Acropolis of Rhodes, Archaeological site on Monte Smith, Rhodes, Greece

The Acropolis of Rhodes stands on Monte Smith, about 3 kilometres southwest of the centre of modern Rhodes city. Its monuments are built on stepped terraces held by substantial retaining walls, among them the Temple of Pythian Apollo, whose re-erected Doric columns are visible from the harbour, the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus, a 210-metre stadium, a small marble odeon and four rock-cut nymphaea.

The site arose after 408 BC when three island cities merged to form a shared capital. Over the following centuries it grew into a religious and public center.

The temple area once displayed bronze tablets recording agreements with foreign states. These inscriptions turned the site into a public archive that anyone could visit.

The remains sit on a hill with open views over the surroundings and can be reached on foot or by car. The path leads through open ground with few shaded areas, so sun protection is recommended.

The stadium on the southeast slope measures 210 metres and runs north to south; its rounded sphendone with turning posts, officials' seats and part of the spectator rows survive from the 3rd century BC. The Haleion games in honour of Helios were held there, and the starting mechanism is also preserved.