ACROPOLI OF RHODES
Positioned on the western edge of the city, on the top of the hill of Ayios Stefanos, the Acropolis of Rhodes and its imposing Temple of Apollo, dominates the views. Unlike most of the ancient acropoleis it was not fortified. It consisted of a monumental zone with Sanctuaries, large temples, public buildings and underground cult places.
The buildings were built on stepped terraces supported by strong retaining walls.The style of the Hellenistic architecture on the Acropolis of Rhodes was perfectly conveyed by the combination of natural beauty and artificial transformations.
The buildings on the Acropolis date to the Hellenistic and late Hellenistic periods.
The excavations were carried out by the Italian Archaeological School during the italian occupation of the island (1912-1945).
From 1946 onwards the Greek Archaeological Service conducted excavations which added to our knowledge of the history and topography of the place.
The whole of the Acropolis has not yet been excavated.An archaeological zone of 12,500 s.q. has been excluded from contemporary building with the intention of continuing excavation works to uncover the splendid ancient city of Rhodes.
From 1946 onwards the Greek Archaeological Service carried out restoration work in the area of the Temple of Pythian Apollo, which has suffered considerable damage from bombing in the 2nd World War and from the weight of the arillery that had been installed there.During the 60’s and 70’s there was reconstruction work to the west foundation of the same temple and in 1996 further Reconstruction was carried out on the Temple of and the Nymphaia.
The Acropolis of Rhodes is one of the most interesting and enjoyable archeological sites one can visit. Located close to the city and surrounded by a pristine nature with fabulous views, is the favorite jogging and walking place for modern Rhodians.
The lower part that includes the large Stadium, is safe for small children.