Rhodes Guide: Top Monuments, Archaeological & Historical Sites

The first traces of life on the island of Rhodes are lost in the fog of myth. The first inhabitants are said to have been the aborigines Heliaden, agreements of the protective god Helios and the Telchines, a strange kind of people who supposedly resembled demons. These were, according to tradition, skilled sailors and skilled craftsmen who taught the ancient Rhodians how to forge and process stone.

The Story of Rhodes: From Ancient Civilizations to Cultural Powerhouse

Rhodes, one of Greece’s most captivating islands, is also home to some of the most remarkable historical sites in the Aegean. From the Minoans and Mycenaeans to the great city-states of Ialysos, Lindos, and Kamiros, the island’s past is written in its ancient ruins and archaeological sites.

In 408 BC, the three city-states united to found the city of Rhodes, soon famed for its temples, monuments, and role in Mediterranean trade. Over centuries it attracted Persians, Alexander the Great, and the Romans, yet remained a vibrant center of learning, art, and philosophy. Many of these Rhodes landmarks and Greek mythology sites can still be explored today.

Walking among the ancient sites of Rhodes - from sanctuaries and theaters to timeless monuments - is a journey through history. The island’s layered heritage makes Rhodes not only a sunlit destination, but also one of the most extraordinary historical places in Greece.

Why Explore Ancient Rhodes?

Rhodes’ rich history is not just a collection of dates and events - it’s a story etched into its landscapes and landmarks. Whether you’re wandering through the ruins of ancient cities, imagining the trade ships docking at its harbors, or marveling at the ingenuity of its early alliances, the island invites you to step into its past and experience the enduring legacy of its civilizations..

Acropolis of Rhodes (Monte Smith) - A Hill of Temples, Legends, and Endless Horizons

The Acropolis of Rhodes, located on the hill what is now known as Monte Smith, was historically accompanied by the Ancient Stadium of Rhodes. Today, only limited remnants of the Acropolis survive, offering a glimpse into its former magnificence. Despite the sparse remains, the site continues to be an important historical landmark, providing insight into the architectural and cultural past of Rhodes.

Aktaion Building in Rhodes: Italian-Era Architecture & Historic Landmark

A two-storeyd building with flat roof and an arcade looking towards the road by the sea. The walls are built in the typical, local isodomic masonry. Very interesting is the structure of the interior, visible in the plans of the building.

Ancient Ialysos (Ialyssos): Exploring the rich heritage of Rhodes

In the northern region of Rhodes, Ialysos (Ialyssos) reveals centuries of history, from prehistoric footprints to Byzantine monasteries. Atop Filerimos Hill, which once was its acropolis, one can discover enduring legacies shaped by deep devotion, refined architecture, and timeless cultural influences that epitomize Rhodes’s rich heritage.

Ancient Kamiros: Explore the Archaeological Jewel of Rhodes

Ancient Kamiros, one of the three Dorian city-states mentioned by Homer, was a key settlement along with Lindos and Ialyssos on Rhodes. This archaeological site, with its well-preserved ruins, reveals the urban layout and daily life of its ancient residents. Kamiros offers a glimpse into Rhodes' classical past, highlighting the architectural and cultural heritage of the Dorian civilization.

Archaeological Museum of Rhodes: Ancient Artifacts & Medieval History

The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, set within the historic Hospital of the Knights, offers a captivating journey through time. Completed in 1489 under Grand Master d'Aubusson, this medieval marvel features a two-story structure and a charming courtyard framed by elegant porticoes. It offers a unique opportunity to explore an extensive collection of artifacts that unveil the island's rich history and cultural heritage in this beautifully preserved building.

Asklipio Medieval Fort Rhodes - Discover History & Scenic Views

The castle of Asklipio (Asklepieion) was built in 1479 by Grand Master D'Aubusson at the site of an ancient lighthouse. In the Byzantine period, during the time of the Knights, the castle also offered the inhabitants of the surrounding villages protection against enemy attacks.

Elafos Hotel on Profitis Ilias Rhodes - Historic Italian-Era Retreat

The hotel is on mount Profitis Elias (Prophet Elias), near the Byzantine monastery with the same name. It comprises two buildings, a three-storeyed one, "Elafos" and a two-storeyed one, "Elafina", both with a basement and a high pitched wooden roof.

Feraclos (Feraklos) Castle Rhodes - Medieval Stronghold with Panoramic Views

The castle of Feraclos (Feraklos) lies 150m high on a very sharp and rocky hill, on the eastern side of the island, overlooking the bays of Haraki and Agathi, opposite the coast of Asia Minor.

Filerimos Monastery & Castle in Rhodes - Historic Landmark with Panoramic Views

Emerging from the tranquil pine forest near ancient Ialysos, Filerimos Monastery seamlessly weaves Byzantine heritage with Hellenistic echoes and medieval history. Explore the fortress walls, legendary relics, and centuries-old devotion that shaped Rhodes’s past and continues to captivate modern explorers.

