Colossus of Rhodes Today: History, Location and What to See in Rhodes
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Rhodes in Greece is best known as the legendary home of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although the giant statue no longer exists, visitors can still explore the historic Mandraki Harbour where the Colossus is believed to have stood. Rhodes combines the medieval Old Town, ancient acropolises, and coastal landscapes across the island. This guide explains the history of the Colossus of Rhodes today, where the site is located, and the best cultural attractions to visit across Rhodes island, including Rhodes Old Town, Lindos, and Ancient Kamiros.
Beyond its ancient wonder, Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in Greece and a popular Aegean destination known for its mix of history and natural beauty. The island features beaches, pine forests with hiking trails, dramatic cliffs, whitewashed villages, and traditional tavernas. For travellers interested in combining historical landmarks with deeper local understanding, this approach to cultural travel can help you experience the destination beyond the main tourist attractions.
- 🏛️ Colossus of Rhodes — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
- ⚓ Mandraki Harbour — the symbolic location linked to the ancient statue
- 🏰 Rhodes Old Town — UNESCO-listed medieval city with Knights Hospitaller history
- 🏺 Ancient Kamiros — one of the three original Doric cities of Rhodes
- 🌄 Lindos Acropolis — dramatic clifftop ruins overlooking the Aegean Sea
- 🏟️ Acropolis of Rhodes — temples, stadium, and ancient Odeon remains
- 🌿 Cultural Rhodes — blend of Greek, medieval, and Ottoman heritage across the island
The city of Rhodes is a gem of an old medieval town in Greece, and walking through its cobblestoned lanes feels like stepping into a different era. When you’re done with the historical sightseeing, there are loads of other things to do, such as spending a couple of hours at the city beach or leaving Rhodes town to explore the varied landscape, the Valley of Butterflies, and other scenic locations in the island. The itinerary may include visiting one of the wineries that continue the traditional grape cultivation and island wine culture, which existed already in the 7th century BC and is known from engravings of the sun god Helios, or a rose, on the amphorae. These are ancient symbols or ‘trademarks’ of the Rhodian wine!
Today, the Colossus of Rhodes location is associated with Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes City.
Where to Stay in Rhodes City
1. Colossus of Rhodes
The Colossus of Rhodes remains are gone now, and Mandraki Harbour is now marked by the deer statues Elefos and Elafina.
What was the Statue of Rhodes
Since antiquity, Rhodes has played an important role as a site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Colossus of Rhodes stood at the harbour entrance, welcoming all seafarers to the island. The gigantic statue was created by Chares of Lindos around 300 BC and represented the sun god Helios. Not surprisingly, it took 12 years to build!
Where was the Colossus of Rhodes location
Where is the Colossus of Rhodes located today? The Colossus of Rhodes is long gone – and Mandraki Habour has, no longer, the feet of the Colossus standing on each their side, straddling the harbour entrance. However, it probably never had – it is a misconception dating to the Middle Ages. Such an immense construction (70 cubits, or 105 feet / 32 metres) would have been impossible due to the width of the harbour entrance – it is far more likely that it stood on one side only! However, the myth of the colossal straddling statue still thrives!
Mandraki Harbour | Photo: Travel In Culture
Instead of the Colossus, Mandraki Harbour today features two elegant and far more slender deer named Elefos and Elafina, one on each of their column on the two sides of the opening to the ancient Greek wonder. The fort of Agios Nikolaos, dating to the 1460s, is next to the deer columns.
What happened to the Colossus of Rhodes
A devastating earthquake hit Rhodes in 226 BC, causing damage to the city and the Colossus. In the 7th century AD, the Colossus was looted for material, and, little by little, the famous statue was devastated by the Arabs who had taken over the city. They used the material to produce new coins! That was the end of the Colossus of Rhodes era – and today, the straddling Colossus has become a popular myth!
Picturesque harbour setting in Rhodes.
Along the road to Mandraki Harbour, you will find significant buildings such as the Government House, the National Theatre, the City Hall, and the Archbishop’s Residence.
2. Rhodes Old Town
Rhodes Old Town square showing medieval architecture in Rhodes City, Greece.
Another outstanding construction, erected much later in history, is the medieval Citadel of Rhodes, one of the most impressive and best-preserved European citadels. Moreover, it is today the oldest inhabited medieval town! Establishing their headquarters in Rhodes, the Knights Hospitaller erected this massive citadel, which remained in their possession for two centuries. Since 1988, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travellers exploring more ancient Greek history may also enjoy visiting Ancient Corinth and the Corinth Canal, another important archaeological destination in Greece.
The medieval Citadel of Rhodes | Photo: Travel In Culture
At the time, the island was a strategic part of the trade routes between Constantinople and Alexandria.
After the Ottomans’ siege of the town in 1522, the Knights left Rhodes. Subsequently, the Ottomans converted some of the Knights’ churches into mosques. One of the new constructions was the Suleymaniye Mosque, precisely built in 1522.
Rhodes City.
