battle of Rhodes and many Italian soldiers and Greek civilians were starved and murdered. It's not a place for laughs but sober remembrance.

This site is probably mainly interesting to photography buffs if the light is right. I wouldn't bring small children here; the place has its share of hazards.