Ancient Sites
The island of Rhodes has a plethora of ancient sites, each with its fascinating history. Of all, the Acropolis of Lindos counts among the most visited ancient sites in all Greece, right up there with Delphi and the Acropolis of Athens. It’s worth seeing for its temples and Hellenic vestiges, but also the mesmerising views of the Bay of St. Paul and the village sprawling down below all the way to the beach.
Another significant ancient site on Rhodes Island is the Acropolis of Rhodes City itself, unearthed in 1912–1945 by the Italian School of Archaeology at Athens. It is now an expansive archaeological site with temples and monuments on stepped terraces on Monte Smith.
It’s also worth to visit the Medieval City of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. This is the part modelled by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, who occupied Rhodes from 1309 until 1523. They fortified the city to withstand sieges, and the walls and buildings now stand as one of the most relevant examples of Gothic urbanism.
In Kritinia, the Kastello is another fascinating ancient site. It was built in the 16th century on a coastal rocky hill overlooking the Aegean, at some 131 metres above sea level. It offers spectacular views of the sea, of the village, and Chalki Island.
Hidden in a forest in Laerma, Thari Monastery dates from the 12th and 13th centuries and is a fine example of Middle Ages architecture. The little church of the monastery dates from the same period, and it is richly decorated with frescoes. It is dedicated to Archangel Michael. Moni Thari, as the locals call it, is one of the most beautiful religious landmarks on the island.
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One of the most visited ancient sites on Rhodes, the Acropolis of Lindos dominates the namesake village from a rocky hill on the coast of the Aegean Sea. It’s an impressive sight above the picturesque village with whitewashed cubic homes that contrast with the aquamarine of the Bay of St. Paul and the cobalt blue of the sea.
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One of the most interesting ancient sites of the island, the Acropolis of Rhodes is in the capital of the island, on Monte Smith. It is a large archaeological site, comprising several points of interest, most of them from the Hellenistic and the Roman periods.
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The UNESCO-listed site known as the Medieval City of Rhodes is an absolute must-see destination when you vacation on our island. The Knights Hospitaller – officially the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem – planned the fortified Gothic city when they ruled Rhodes from 1309 to 1523.
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Erected in 1472 according to plans by Venetian sculptor and architect Giorgio da Sebenico – also known as Giorgio Orsini – the Castle of Kritinia, or Kastellos as the locals call it, is a stunning fortress erected to protect the village against Ottoman attacks.
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Mony Thari, the Thari Monastery is one of the most beautiful religious landmarks on Rhodes Island. It’s in a forest near Laerma, a traditional Greek village about a one-hour drive from the city of Rhodes.
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