I visited the Acropolis of Rhodes in early August. The Acropolis of Rhodes is now known as Monte Smith or Hagios Stfanos. It was the location of worship, sports, and recreation in ancient Rhodes. The highest point of the acropolis were two temples dedicated to Athena and Zeus (Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus). Nearby these temples were cavernous structures underground dedicated to the Nymphs, who were nature-related goddesses/gods.
I walked up the hill between some houses and old stonework, and I first checked out the view over the new city. This was a pleasant walk with olive trees.
I found the site of the famous ruins of the temples of Zeus and Athena. All that remains are some of the columns and stonework. The temples were on the high point with the sea directly below.
From here, I walked downhill where I discovered the cavernous temples dedicated to the nymphs. One is situated without the roof on, and a narrow walkway provides an entrance, but it was locked.
Part of it remains covered.
Walking down the hill further and into the wider location of the acropolis is another one. It would have had columns on either side and placements for statues.
Slightly down the hill further was the centre of the Acropolis and the temple of Apollo Pythios and next to it was probably another temple dedicatd to Artemis. From the top of the hill, a stairway leads to the lower part of the acropolis, and this was used for education and recreation. It held the Odeon, a library, stadium, and gymnasium.
There were expansive views looking toward the old town of Rhodes.
The temple of Apollo would have been built around 408 B.C. but later rebuilt in 227 B.C. after earthquake damage. In more modern times, the Apollo temple and the one next to it (likely dedicated to Artemis) suffered a lot of damage during World War II. The temple was used as a church at one point. Today, there is scaffolding on the temple's columns, and this has been erected in 2016 to restore it.
The temple area was also likely to be the worship place of god Helios, the patron god of the city of Rhodes. There would have been statues here dedicated to the god, which may have been the famous Colossus itself. (It is likely the very large statue may have been seen from the sea from the hill, although it is most likely thought to have been positioned on the harbour.)
I checked out the Odeon and the library, which is to the right in the below photograph.
The gymnasium was located just outside the city and a place for young men to study and exercise. Only part of it has been excavated, and it was once famous for works of art in its architcture, all of which is gone now.
It includes the running track. The area was popular with street cats.
Part of the gymnasium building ruins are located a short distance away.
I had a wander around the ruins before walking through to another exit point closer to the old town.
There is a little cafe at the site entrance/exit located on the lower area.
Although this is a bit of a trek from the old town, I enjoyed my visit to the ancient acropolis of Rhodes. There are buses that can take you to the top of the hill, and you can walk down, but I walked from my hotel and then back via the old town.
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