Preservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage in High

Tourism

Areas Using GIS Technology: A Case Study of the

Medieval City of

Rhodes

Foteini-Pelagia Leventi

, Lemonia Ragia

and Dorina Moullou

1,2

School of Applied Arts, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece

Ephorate of Antiquities of East Attica, Hellenic Ministry of Culture, Athens, Greece

Keywords: Medieval City of Rhodes, Cultural Heritage, Overtourism, Climate Change, GIS, Protection and Preservation.

Abstract: The Medieval City of Rhodes is one of the most famous destinations in Greece, as it attracts more and more

tourists, especially during the summer season. Given that this particular site is included in the UNESCO list,

its protection and preservation are of utmost importance. Through a literature review, an effort is made to

analyse the phenomenon of overtourism in the area. Both quantitative and qualitative data available on the

topic were used from various sources in order to accurately frame the issues and implications of the

phenomenon. Finally, several proposals are provided using a mix of strategies and mitigation measures

relevant to the issue, emphasizing the importance of using QGIS.

1 INTRODUCTION

The Medieval City of Rhodes, a UNESCO World

Heritage Site, is a remarkable example of medieval

architecture including structures for residential,

military, commercial, public and religious use

(UNESCO, 1988). Specifically, it is particularly

known for the interesting dialogue between these

different kinds of buildings, as it offers a glimpse into

both antiquity and the complex history of the

Crusades and subsequent periods of influence, with

ancient remains, primarily temples, and its impressive

Medieval and Ottoman structures. However, the city

faces increasing challenges that threaten both its

physical integrity and its cultural heritage (UNESCO,

1972) (UNESCO, 2016).

Due to its location and history, the Medieval City

of Rhodes attracts an increasing number of visitors,

which, despite the economic benefits, may lead to

overtourism (Avdikos, 2011). As the city is filled

with narrow streets and ancient and medieval

buildings that were not designed to have large

numbers of tourists, their deterioration is likely.

Additionally, overcrowding impacts visitors'

experience and leads to physical degradation of the

landscape (ICOMOS, 2001-2002), (García-

Hernández, Dela Calle-Vaquero, & Yubero, 2017).

The Medieval City of Rhodes, apart from

overtourism, is facing crucial environmental threats

due to climate change. Higher temperatures are

causing cracks and erosion in the stone structures,

while rising sea levels and storms threaten the city's

fortifications. Furthermore, earthquakes in the region

heighten the risk of damage. These threats require

immediate action to protect the cultural heritage of

Rhodes (European Union, 2019).

In order to address these challenges, the use of

modern technology is necessary. Geographic

Information Systems (GIS), particularly QGIS

(Quantum Geographic Information System), provide

powerful tools for analyzing spatial data and

managing complex urban environments. Some of its

advantages pertain to the capability of mapping,

visualizing, monitoring and analyzing various aspects

of the city’s physical and environmental conditions,

providing researchers with the chance to propose

mitigation strategies and protection measures

(National Geographic, n.d.).

The aim of this report is to examine the various

challenges facing the Medieval City of Rhodes with a

focus on the dual threats of overtourism and

environmental risks driven by climate change. By

understanding the important vulnerabilities of this

historic region, the report seeks to explore how

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used

Leventi, F.-P., Ragia, L. and Moullou, D.

Preservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage in High Tourism Areas Using GIS Technology: A Case Study of the Medieval City of Rhodes.

DOI: 10.5220/0013097300003935

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Geographical Information Systems Theory, Applications and Management (GISTAM 2025), pages 121-127

ISBN: 978-989-758-741-2; ISSN: 2184-500X

121

to monitor, analyze and develop strategies to mitigate

these risks. Ultimately, the purpose is to propose

sustainable solutions to protect both the physical

integrity and the cultural heritage of the Medieval

City of Rhodes for future generations.

2 CASE STUDY

Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese and is

known for its long and important history dating back

to ancient times. Its strategic location in the eastern

Aegean Sea made it a crossroads between East and

West, as well as North and South. Archaeological

evidence indicates that the island of Rhodes has been

inhabited since the New Stone Age, and by the 11th

century BC, it was settled by the Dorians who

established the city-states of Ialysos, Kamiros, and

Lindos. Another important section of island history is

the fact that Rhodes continued to play an important

role in the ancient world, particularly through its

colonies, such as Gela in Sicily (UNESCO, 1988).

