Like almost every part of Greece, the island has a number of important archeological sites, evidence of a history of over three thousand years. Excavations bring every year to the light new foundings. It is common in Greece for a church or an important building to be situated over the relics of an acient temple, or for medieval fortification to use ancient castles and walls.

Because of the continuity in the island’s history and the consequent re-use of materials and, in some cases, of entire buildings, much of the historical-artistic heritage is assimilated also into the structure of all old constructions. In this sense, Rhodes is an open museum, where traces of the past eras can be found even on a humble village house.

Probably the most important archeological site on the island is the unfortified ancient town of Kamiros, one of the three Dorian cities founded on the island, located on the southwest part of the island. But it is the magnificent Acropolis of Lindos, built on rock over the village, accessible only on foot or with a donkey, the most visited one. Its doric Temple of Athena is located inside a Medieval Castle, thus creating an interesting blend of two cultures. The construction of the Acropolis is dated at 1100 B.C.

No more than one kilometer from the center of the city, on the beautiful hill of Ayios Stefanos (monte Smith), lie the sparse remains of the Hellenistic Era of Rhodes. The site contains a restored theater, a stadium and the remains of the temple of Apollo.

On the top of the Filerimos‘ hill, are the few remains of the acient Ialyssos together with a Byzantine castle and monastery.

Discover Rhodes - Your holidays guide on the Greek island of Rhodes (Rodos).

The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is located at the center of the Medieval Town, right by the famous Street of the Knights (Odòs Ipotòn). Hosted in one of the most important buildings of the Knights era, the museum has an important collection of findings that date from the Mycenaean era to early Christian time, as well as various typical examples of the arts of the Knights.

This imposing building was originally constructed by Grand Master Jean de Lastic in 1440 and later enlarged by the Grand Master d’Aubusson in 1481-89. It was used as the main Hospital of the Knights of the Order of John also known as Knights Hospitaller. At the center of the building there is a large courtyard where a large lion made from Lardos stone is resting its forepaws on the head of a bull. The courtyard is surrounded by a double portico following a typical Gothic architecture. The ward for the sick was located in the upper floor, while warehouses and stables were at the ground level.

The Hospital was extensively restored during the Italian occupation in 1913-18 and it has been used as a museum since then. The exhibition in the first floor contains altars, sarcophaguses and other objects recovered from Ialysos, statues and steles from Kamiros and the neighboring islands. The famous grave stele of Kalliarista, the statue of Venus, a bathing Aphrodite, the “Drunken Dionysus” and a headless statue of Artemis are just some of its exhibits. On the ground floor there are displays of ordnance from the Ottomans and Knights periods, as well as other finds.

Address: Apellou str. Medieval Town of Rhodes

Opening hours

Discover Rhodes - Your holidays guide on the Greek island of Rhodes (Rodos).