The impressive citadel has 11 gates as access points to the Old Town’s cobbled streets. Today, the old town is a lovely blend of medieval architecture, mosques, hammams, as well as Byzantine and Gothic churches, including the Clock Tower, small shops, souvenir vendors, fountains, and much more, all contributing to the rich cultural heritage and multicultural atmosphere around the alleys connecting every part of the medieval area.
Rhodes Old Topwn with cobbled streets.
The main sight here is the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, a medieval castle in a Gothic style – the citadel of the Knights Hospitaller. In the 1940s, the palace was influenced by Italian architects. The towers appear strikingly well-preserved from the outside. The renowned Street of the Knights, restored as in the Middle Ages, leads right up to the palace!
Street of the Knights.
Inside the Great Hospital of the Knights, you will find the Archaeological Museum with archaeological finds, including mosaic paintings, from the city of Rhodes.
3. Acropolis of Rhodes
Unlike many other acropolises, the Acropolis of Rhodes has no walls surrounding the ancient constructions. It is located southwest of the current city of Rhodes and consists of the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus, the Temple of Apollo, as well as a 210-metre-long stadium, a gymnasium, and an odeon with seats for 800 spectators – all constructions predominantly built in a Hellenistic style.
Ancient Odeon at the Acropolis of Rhodes overlooking the archaeological site.
The Acropolis dates from the 5th century BC and was erected at the highest part of the ancient city as the ‘capital’ of the island. At that time, the ancient wonder had three settlements: the Doric cities Lindos, Kamiros and Ialysos.
The Temple of Athena was a Doric-columned temple with columns measuring 1.20m in diameter, bounded by a Stoa building. In the 5th or 6th century AD, a Christian church was added, and during the Middle Ages, a monastery as well.
The Doric-style Temple of Pythian Apollo was used as a landmark in Greece for ships arriving at this destination.
4. Ancient Kamiros
Ruins of Ancient Kamiros, one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes.
On Rhodes’ northwest coast, one of the first Doric cities in this site (from the 5th century BC ) can be found: The archaeological site of Ancient Kamiros dates from the Mycenaean era before Rhodes City was founded.
Together with Lindos and Ialysos, Kamiros was part of the ancient Rhodian city state with flourishing agriculture. Moreover, it is known to be the first city in the island to produce coins.
Despite having solid constructions, Kamiros was twice devastated by earthquakes (226 BC and 142 BC). The remnants include the ancient Agora, the Temple of Athena Kameiras, the Archaic Cistern, and the Hellenistic Stoa.
5. Acropolis of Lindos
Lindos Acropolis, one of the most important archaeological remains in Rhodes today.
Another of the three original acropolises was the Acropolis of Lindos. The archaeological site is an impressive area, founded by the Dorians in the 10th century BC – long before the foundation of the later city of Rhodes.
Close-up of Lindos Acropolis, Rhodes.
During the following centuries, Lindos became a major trading centre, which lasted until the city of Rhodes took over in the 5th century BC.
Lindos’s medieval walls were added by the Crusaders in the 14th century, reinforcing the earlier Byzantine defences.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Rhodes
Where was the Colossus of Rhodes located?
The Colossus of Rhodes is believed to have stood near Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes City, although historians generally agree it did not straddle the harbour entrance.
Can you still see the Colossus of Rhodes today?
The original statue no longer exists, but visitors can see the traditional site near Mandraki Harbour marked by the deer statues Elefos and Elafina.
Why was the Colossus of Rhodes built?
The statue was erected to honour the sun god Helios and celebrate Rhodes’ victory over an invading army in the 4th century BC.
What happened to the Colossus of Rhodes?
A major earthquake damaged the statue in 226 BC, and its remains were later removed and reused after Arab forces captured Rhodes.
Is Rhodes Old Town worth visiting?
Rhodes Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and contains historic streets, mosques, churches, museums, and the Palace of the Grand Master.
What are the best ancient sites in Rhodes?
Major archaeological attractions include the Acropolis of Rhodes, Ancient Kamiros, Lindos Acropolis, and the medieval citadel of Rhodes Old Town.
How many days do you need in Rhodes?
Most travellers need at least three to four days to explore Rhodes City, the archaeological remains in Rhodes today, beaches, and nearby villages comfortably.
What is the best time to visit Rhodes?
Spring and early autumn usually offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds while still providing good conditions for sightseeing and beaches.
Can you visit Lindos from Rhodes Town?
Yes, Lindos is a popular day trip from Rhodes Town and can be reached by car, bus, or organised tour.
Is Rhodes suitable for cultural travel?
Rhodes combines ancient Greek history, medieval heritage, Ottoman influences, and local traditions, making it one of the most rewarding cultural destinations in Greece.
Read next: Make a Road Trip in the Peloponnese. For another fascinating ancient Greek site connected to mythology and archaeology, read about Delphi and the Oracle of Apollo.
Site of Colossus of Rhodes Now – Rhodes City, Greece
Was the Colossus of Rhodes Real?
Images courtesy of Travel In Culture. Selected images from Pixabay.