Rhodes Deploys Drones and Enhanced Security for Medieval City

The Greek island of Rhodes is implementing a comprehensive security upgrade for its UNESCO-listed Medieval City following recent violent incidents and growing safety concerns. The municipality has allocated €1.26 million for a project that includes drone surveillance, ground patrols, gate controls, and rapid-response teams. This initiative aims to address issues such as overcrowding, illegal vehicle access, aggressive commercial solicitation, and public order disturbances in the historic area's narrow, hard-to-monitor streets. Drone operations will be seasonal, running from morning until midnight during the peak tourist season (May to October) and with reduced hours in winter. Certified operators will provide real-time video feeds to an Operations Center, enabling immediate intervention for security, fire safety, and health emergencies. Additionally, drones will monitor ancient fortifications for structural damage, linking public safety with heritage preservation. The contract will be awarded via international tender, with potential interim measures for the summer fire-risk season. This move highlights the challenge of balancing mass tourism with the protection of sensitive cultural landmarks and resident safety in one of Greece's most significant historical sites.