The Medieval City of Rhodes, located at the

northern tip of the island, became significant during

the Crusades, when the Knights Hospitaller took

control of the island in 1309. In particular, the island

was initially developed into a fortified stronghold that

used to provide medical services to Crusader knights,

creating its medieval character. Specifically, the

Knights were responsible for the city’s architectural

development, constructing fortifications, gates and

other characteristic buildings that still dominate the

urban landscape. Despite numerous challenges,

including sieges, natural disasters and Ottoman

occupation, Rhodes maintained its historical

significance and integrity (UNESCO, 1988) (Luttrell,

2003).

The historical and architectural value of the Old

Town of Rhodes is the reason why UNESCO

included the site in its World Heritage List. For

instance, its fortifications, influenced by Gothic and

Ottoman architecture, are remarkable examples of

medieval military construction and offer deep insight

into these type of structures in the eastern

Mediterranean. Therefore, it is important to preserve

the original building materials of buildings and the

urban organization in order to maintain the

authenticity of the city. However, modern pressures,

such as overtourism and environmental impacts, pose

threats to the city’s integrity, necessitating mitigation

strategies that could aid in the protection and

preservation of its historical and cultural significance

(García-Hernández, De la Calle-Vaquero, & Yubero,

2017).

Figure 1: The Medieval City of Rhodes (UNESCO, 1988).

2.1

Threats

The island of Rhodes, like many Mediterranean

regions, is characterized by a great number of threats

that are connected to its geographical location and the

effects of climate change that can be observed,

especially in recent years. In general, the results of

climate change are apparent both worldwide and

specifically in Rhodes impacting the natural and

cultural history of the island (European Commission,

n.d.) (Gruber, 2011) (Sesana, Gagnon, Ciantelli,

Cassar, & Hughes, 2020).

2.1.1 Temperature

Extreme weather events, including heatwaves, are a

significant threat. The decade from 2011 to 2020 was

the warmest on record for the island with the data

showing that Rhodes is getting warmer, with 2023

being the warmest year at 20.4

C. The increase in

temperature deteriorates heritage materials exposed

to sunlight and promotes invasive species like the

lionfish Pterois miles, affecting local marine life and

tourism (Lindsey & Dahlman, 2024) (Meteoblue,

n.d.).

2.1.2 Wildfires

Higher temperatures contribute to the risk of

wildfires. The EU Environment Program predicts a

14% increase in wildfires by 2030 and 50% by 2100.

In summer 2023, Rhodes faced severe wildfires, with

around 175,000 acres burned, including protected

areas and agricultural land (Jones, Burton, Kelley, &

Doerr, 2023).

2.1.3 Coastal Erosion

Coastal erosion is exacerbated by rising sea levels and

tectonic activity. The island is in a tectonically active

GISTAM 2025 - 11th International Conference on Geographical Information Systems Theory, Applications and Management

122

region, impacting its coastline dynamics. Since 1880,

global sea levels have increased by 21-24 cm,

affecting Rhodes' coastal zones and historical sites,

including the Medieval City (Vandarakis, et al.,

2021).

2.1.4 Precipitation / Rainfalls

Rhodes experiences scarce and heavy rainfalls. In

2023, it had only 332 mm of rain, one of the driest

years in recent history, something that can lead to

wildfires. On the other hand, heavy rains can cause

flooding and landslides, as seen in 2013 and 2023

(Meteoblue, n.d.).

2.1.5 Earthquake

Rhodes has a history of significant earthquakes. In

fact, during the medieval period, some significant

earthquakes occurred in Rhodes affecting island’s

structures. For instance, in 1957, an earthquake

caused a plethora of damages in structures in the Old

Town (Papadopoulos, 2014, p. 181).

2.2

The Negative Impact of

Overtourism

Overtourism is one of the most important threats that

the Old City of Rhodes faces. In fact, increased

tourism is strictly connected with overcrowding. This

phenomenon is mainly visible during summers that

are the peak tourist seasons. In particular, the influx

of visitors leads to congestion in the city’s narrow

streets that originally designed for limited

pedestrians. However, overcrowding not only

diminishes the visitors experience, but also

accelerates the wear and tear on historic buildings and

roads (Alamineh, Hussein, Mulu, & Taddesse, 2023)

(ICOMOS, 2001-2002).

The constant foot traffic can lead to the

deterioration of old stone facades and vibrations in

cobblestone pavements, threatening the structural

integrity of these historical structures. Moreover,

overtourism can result in environmental degradation,

which is another critical issue. Specifically,

overcrowding leads to pollution, including air, water,

and noise pollution, as, for example, the demand for

natural resources, such as water, rises significantly,

often exceeding the area’s capacity (Esteban-Cantillo,

Menendez, & Quesada, 2024).

