Acropolis of Lindos
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. From the top of the Acropolis of Lindos, the surrounding views are equally beguiling.
There are donkey rides available for those who want to access the top of the hill without hiking. But the walk is rewarding too, as it takes you past the Rhodian trireme – the prow of an ancient ship carved in rock – uphill and through a superb Medieval Gate to enter the Acropolis.
The most important landmarks at the site include:
- The Castle of the Knights of St. John, which dates from 1317. The architecture of the fortress follows the natural shape of the cliff. Thus the structure has an imposing appearance – as if emerging from the rock.
- The Doric Temple of Athena Lindia is an amphiprostyle tetrastyle structure erected in the 4th century BC, where Alexander the Great himself once offered sacrifices to the beloved goddess of wisdom and war.
- A 4th-century Propylaea – a gateway to the sanctuary, with a monumental staircase and a stoa.
- Remains of a Hellenistic stoa.
- The Hellenistic staircase that leads to the main archaeological site.
- The Church of St. John – built sometime between the 12th and 13th centuries.
- The Ancient Theater, on the Southwest side of the hill, below the Temple of Athena Lindia. The circular orchestra and the hollow for the spectators were carved on the hillside. The theatre could accommodate 1800 spectators.
There’s only one path to access the Acropolis of Lindos – a steep road ascending the summit since antiquity. Wear appropriate footwear and come prepared with potable water for the hike uphill.
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