When it comes to discovering the treasures of Ancient Greece, the island of Rhodes provides plenty of opportunities. While the once famed Colossus of Rhodes is no longer standing, there are plenty of remnants of one of history’s most important civilisations, especially in the wonderful village of Lindos. This ancient archaeological site is home to the Lindos Acropolis, a location that features an abundance of historical structures and buildings that visitors today can explore for themselves.

This certainly makes solo holidays to Lindos a great addition to any future travel plans and this guide to the acropolis in Lindos will give you an introduction to what to expect during your visit.

What is the Acropolis of Lindos?

An acropolis was a settlement of an upper part of an ancient Greek city. The term acropolis has become synonymous with the Acropolis of Athens, but every Greek city had one, including Lindos. They were important centres of community, places of worship, and forts. The Lindos Acropolis is set above the modern town we find today, a location that has been fortified by some of history’s greatest civilisations: the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, the Knights of St John, and the Ottomans.

What can you see at the Lindos Acropolis?

Acropolis Lindos

When you visit the Acropolis of Lindos, you can still see the remains of a number of buildings, including:

The Doric Temple of Athena Lindia – This temple dates back to 300 BC and was built on the site of an even earlier temple. Inside you can find the table of offerings, where sacrifices were othered up to the goddess Athena.

The Propylaea of the Sanctuary – This is a gateway, dating back to the 4th century BC with a monumental staircase that leads up to a D-shaped stoa (a covered walkway) and a wall with five door openings.

The Hellenistic stoa – A stoa featuring lateral projecting wings from 200 BC. In its glory days, the stoa was 87 metres long and would have consisted of 42 columns.

Relief of a Rhodian warship – At the acropolis, you can also see a renowned relief of a Rhodian trireme, which was a warship, that has been cut into the rock at the foot of the steps leading to the acropolis. The sculpture dates back to about 180 BC.

The Hellenistic staircase – Dating back to the 2nd century BC is the staircase that leads up to the acropolis, itself being an important archaeological treasure.

The Remains of a Roman temple – You can also discover the remains of a later Roman temple, which was possibly dedicated to Emperor Diocletian, dating back to around 300 AD.

The acropolis wall – The Acropolis of Lindos is surrounded by a Hellenistic wall that dates back to the same time as the Propylaea and the staircase that leads up to the site. It was later repaired by the priest of Athena in the second century AD according to a Roman inscription.

The Castle of the Knights of St John – There are also treasures from later times, such as the ruins of a castle belonging to the Knights of St John, built some time before 1317 on top of older Byzantine fortifications.

Church of St John – There is also a Greek Orthodox church on the site that dates from the 13th or 14th century, built on the ruins of an even older church, possibly as far back as the 6th century.

Visiting the Acropolis of Lindos

As you can see there is plenty to see at the Lindos Acropolis and beyond the historic delights, there are also spectacular views to be had from its spot high above the town. So, make sure to take in the scenery while soaking in a little history during your Rhodes holiday.

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