Exploring an Abandoned WWII Airfield

Explore the haunting beauty and deep history of Gadurrà Airport, an abandoned WWII airfield on the island of Rhodes, Greece. This cinematic journey takes you through a historical landmark, once a bustling military base established by Italian forces during their occupation of the Dodecanese in the late 1930s. Positioned on Rhodes’ northeastern coast, near the Gadoura River and the Levant Sea, Gadurrà Airport was the island’s second airfield and held the military code "806." With a macadam runway stretching 1,700 meters long and 60 meters wide, the airfield served Italian troops under the Aegean Air Force Command headquartered at Maritsa Airport.

After Italy left the Axis powers, Gadurrà Airport was overtaken by the Luftwaffe, further entrenching its role in WWII. Although now deteriorating, remnants like the cracked runway, the small control tower, and a church built by Italian soldiers still stand, preserving a piece of wartime history. Over the years, the Greek Air Force has occasionally used the site for helicopter training exercises, though it mostly remains a ghostly relic.

Captured in November 2020, this film provides a visually stunning look at Gadurrà Airport and its surroundings, inviting you to step into a hidden chapter of WWII history on the island of Rhodes.

**Filming & Equipment:**
- **Camera:** Sony a6400
- **Gimbal:** Zhiyun Weebill
- **Drone:** Phantom 4
- **Edited in:** Adobe Premiere Pro
- **Music:** Courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Directed by Nikos Giannou

[xwind]

On april 7th 1941 Hajo Herrmann landed his JU88 at Gadoura after having destroyed the cargo ship Clan Fraser at Piräus harbor.
He took off from Sicilly and diverted to Rhodes after his successful mission.
Quite a story. It's worth searching for it.