Colossus of Rhodes
Monument Ancient colossal bronze statue once stood at Rhodes
A Hellenistic statue once stood at Rhodes’ Mandraki harbour; the Colossus no longer exists, yet tourists visit Rhodes for the medieval Old Town, the Palace of the Grand Master and coastal ruins.
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The Colossus of Rhodes was an ancient bronze statue of the sun god Helios erected on the Greek island of Rhodes in the Hellenistic period and counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The monument was constructed in the late 4th to early 3rd century BCE and stood at the harbour of Rhodes until its destruction by an earthquake.
Accounts describe the statue as a large seated or standing bronze figure guarding the island’s harbour; classical sources emphasise its great height and the technical achievement of casting and assembly. Although it no longer exists, the Colossus remains an important cultural and historical reference for Hellenistic art and engineering.
Historical records state the statue was toppled by an earthquake in 226 BCE and the remains lay on the ground for centuries; later accounts describe the bronze being sold or removed, but no standing remnant survives. The traditional site associated with the Colossus is the harbour of modern Rhodes town on the island’s northern coast.
The ancient monument was located at or near Mandraki Harbour in the city of Rhodes in the South Aegean region of Greece.
- Date and maker: Erected in the Hellenistic period and traditionally attributed to the sculptor Chares of Lindos, the statue was completed around the late 4th to early 3rd century BCE and destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BCE.
How to Get to Colossus of Rhodes #
The Colossus of Rhodes no longer exists; the traditional site is the Mandraki Harbour in the city of Rhodes. To reach Rhodes, fly to Rhodes International Airport (Diagoras) - roughly 14 km from Rhodes town - then take the airport bus or a taxi to the Old Town. Alternatively, take an overnight ferry from Piraeus (Athens) or a day ferry from nearby islands; Mandraki harbour and the Old Town are within easy walking distance of the main ferry terminal.
Tips for Visiting Colossus of Rhodes #
- The original Colossus no longer exists; visit Rhodes's Mandraki Harbour, the medieval Old Town and the Archaeological Museum to see artifacts and the harbour area traditionally associated with the statue's location.
- Avoid mid‑day coach and cruise-ship crowds by exploring Old Town early in the morning or later in the afternoon; evenings are particularly pleasant around the harbour and the Palace of the Grand Master.
- Combine a harbour visit with a trip to the Acropolis of Lindos and the island's archaeological sites to get the historical context most visitors miss when searching for remains of the Colossus.
Best Time to Visit Colossus of Rhodes #
For Rhodes and the Colossus area, late spring (May-June) or September-October offer warm weather with fewer crowds than peak summer.
Weather & Climate near Colossus of Rhodes #
Colossus 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 (796 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (163 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
