About
The Rhodes Acropolis, also known as the Acropolis of Rhodes or Monte Smith, is an ancient Greek hilltop site on the island of Rhodes, in Greece. It sits on Monte Smith, a short way from the modern town, and makes a rewarding half-day visit for anyone interested in the island's past.
What you will see
The site preserves the ruins of several features of an ancient Greek city centre. Among them are:
- the remains of the Temple of Apollo
- an ancient stadium
- an ancient theatre
Walking between these remains gives a clear sense of how the hilltop was organised, with sacred, sporting and performance spaces close together.
The views
One of the main reasons to climb Monte Smith is the panorama. From the summit you look out over Rhodes town and across the sea, so the visit doubles as a good vantage point for understanding the island's setting. Bring water and sun protection, as the site is open and exposed to the weather.
Planning your visit
The Acropolis works well combined with the rest of the old and modern city. Because the site is compact, you can see its main features in a single visit and then return to town for lunch or a stroll. If you are interested in archaeology, the ruins are worth taking slowly; if you mainly want a view, the summit rewards a short stop at any time of day.