Acropolis of Rhodes

The Acropolis of Rhodes is the ancient fortified hilltop complex on the island of Rhodes in Greece, occupying a prominent plateau above the city. It contains archaeological remains dating to the Classical and Hellenistic periods and is one of the island’s principal ancient sites.

On the plateau visitors encounter a Hellenistic stadium, the foundations and column bases of several temples, and monumental terraces and retaining walls. The site offers panoramic views over the modern city of Rhodes and the surrounding harbor and coast.

The acropolis was developed in Classical and Hellenistic times as the religious and civic centre of ancient Rhodes, with successive building phases through the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Later periods altered and reused parts of the site, leaving a sequence of archaeological layers.

The site sits on a coastal hill within and immediately above the modern urban area of Rhodes town on the island of Rhodes, providing easy access from the city centre and views toward the Aegean.

• Main remains: Includes a clearly visible Hellenistic-era stadium and multiple temple foundations clustered on a coastal hilltop.
• Best time to visit: Good photographic light and cooler temperatures occur in the morning and late afternoon outside the summer peak heat.

What to See #

• Hellenistic Stadium: A long, open Hellenistic stadium located on the acropolis plateau used in antiquity for athletic contests and visible today as a sunken rectangular arena framed by terraces.
• Temple foundations and terraces: Temple foundations and ruined walls from Classical and Hellenistic periods forming the main archaeological remains on the acropolis plateau.