ACROPOLE
Acropolis overlooking Lindos with a view of the sea, and the temple of Athena as the highest point.
It dominates the city from a height of 115 m, protected by the imposing walls built by the Crusaders on the basis of Byzantine fortifications. Between 1902 and 1905, excavations by the Danish Archaeological School revealed Neolithic tools, figurines from the 8th century BC, and a plaque engraved by a priest of Athena in 99 BC, listing the illustrious figures who had visited the temple, including Hercules, Helen of Troy, Menelaus and Alexander the Great. The Italians took over the excavations during the Italian occupation and carried out the restorations (sometimes not very faithful) at a rapid pace. The temple of Athena is located at the highest point of the acropolis. It is one of the few ancient temples to have preserved its inner walls and lateral colonnade. Note the imposing Doric archway with thirteen columns, the ruins of the ancient theatre and a cave sanctuary of Athena, the site of mysterious sacrifices. As you descend, you will see the prow of a ship carved into the rock, which served as the base for a statue that has disappeared. This sculpture (early 2nd century BC) is said to have been a masterpiece of the master Pythocritos, to whom the famous winged statue, The Victory of Samothrace, on display in the Louvre is attributed. From this unique site, the view of the sea and the white village is magnificent and it is understandable that it was a strategic location for the various occupants of the island. It is reached by two footpaths: bring hats and water for the climb in the sun.
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