Governor’s Palace - Italian-Era Grandeur at Rhodes’ Waterfront

The former Governor's Palace, now used as the the Building of the Prefecture, It is one of the most considerable buildings constructed on Rhodes during the Italian occupation of the island. It is a combination of many different architectural styles and its arrangement strongly resembles the Palace of the Duces in Venice.

Lindos Acropolis: Discover Rhodes’ most spectacular historic landmark

The Acropolis of Lindos rises above whitewashed rooftops, commanding awe with centuries-old fortifications and sacred ruins. Its dramatic vantage on a lofty rock beckons travelers to climb ancient paths. Panoramic vistas and echoes of worship evoke reverence, uniting past splendor with present-day curiosity.

Mandraki Harbour - Discover Rhodes’ Legendary Port

Mandraki Harbour, located on the eastern coast of Rhodes, near the New Town, stands as a historic port that captivates visitors with its enduring charm. Serving as a gateway to the island's rich past, Mandraki is enveloped in an atmosphere that echoes the whispers of history.

Medieval Clock Tower - A timeless landmark in Rhodes Old Town

The Clock Tower (Roloi) is the highest point of the Old Town of Rhodes. However, at first glance, it is hardly noticeable at all. The best time to visit it is after dusk, as its illumination turns it into an even more impressive sight.

Monolithos Castle - History & Panoramas in One Epic Hike

Monolithos Castle, rising 236 meters above sea level near the village of Monolithos, is a medieval fortress known for its historical significance and stunning views. Built on the ruins of an older castle, its strategic location showcases the ingenuity of its builders and offers breathtaking vistas, reflecting the rich history of Rhodes.

Municipal Art Gallery of Rhodes - Where Art & History Meet

The Municipal Gallery of Rhodes today houses one of the most representative and authoritative collections of 20th-century Greek painting. Most of the painters who worked creatively during these nine decades are represented in this collection through some of their most characteristic works.

Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights

The palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John in Rhodes is the most emblematic work of architecture in Rhodes and undoubtedly the symbol of the island’s medieval town. It was built in the 14th century under the command of Grand Master M. de Villeneure, on the foundations of another Byzantine fortress that did not manage to survive the repeated Arab-Persian attacks from the 7th century and on.

Rhodes Astike School

The building was constructed in 1874 and it is one of the first organized christian schools of Rhodes. It is a a continuation of the "Mutual Teaching School", founded by the metropolite of Rhodes, Paisios. The building was constructed on an older one, built in 1765, which occupied the large, communal piece of land, that extended up to the modern Venetokleion

Rhodes National Theatre - Where Culture and History Take Center Stage

The National Theatre of Rhodes was built in 1937 by an unknown architect and was then called "Teatro Puccini". It was one of the most modern theatres of its era, suitable even for the performance of operas.

Rhodes Old Town - Europe’s Oldest Inhabited Medieval City

The Medieval or Old Town of Rhodes, recognized as the oldest inhabited medieval city in Europe, captivates visitors with its historical grandeur. As one approaches its formidable walls, the layout quickly becomes apparent: the town does not conform to a grid system. This intricate maze of streets adds to the charm and mystery of this ancient urban center, inviting exploration and discovery of its rich past.

Rhodes Post Office - A Historic Jewel of Italian Architecture

The building of the Post Office is located on the Liberty Square (Platia Eleftherias) of the modern city of Rhodes. It is an excellent specimen of the Rennaisance Eclecticism and the "Finta Pietra" technology.

St. Catherine Hospice - A Medieval Jewel in Rhodes Old Town

The Hospice of St. Catherine was built in 1391-92, under grand master Heredia, by the Italian Domenico d'Allemagna, admiral of the Order of the Knights of St. John (Knights Hospitaller). The founder was an important personage, disposing of considerable means.

Suleymaniye Mosque in Rhodes - A Fusion of History and Architecture

In the heart of Rhodes town, stands the Suleymaniye Mosque, a stoic monument to the past. Born from the ashes of the Ottoman conquest in 1522, it pays homage to Sultan Suleiman's triumphs. Though re-imagined in 1808 and touched by time, it remains the city's most distinguished testament to the Ottoman era.

The Byzantine castle of Lardos on Rhodes - A Fortress Shaped by Byzantines and Knights

The castle was built in the 12th century, during the Byzantine Era, by the Knights of the Order of St. John, whose main interest as soon as they arrived on the island in 1309, was to construct protective fortresses, preferably overlooking the sea, in order to defend themselves from the enemies.

The castle of Kritinia on Rhodes - A Venetian Fortress with Endless Aegean Views

The castle of Kritinia (Kastello for the locals) is a Venetian castle built in the 16th century on a hill about 131 meters above the village of Kritinia. It is fairly considered the gem of the village as it offers a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea, the island of Chalki and the islets of Strogyli, Makri, Alimia and others.

The Medieval Castle of Lindos - Medieval Majesty Overlooking Rhodes’ Iconic Village

The Medieval Castle of Lindos, located within the Acropolis of Lindos, is a historic fortification that once housed the Governor's Palace of the Knights of St. John. Of its original three buildings, only two remain, offering a glimpse into Rhodes' medieval past. Its strategic location and preserved structures make it a key part of Lindos' cultural heritage and a must-visit landmark.