Acropolis of Rhodes Archaeological Site
Ancient acropolis with Hellenistic and Roman ruins
The Acropolis of Rhodes preserves Hellenistic and earlier ruins, including temple foundations and fortification fragments. Tourists visit for classical archaeology, museum displays and views toward Mandraki harbour.
Acropolis of Rhodes at a Glance#
About 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.
Weather & Climate near Acropolis of Rhodes#
Acropolis of Rhodes's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (792 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 9° - 15° | 12° | 163 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 3.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.8h |
| February | Acceptable | 9° - 15° | 12° | 132 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.7h |
| March | Very Good | 10° - 17° | 13° | 83 mm | some cloud | 73% | 3.4 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Excellent | 13° - 20° | 16° | 35 mm | some cloud | 73% | 3.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.0h |
| May | Ideal | 16° - 24° | 20° | 20 mm | mostly sunny | 70% | 3.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 14.0h |
| June | Ideal | 20° - 28° | 24° | 6 mm | clear | 64% | 3.7 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 14.5h |
| July | Ideal | 22° - 30° | 26° | 2 mm | clear | 60% | 4.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 14.2h |
| August | Ideal | 23° - 30° | 27° | 2 mm | clear | 62% | 3.9 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.4h |
| September | Ideal | 21° - 28° | 24° | 8 mm | clear | 62% | 3.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.3h |
| October | Excellent | 17° - 24° | 21° | 71 mm | mostly sunny | 65% | 3.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.1h |
| November | Very Good | 13° - 20° | 16° | 110 mm | some cloud | 68% | 3.0 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.1h |
| December | Good | 11° - 16° | 14° | 160 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |