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Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus: Ancient Echoes on the Acropolis of Rhodes

Discover the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus on the Acropolis of Rhodes, an ancient site of worship and history with stunning views.

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Explore the evocative ruins of the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus, a historical landmark on the northern edge of the Acropolis of Rhodes. This ancient site offers a glimpse into the religious practices and architectural grandeur of the Hellenistic period, with remnants of a Doric temple surrounded by columns, where citizens once worshipped Athena and Zeus and stored important treaties.

A brief summary to Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus

  • Rhodes, 851 00, GR

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain is uneven and requires some walking.
  • Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views and the intricate architectural details of the temple remains.
  • Take time to read the informational plaques on-site for a deeper understanding of the temple's history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Rhodes Town, the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus is approximately a 20-minute walk. Head towards the Acropolis, following well-marked signs. The path leads you through the city streets and up to Monte Smith, where the Acropolis is located. The temple is within the archaeological site. No costs are associated with this final approach.

  • Public Transport

    Take a local bus from various points in Rhodes to the city center. Look for buses heading to 'Rhodes Acropolis' or 'Ancient City of Rhodes'. Once you arrive at the city center, it's a short walk towards the Acropolis. Follow the signs indicating the archaeological site. Bus tickets for urban routes cost approximately €1.20.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Rhodes Town. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Acropolis will cost approximately €6-10, but agreeing on the fare beforehand is recommended. There may be additional charges for luggage.

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Discover more about Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus

The Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus, situated on the northern edge of the Acropolis of Rhodes, stands as a testament to the island's rich Hellenistic past. This sacred site was not only a place of worship dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, and Zeus, the king of the gods, but also a key location for storing important treaties and documents. Constructed around the 4th century B.C., researchers believe that this temple predates the nearby Stoa Building. The temple, surrounded by columns on all sides, would have been an imposing structure. Today, the remains offer a glimpse into its past glory, with visible parts of its structure, including large column drums. Some of these drums measure up to 1.20 meters in diameter, offering a sense of the temple's original monumental scale. Excavations have revealed that the temple was a Doric peripteral structure made of poros stone, featuring a columned portico on all four sides. Inscriptions found on-site confirm that the temple was dedicated to both Athena and Zeus, with several statues of Athena discovered in the area. The site's elevation provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal spot for both history enthusiasts and photography lovers. In later centuries, the site underwent transformations, with a Christian church erected over the original temple in the 5th and 6th centuries A.D., and a monastery added in medieval times. These layers of history add further depth to the site's significance. Exploring the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus offers a unique opportunity to connect with the ancient world and appreciate the cultural heritage of Rhodes.

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