Things to see and do Rhodes Ville

The ancient Acropolis of Rhodes - not fortified - dominates the entire city. There were massive temples and all the places of power and public life of the city. The whole site dates from the late Hellenistic period (between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC). The excavations began under the Italian occupation in 1912 but are still not completed. In particular, you will see an impressive reconstruction of the 210-metre-long stadium, a theatre that could accommodate 800 spectators and temples dedicated to Zeus and Athena.

The former main port of Rhodes has existed since ancient times and has been used by all the successive conquerors of the city. The entrance is guarded by two columns surmounted by bronze sculptures representing Rhodes' emblems: the stag and the deer. For centuries, legend has it that these two columns marked the site of the ancient Colossus of Rhodes. According to this widespread myth, the Colossus' feet were anchored at the level of the current columns, rising to 32 metres in height, the equivalent of a twelve-storey building. If the Colossus did exist, this somewhat whimsical thesis was defeated in a breach by all archaeologists... The dike that still protects the harbour today is dominated by Fort Saint-Nicolas, a jewel of defensive art established by the Knights of Saint-Jean in the 15th century. Three medieval windmills lead to it.

It is at the port of Mandraki that you will find the cruise and excursion boats that connect Lindos, among others. But the main interest is elsewhere: completely rethought during the Italian occupation, the quays offer a succession of buildings of fascist architecture, in various styles. Among the imposing Mandraki buildings designed by the Italians, you may notice the National Bank of Greece, the National Theatre, the Post Office, the Law Courts and the Town Hall, but you can't miss the eclectic New Market style building. In this former fish market established in 1925, today there are cafés and shops.