What to See, Know & Expect
ANCIENT
MUST-SEE
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Acropolis of Lindos – Aerial view
Where It All Begins
The history of the Acropolis of Lindos goes all the way back to the 9th century BC, during the Geometric period, when the site was first dedicated to a pre-Hellenic deity who later became Athena Lindia.
In the Archaic period, the sanctuary flourished again, traditionally linked with Cleobulus, who is said to have built an important temple here. That earlier structure was destroyed by fire in 342 BC and later replaced by the monument we still see today.
Over time, the Acropolis kept evolving — strengthened in the Hellenistic period with defensive walls, reshaped during Byzantine times, expanded by the Knights of St. John, and even used under Ottoman rule until its final abandonment in 1844. Excavations in the 20th century revealed just how rich and layered this sacred place truly is.
Entrance – the First Steps
The Acropolis is accessed from the north side, following the stone pathway that slowly leads you up through the fortress gates. Passing through a few entrances, you arrive at a wide plateau and the staircase that leads toward the Knights’ headquarters.
The staircase that leads toward the Knights’ headquarters
A carved trireme (ship’s prow) dating to around 170 BC.
On the way up, don’t miss one of the most unique details of the site — a semicircular rock-cut podium and a carved trireme (ship’s prow), both dating to around 170 BC. The podium once supported a statue dedicated to Admiral Hagesandros, while the curved seating area nearby likely served as a resting point for ancient visitors climbing up. Even today, you can still feel how this path has always been part of the journey.
The Governor’s Quarter
At the top of the main staircase, you enter the Dioketerion, the residence of the Knight’s governor, through a grand arched gate protected by a machicolation — once used for defense during attacks. Above it, you’ll notice the coat of arms of Grand Master D’Aubusson. The Knights of St John fortified the entire hilltop in the 14th century.
The olive tree – a beautiful symbol of the goddess Athena herself
In Greek mythology, Athena gifted the olive tree to humanity as a sign of peace, wisdom, prosperity, and protection — making the presence of the Olive tree inside the sanctuary feel especially meaningful even today.
Just a few steps further, you reach the remains of a 13th-century Byzantine Church of St. John, built in the cross-in-square style. Behind it lies a 3rd-century BC semicircular podium, believed to have been used for ritual initiation in the cult of Athena, along with the bases of ancient statues. A little lower down, the ruins of a small Roman temple remind you how many layers this site holds — all in one place.
Hellenistic Stoa
The highlight of the Acropolis begins with the impressive Hellenistic stoa, dating in part to the 1st century AD. A vaulted passage and staircase lead you into its remains, stretching around 87 meters in length and originally supported by 42 Doric columns arranged in a Π-shape — 20 still standing today.
This was once the social and spiritual meeting point of Lindos. Here, people gathered to watch religious ceremonies, but also to discuss politics, philosophy, justice, and everyday life — basically the ancient version of a town square with a view.
Remains of the Hellenic Stoa
Propylea of Athena
From the Stoa, a wide monumental staircase leads to the Propylea, built after 408 BC. Originally formed by two colonnades with rooms in between, today only its outline remains, but the scale is still impressive.
This structure marked the entrance into the sacred heart of the Acropolis. A rear wall with five doors separated the outer world from the inner sanctuary, opening into a courtyard surrounded by Stoas and colonnades in front of the Temple of Athena.
Monumental stairway leading to the Propylaia
Temple of Athena Lindia
To the south of the courtyard stands the restored Temple of Athena — the spiritual center of the entire sanctuary. Small in size (about 8 × 22 meters), but enormous in importance, it reflects how sacred space here was shaped by rock, not scale.
The restored Temple of Athena — the spiritual center of the entire sanctuary
Inside, the cult statue of Athena once stood at the back of the cella, inspired by the famous Athena of the Parthenon. The temple had four columns on both the front and rear, and its interior included a pronaos, cella, and opisthodomos.
Inscriptions of priests once flanked the entrance, while offerings and treasures were kept inside — making this not just a temple, but a living center of devotion.
At the very edge of the Acropolis, you’ll find one of the best viewpoints — a panorama over the lower town, the modern village, and the stunning heart-shaped bay of St. Paul. Do not miss it!
One of the most iconic views from the Acropolis – heart-shaped St. Paul’s Bay
*Historical Sources used for this Article:
Dr. I. Ch. Papachristodoulou, LINDOS Brief History – The Monuments, Hellenic Ministry of Culture Archaeological Receipts Fund, Athens 2006
Χ.Ι. Παπαχριστοδουλου, ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΡΟΔΟΥ, ΑΠΟ ΤΟΥΣ ΠΡΟΙΣΤΟΡΙΚΟΥΣ ΧΡΟΝΟΥΣ ΕΩΣ ΤΗΝ ΕΝΣΩΜΑΤΩΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΔΩΔΕΚΑΝΙΣΟΥ (1948). Αθηνα, 1994.
Vicky Dikou-Adwera, Lindos The beauty that outlasts time: Photographs, History, Tourist Guide, Publisher Marmatakis Bros, Chania.
