Acropolis of Rhodes
Acropolis of Rhodes is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Rhodes audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~90 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type ruins
- Suggested visit ~90 min
- Rhodes Rhodes guide
About Acropolis of Rhodes
The open, unwalled acropolis of ancient Rhodes on breezy Monte Smith, where re-erected Apollo columns, a long restored stadium and a small marble odeon overlook the town.
The Acropolis of ancient Rhodes occupies the hill now called Monte Smith, about three kilometres southwest of the modern town. Unlike the fortified acropolis of Athens, it was a largely open, unwalled complex of sanctuaries and public buildings. Its most conspicuous monument is the Temple of Pythian Apollo, part of whose Doric colonnade has been re-erected and is visible from the harbour. The hilltop also held sanctuaries of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus and a gymnasium.
Below the temple terrace lies a restored marble stadium about 210 metres long, dating to the Hellenistic period, which hosted the Halieia games in honour of the sun god Helios; the curved end and starting mechanism survive. Beside it stands a small reconstructed odeon seating around 800. The site was excavated by the Italian School of Archaeology in the early twentieth century and later restored by the Greek Archaeological Service. The hill takes its name from the British admiral Sir Sidney Smith.
Did you know? The hill's name, Monte Smith, honours the British admiral Sir Sidney Smith, who kept a lookout post here around 1802 to watch Napoleon's fleet; it was formerly called Agios Stefanos.
How long should you spend at Acropolis of Rhodes?
Plan about ~90 min at Acropolis of Rhodes. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Acropolis of Rhodes worth visiting?
Acropolis of Rhodes is one of the 18 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Rhodes, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Rhodes
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Acropolis of Rhodes and read more:
Day 1 of the Rhodes in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Acropolis of Rhodes
Preview the Rhodes tour free in the Gingerguide app.