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Lindos Acropolis | Explore A Tale Carved In Stone
Experience Lindos Acropolis
In this video, join us on a captivating journey through time on the stunning Greek island of Rhodes as we explore the remarkable Lindos Acropolis. As you ascend the hill, you'll encounter a fascinating blend of ancient history and natural beauty, all waiting to be unveiled. Discover the splendid Doric temple dedicated to Athena Lindia and the remnants of a Hellenistic stoa, each whispering tales of a bygone era. Meander through charming, narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant flowers, immersing yourself in the island's authentic ambiance.
But the true marvel awaits at the pinnacle, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Lindos Bay's turquoise waters, where nature's beauty unfolds before your eyes. Don't miss the chance to explore the medieval Castle of the Knights of Saint John, a testament to Rhodes' diverse heritage. Lindos Acropolis is a rich tapestry of architectural wonders, cultural treasures, and awe-inspiring vistas, offering a glimpse into the island's storied past amidst a picturesque setting. Join us on this incredible journey of discovery.
Archaeological sites of Lindos
The Theater of Lindos is situated on the western side of Acropoli Lindos, below the Athena Temple. It is the site where many important events, sacrifices, and competitions were held in ancient Greek times. The auditorium has seven rows of seats above the diazo and nineteen below, with the first three rows reserved for the high-ranking officials. It was constructed in the fourth century BC and comprises a stage building. The theatre can accommodate up to eighteen thousand spectators.
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Four-portico is a four-sided building's remains situated near the main theatre. Religious ceremonies were organized in this building, and it could easily accommodate up to 1500-1800 spectators at one time. At a later stage, three Christian churches were constructed at this site, enhancing its religious significance. It is surrounded by an open-air courtyard with a porch at the entrance. A pitched roof supports all four sides of the building's inside columns.
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Situated on the northeast of the Lindos Acropolis, Boukopion served as the place of sacrifices and various religious ceremonies. You can see thirty-eight inscriptions on the rocks around this site, making it a great architectural wonder. In the ancient era, it housed a small stone church, pronaos, a temple, and a vestibule. During the tenth-ninth century BC, it also had votive offerings, including bronze and clay figurines of oxen dedicated to an unidentified deity.
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The Cemeteries of Ancient Lindos
The Tomb of Kleoboulos is a small stone structure with a vaulted roof and carefully constructed masonry. It does not have any connection with the tyrants of Lido and is assumed to be a wealthy family's tomb who lived in the nearby village in the first or second Century BC. Some inscriptions and wall paintings testify that it might have been a Christian church in the ancient period.
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The Archokrateion is a double-storied tomb of Acropoli di Lindo situated at Krana in the locality of Kampana. The first floor's facade comprises memorial altars with the deceased names inscribed on their bases, and the passage on the inside leads to a site where burial rituals are conducted. The walls of the chamber have been created by cutting nineteen graves. To the west, you'll find the Ayios Georgios Kammenos.
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The Church of the Panayia is also known as the Virgin Mary of Lindos Church or the Church of Our Lady, and it is situated near Acropoli Lindos. It has a domed roof, a stone bell tower, and beautiful frescos that are still well-preserved. The painting in the church is considered to be the work of Gregorios from Symi. In 1489, a groin-vaulted vestibule was constructed, and a few areas of the church were repaired.
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Ayios Georgios Chostos is located underground and dates back to the fifteenth century BC. This single-cell chapel has five layers of fresco painting and a dome dating back to the post-Iconoclast period. The beautifully inscribed cruciform church is in a ruined state now, with only a few remains visible.
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As evidenced by the inscriptions, Ayios Georgios Pachymachiotis dates back to 1394/95. The church's south wall is beautifully decorated with full-body saints in plush clothing and scenes of the Ascension in the vault. According to an inscription on the front side of the arch, it was wall-painted and erected from the ground up by a priest and his wife.
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Situated on the northeast side of the entrance area to the Lindos Acropolis, Ayios Demetrios is a barrel-vaulted church. On its north wall, you can see a fifteenth century. St Demetrios riding a horse. The marble tiling and an Early Christian basilica mosaic floor dating back to the fifth century have also been found at this site.
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History Of Lindos
- Lindos flourished and prospered under the rule of the tyrant Cleobulus in archaic times.
- In classical times, Lindos was part of the Delos Alliance, but it allied with the Lacedaemonians during the Peloponnesian War.
- The Lindos Acropolis underwent numerous construction and reconstruction during the Byzantine and Roman eras.
- As Christianity flourished, the ancient temples became Christian churches, however today, the only religious structure you can see is the Castle of the Knights of St. John.
- The Italians did lots of restoration work after recognizing the site's importance.
- After World War II, the Greeks took over the site, and the restoration work was continued by the Hellenic Archaeological Service.
- In the ancient era, the temple of Lindia Athena was Acropolis's main worship place.
- During the rule of the Ottomans, Acropoli di Lindo was used as a fortress and at the start of the twentieth-century Danish archaeologists Blinkenberg and Kinch excavated the site.
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Modern Village of Lindos
The modern village of Lindos combines traditional and modern elements to create an unforgettable living experience. Visitors can enjoy a range of highlights, including:
- The modern village Of Lindos was founded in 2000 BC by The Dorians.
