The ancient city of Ialyssos in Rhodes is a historical treasure that extended around the hill of Filerimos, which served as the ancient acropolis. This area boasts remains of buildings from various significant periods, including the Archaic, Byzantine, and Knights' periods, offering a unique glimpse into the rich history of Rhodes.
Temple of Athena PoliasThe centerpiece of Ialyssos is the Temple of Athena Polias, dating back to the 3rd-2nd century BC. This Doric temple was constructed over the site of an earlier Classical temple, evidenced by the 5th-century BC floor and terra-cotta antefixes discovered at the location. The temple highlights the architectural advancements of the period and serves as a testament to the city's religious significance.
Historical Artifacts
On the west side of the temple, a depository was uncovered, producing pottery and votive offerings dating from the 9th to the 5th century BC. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the daily lives and religious practices of the ancient inhabitants of Ialyssos.
Cults of Athena and Zeus Polias
In addition to the prominent cult of Athena Polias, Ialyssos was also home to a cult of Zeus Polias. This dual religious influence underscores the city's importance as a spiritual center in ancient times.
Early Christian Basilica
During the Early Christian period (5th-6th century AD), a three-aisled basilica with an atrium was constructed on the remains of the ancient temple. This basilica represents the adaptation and continuation of the site's religious significance through different eras. In the 10th century, a single-aisled church with a cupola was added to the north aisle, further enriching the site's architectural diversity.
Medieval Monastery and Church
In the time of the Franks, the site of Ialyssos was occupied by a medieval monastery and church. This period introduced new architectural styles and religious practices, adding another layer to the site's historical tapestry.
Important buildings in the archaeological site of Ialyssos Rhodes include:
Doric fountain-house. Two tunnels brought water from the top of the hill to a cistern cut into the rock and closed by a poros isodomic wall in the form of a Lion-head spouts discharged the water from the closed cistern into a open tank, which was enclosed by six pillars with stone panels between them, and from there to a portico of six Doric columns which formed the facade of the fountain-house (4th c. BC). A sacred law with proscriptions for the protection of the fountain-house was carved on one of the pillars.
Church of the Knights' period from the 14th c. with a vaulted roof and two hexagonal chapels.
Baptistery of a three-aisled Early Christian basilica, built over the ruins of the temple of Athena.
Byzantine fortifications. These are on the east side of the hill and constructed with material taken from the ancient temple of Athena. Parts of the repairs made by the Knights are visible.
Ruins of the katholikon of a Byzantine monastery. This is a cruciform inscribed church of the C type, and dates from the end of the 10th to the beginning of the 11th c.
Medieval monastery restored during the Italian occupation. Around the interior courtyard are the rooms of a two-storey building with arched porticos leading to the monks' cells on the ground floor and the Abbot's quarters on the first floor.
Single cell chapel of Ayios Georgios Chostos, with 15th c. frescos in an eclectic style.
Excavations were carried out by the Italian Archaeological School (in 1914 and 1923-1926) during their occupation of the island. The earliest phases of the temple of Athena were excavated as well as the depository containing figurines, pottery and metal objects (9th-5th c. BC). The Doric fountain-house was also excavated and restored at this time.
Today, visitors to Ialyssos can explore these remarkable ruins and imagine the vibrant religious and cultural activities that once took place here. The site offers a unique opportunity to walk through centuries of history, from ancient Greek temples to Byzantine churches and medieval monasteries.
