The Lindos acropolis and village
Late yesterday afternoon, we took a walk through the picturesque, and vine covered, shady lanes of Lindos village, to visit The Lindian Acropolis. Lindos itself provides an eclectic mix of history, beaches, bars, restuarnts, and is the hub of activity for the southern area of Rhodes, and is worth a visit in its own right.
The village has many historic houses dating from 16th, 17th or 18th century. Most of the imposing residents have been tastefully converted into bars and restaurants. The village itself is situated on a network of cobbled streets and lanes, and it’s easy to become lost, and you really must get lost here! The houses are exquisitely small, whitewashed and sit beautifully on the hillside overlooking the acropolis and bays, making it one of the most stunning places on the island.
Legend says the village was set up by one of the divine sons of Zeus, and once you’ve seen Lindos, you’ll see why, as it’s hard to imagine that man could have created something so wonderful.
Being late in the day, most of the visiting coach parties had left, and the area was very peaceful. Although the evening temperature was much cooler, the humidity made the steep climb up to the acropolis a challenge!
After walking through Lindos, you arrive at the steep steps leading to the Acropolis. That’s when you fully realize that it is a long way up, but the view is definitely worth the effort. The acropolis is dominant from all over the Lindian prefecture, and when you get up close, you can appreciate just how much work that must have been involved in creating such large and impressive stone structure.
Before you enter the site there is the relief of a Rhodian Trireme carved into the rock, at the base of the steps leading up to the acropolis. To the side of the modern stairs, you can still see remnants of the ancient steps. The monumental staircase leads to the Propylaea of the Sanctuary, a D-shaped stoa and a wall with five door openings.
The Lindos Acropolis, surrounded by its huge Hellenistic wall protects the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia (300 BC), the Hellenistic stoa from around (200 BC), the remains of a Roman temple, dedicated to the Emperor Diocletian (300 AD) and the Castle of the Knights of St John.
The Hellenistic stoa is an impressive structure, and consisted of 42 columns, steps and covered walkways. It is very reminiscent of the acropolis in Athens. A lot of reconstruction work has taken place over the past 100 years, some good some not so good. However, it doesn’t detract from the wonder that beholds, when you climb the stoa and see the temple of Athena for the fist time.
The Temple of Athena, with is towering doric columns, sited at the northern end of the complex, reminds you of the amazing accomplishments of the ancient Hellenistic people’s. Also from this point you have some breathtaking views of the island and Mediterranean Sea, and plenty of photo opportunities.
The Castle of the Knights of St John was built before 1317 on the foundations of an older Byzantine fortification. One of the towers at the southwest corner and one to the west survive. Finally, the whole site is littered with historical artefacts, carvings, mouldings, and engraved statue bases. Sadly, over the millennia, visiting conquering nations have removed the statues and they can be found in the museums of Britain, Sweden, turkey, France amongst others.
The Lindos Acropolis is a wonder to behold at a highly recommended place to visit. Here are just a few of the many photos we took.