Another important negative impact of overtourism

pertains to the commercialization of the Old City,

which impacts its authenticity, leading to the loss of

its original purpose and meaning. Commercialization

is also connected with the constant reuse of medieval

buildings of the town in order to create more hotels,

restaurants, shops or anything else that pertains to

tourists’ needs (Giannakopoulos, et al., 2022).

Last but not least, overtourism negatively affects

the local residents. Overcrowding, noise pollution,

and rising rental prices make it increasingly difficult

for locals to maintain their quality of life, especially

during the tourist season. This imbalance highlights

how overtourism affects not only the integrity of the

Medieval City of Rhodes but also the well-being and

the everyday-life of its inhabitants (Shahzalal, 2016).

2.3

Mitigation Strategies

The Medieval City of Rhodes faces significant

challenges from increasing tourism, environmental

degradation, and natural disasters. To address these

issues in an effective way, QGIS (Geographic

Information System) provides a powerful tool for

creating data-driven strategies to mitigate risks and

protect the city's cultural and natural heritage

(National Geographic, n.d.). Here are some key

mitigation strategies utilizing QGIS:

1. Real-Time Visitor Flow Monitoring

Through QGIS, authorities can identify the

most overcrowded areas of the city by

tracking the movements of tourists in real

time. This provides the opportunity of

control visitors flow and propose

redirections to tourists in order to congested

roads be avoided reducing the pressure of

specific areas of the town.

2. Predicting Impact on Vulnerable Areas

The identifications of vulnerable areas to

wear and tear because of overcrowding is

crucial and the QGIS software can help.

Specifically, data analysis through this tool

may aid in predictions regarding these areas

and taking appropriate measures, like

installing protective barriers or limiting

visitor access during peak times.

3. Scenario

Planning for Visitor

Management

This software has the ability to model

various visitor flow scenarios, something

that helps city planners manage the impact

of tourists, including entry time regulations

or proposing alternative routes.

4. Visualizing Environmental Impacts

Through QGIS environmental data are also

available. For instance, the identifications of

alterations in coasts can be visualized,

enabling authorities understand the

Preservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage in High Tourism Areas Using GIS Technology: A Case Study of the Medieval City of

Rhodes

123

development of the phenomenon and take

relevant mitigation measures in order to

protect the integrity of the historical site.

5. Creating Pedestrian-Only Zones

As the use of QGIS provides city planners

with the knowledge of areas of the town with

heavy tourist activity they have the ability to

propose pedestrian-only zones so as to

protect the cobblestone roads and improve

both the visitors’ experience and the

everyday life of locals. Thus, in this map, an

effort is made to present the proposed

Vehicle Ban Section. This specific layer is

depicted with a dotted black line, indicating

sections where vehicle access might be

restricted in the future to preserve the

historical integrity of the area. This map is a

valuable tool for managing tourist flows and

urban planning within the Medieval City. By

distinguishing historical buildings, open

spaces, and proposed vehicle-free areas, it

helps planners balance preservation with

modern demands of overtourism and

overcrowding.

In conclusion, QGIS plays a critical role in

creating and implementing mitigation strategies for

the Medieval City of Rhodes. By integrating data on

visitor flow, environmental impacts, and heritage

vulnerability, QGIS enables authorities to make

informed decisions that protect the city's historical

integrity while ensuring sustainable tourism

practices.

2.4

Using QGIS for

Visualization

The preservation and management of historical sites

like the Medieval City of Rhodes require not only

traditional methods of conservation but also modern

technological tools. Geographic Information System

(GIS) software, particularly QGIS, plays a crucial

role in this process. QGIS is increasingly becoming

an invaluable resource for urban planners,

archaeologists, and conservationists alike, providing

a way to monitor, document, and manage complex

environments like Rhodes (Petrescu, 2007).

Figure 2: The Medieval City of Rhodes (created using QGIS).

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124

The current state of the Medieval City of Rhodes

is presented in detail through the use of QGIS. The

use of QGIS is particularly important as it contributes

both to a better understanding of the area and to its

protection, whether from the significant impacts of

natural disasters or from the effects of increasing

tourism in the region. What it especially helps with is

the improved management of the archaeological site.

This is mainly achieved due to the fact that QGIS

allows for the creation of accurate and detailed maps,

including historical buildings, walls, roads or

anything else needed. Essentially, these specific maps

contribute to the continuous monitoring of the

condition of the research points within the

archaeological site, while making it easier to

understand any changes occurring in different zones,

helping to preserve the integrity of the site (Petrescu,

2007).

