Lindos

Lindos is one of the most impressive archaeological sites not only in Greece but also in the world. It has traces of different civilizations. Ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine traditions blend here with the Medieval heritage of knights of the Order of Saint John. The visit to the Acropolis of Lindos is like time travel via centuries and civilizations! If you go there, you will be delighted not only by the history but also by divine beauty!

For getting into Acropolis you will need to go via lovely narrow streets of the village abundantly decorated with flowers, fruit trees, oriental tiles and small fountains. Once there you will be impressed by incredible view of the harbor and coastline.

Where myth ends and truth starts it is unknown, but generally it is considered that the king Tlepolemus the son of legendary Hercules founded Lindos around 10th century B.C. Constructed as a fortification very quickly it became a big trading center. Homer mentioned Lindos between other cities in the Iliad. Nevertheless, after construction of Rhodes town started in 5th century B.C. the influence of Lindos went gradually to its end.

The most impressive part of Acropolis is the remains of the temple devoted to Athena Lindia dated back to 4th century B.C. Via the time significance of the temple changed and by the Middle Ages it was forgotten. Unfortunately, in the 14th century the huge fortress of the Crusaders was built on Acropolis and the Temple of Athena Lindia was partly demolished. The fortress was needed to protect the island from the growing Ottoman Empire.

The Acropolis of Lindos is on top of 116m cliff. For the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Knights of St John and Turks it was a wonderful strategic position. That is why they built their fortifications on the place, and that is the reason why it is so difficult to excavate: there are too many priceless artifacts from different times and cultures.

Now on the Acropolis you may admire beautiful and still impressive remains of the Temple of Athena Lindia. From around the same time there are the Propylaea, unique Stoa which consists of 42 columns and curious ancient staircase. The antique heritage is surrounded by the Medieval towers of the 14th century fortress built by the Crusaders.