- Acropolis Lindos opening hours are from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm(winters) and 8 am to 8 pm (summers).
- Its entry gate is on the north, with a small fountain, a large tree in the middle, and many other elements from the knights' period.
- The graveyard comprising the church of Phaneromeni is also situated at the village entrance.
- Below the Acropoli di Lindo square, you'll find Moslem cemetery remains containing a few graves.
- The houses of Lindos are divided into different classes, such as houses with mansions and a courtyard and simple ones that look like country cottages.
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Know Before You Go Lindos Acropolis
Opening Hours: Everyday 8:00 am to 7:40 pm, timings may vary for special occasions
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Acropolis of Lindos is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, avoiding the intense heat of summer and the crowds of peak tourist season. The mild temperatures make exploring the archaeological site comfortable, and the clear skies offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the Aegean Sea. Additionally, visiting in the shoulder seasons allows for a more relaxed experience, with fewer tourists and more opportunities to appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the site.
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Location - Acropolis of Lindos, Lindos 851 07, Greece
How to Reach:
- By Car: You can hire a cab or rent a self-drive to the village of Lindos. Once you reach the village, you'll have to walk up the hill to the Acropoli Lindos. From Syntagma Square it takes 10 minutes to reach Acropolis and the total distance is around 2.8 kilometers.
- By Bus: Regular bus services run to the village of Lindos from the city of Rhodes. You can board bus numbers 44, 64, 12, or 18 and get down at Lindos Reception, the nearest bus stop to the Acropolis. After reaching Lindos, you'll have to walk up the hill to the Acropolis.
- By Taxi: Taxis offer a hassle-free way to reach Lindos Acropolis. You can hire a taxi from any part of the city of Rhodes and after reaching your destination walk up the hill to the Acropolis.
- By Boat Tour: You can rent a boat during the summer months to reach the village of Lindos from the city of Rhodes. After reaching Lindos, you'll have to walk up the hill to the Acropolis. This option allows you to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.
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FAQs for Lindos Acropolis
What are the opening hours of Lindos Acropolis?
The Acropolis is open every day from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, from April to October, and from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, from November to March.
What is Lindos famous for?
Lindo is known for its archaeological sites, historical attractions, and ancient structures. It houses the Acropolis of Lindos, the Greek world's architectural marvel. The Lindos beach is another popular attraction of Lindos known for offering breathtaking views and tons of water-based activities.
What is the best time to visit Lindos Acropolis?
Late afternoon or early morning(Weekend) is the best time to visit the Acropolis as the weather is very mild and comfortable, and you won't encounter a huge rush. You can have a hassle-free tour of the Acropolis if you arrive during Acropolis Lindos' opening hours. This time is also perfect for photo opportunities as the lighting is good and the rush is less.
How many steps are there to Lindos Acropolis?
There are approximately 250 steps of varying heights that you'll have to climb to reach Acropolis Lindos Rhodes. These steps do not have guide rails so small children and people with low stamina should climb them cautiously.
Is the Acropolis of Lindos worth visiting?
Yes, the Acropolis of Lindos is worth visiting if you want to learn about ancient Greek civilization. You can see here the ruins of old castles and admire the architecture of the Temple of Athena. You can head to the top of the archaeological site to admire breathtaking views of the surroundings.
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Which are the places to visit in Acropolis?
- Acropolis Museum: The Acropolis Museum is a thematic museum that contains the finds of the first excavation conducted at the Athenian Acropolis.
- Erechtheion: Named after the Greek King Erechteus, Erechtheus houses Athena's ancient wooden cult statue. This well-preserved ancient temple is situated close to Acropoli di Lindo and testifies to ancient Greek civilization's artistic prowess.
- Parthenon: Parthenon is one of the most famous ancient world temples dedicated to Athena. It has also served as an Islamic mosque and a Christian church since its construction.
- Ancient Agora of Athens: The Ancient Agora of Athens is the most significant public space in Greece used for meetings and gatherings. Numerous civic offices and public buildings were constructed, including the temple of Hephaestus and religious sites dedicated to the twelve gods of Olympus.
- Theatre of Dionysus: The Theatre of Dionysus was the largest and the first theatre built in Athens, with a capacity of around seventeen thousand people.
What are the best things to do around Lindos?
- Take A Walk To The Cleobulus Tomb: Stay in awe as you see The Cleobulus Tomb, built in honour of Cleobulus, one of the seven sages of Ancient Greece.
- Explore the Ancient Theater: Explore the Ancient Theater to get an idea of how musical competitions and athletic events were held in the ancient era. The amphitheatre dates back to the fourth century BC and can accommodate up to eighteen hundred spectators.
- Wander Around the Alleyways of Lindos Village: Walk along the alleyways of Lindos Village to learn about the lives of the local people and see the fascinating buildings. Drop by the Church of Panagia': Appreciate the interior of the Church of Panagia,' a small chapel with striking pebble mosaic flooring and colourful frescoes. The church houses holy utensils donated by the sailors and the Icon of the Mother of God.
- Go for a Swim at St. Paul's Bay: Refresh yourself by taking a dip at St. Paul's Bay, situated right down from the main village.