Of course, it is worth noting that a QGIS map is

particularly helpful in monitoring the medieval city

concerning natural disasters and the impacts of

climate change. In fact, this island is especially

exposed to several natural disasters, such as

earthquakes, extreme temperatures or floods. Thus,

the application of the software can assist in

visualizing specific areas that are more vulnerable

and ultimately create a city plan, helping researchers

prioritize the issues that arise. In addition, the creation

of maps with QGIS for the Old Town of Rhodes is

important for the overall management of the city. For

example, through the different layers, historical

buildings can be easily distinguished from newer

constructions, or even the most frequented by tourists,

streets can be highlighted, aiming for a more effective

management of overtourism on the island. In

conclusion, the use of QGIS for mapping and

visualization of the Medieval City of Rhodes is highly

important for the optimal preservation and protection

of the site, as it enables successful urban planning,

monitoring, and overall management of the

archaeological site.

As one of the most important steps aimed at

addressing various threats and issues related to the

Medieval City of Rhodes is the accurate

understanding of the area and its significant

structures, the mapping process through QGIS is

particularly useful. Thus, in this case, the mapping of

the archaeological site was mainly done to distinguish

certain

buildings,

structures,

and

roads.

Specifically,

Figure 3: The Medieval City of Rhodes with proposed section of pedestrian only zone (created using QGIS).

Preservation and Protection of Cultural Heritage in High Tourism Areas Using GIS Technology: A Case Study of the Medieval City of

Rhodes

125

the buildings, structures, and roads are represented on

the map using different colours and shapes, forming

distinct layers:

• Buildings (Historical & Religious):

Represented in blue. These are significant

structures within the medieval city, likely

indicating historical or religious buildings.

They are marked with numbers for

reference and are scattered throughout the

city. Their distribution offers insight into the

concentration of important buildings within

the medieval city.

• Squares and Outdoor Sites: Depicted in

pink with cross-hatching, these areas

indicate open spaces such as public squares

or other significant outdoor sites. Their

placement on the map highlights the spatial

relationship between the built environment

and open spaces, critical for understanding

the urban area structure of the city.

• Gates: Shown in green, the map identifies

several gates along the city walls. These

gates would have been points of entry and

exit from the medieval city. In fact, the gates

are part of the city’s historic fortifications

and are vital for controlling access to the city.

Their positioning is crucial for analyzing how

people entered and exited the city, both

historically and in modern times, particularly

in relation to tourism flow. Walls: The city

walls are represented by a yellow-orange

cross-hatched line surrounding the city.

These walls form a protective barrier around

the city and are a key feature of its

medieval fortifications, emphasizing its

historical strategic importance.

As mentioned above, the map of the Old Town of

Rhodes created through QGIS facilitates the precise

identification of each building or open space, which

are numbered with details such as their names and

uses. It is worth noting that the visualization of these

current structures contributes to highlighting the city’s

architecture, while also providing information on

how the urban design can impact daily life and

tourist activity within or outside the city.

3 CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the important phenomenon of

overtourism has become a significant global concern

that impacts more and more destinations worldwide.

This is primarily because, along with the rise of the

phenomena of climate change affecting our planet, it

may lead to horrible effects, both regarding the

preservation of global cultural and natural heritage

and regarding people’s everyday-lives (Nugroho &

Hardilla, 2020). This basically includes the daily lives

of local communities that are disrupted by

overtourism in affected areas, as well as the

experiences of tourists, who eventually do not enjoy

their trips due to this serious phenomenon. Local

authorities and countries, especially those that have

already affected the consequences of overtourism,

should take specific mitigation measures in order to

protect cultural heritage and themselves. In order to

achieve this, the use of modern technology and

especially the use of GIS are essential.

In Greece, a country renowned for its rich cultural

attractions, the Medieval City of Rhodes stands out as

a prime example of how overtourism along with the

effects of climate change can impact a historically

significant site. The city’s narrow streets and

medieval architecture are particularly vulnerable to

the pressures of heavy tourist traffic. Without

appropriate measures, the integrity of this

archaeological site is at risk.

In conclusion, the future of the Medieval City of

Rhodes depends on a multi-faceted approach that

combines traditional conservation methods with

modern technological innovations. Geographic

Information Systems, specifically QGIS, provide a

crucial platform for analysing, managing, and

protecting this historical site. The lessons learned

from this case study can serve as a model for other

historical cities worldwide that face similar

challenges in balancing preservation with tourism and

environmental pressures.

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