Ancient Ialysos

Rhodes


Ancient Ialysos was one of three cities that joined to create the new city of Rhodes in 408 BC. Its flat hilltop site, 12km southwest of Rhodes Town, can be reached by a signposted drive or a demanding but enjoyable 5km hike from nearby Ialysos, but there’s surprisingly little to see. A paved walkway, lined by trees, climbs the final 100m to the Byzantine Monastery of Filerimos that now occupies the summit, alongside the ruins of a small Athena temple.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rhodes attractions

1. Acropolis of Rhodes

4.89 MILES

Now known as the Acropolis of Rhodes, the site of the ancient Hellenistic city of Rhodes stretches up the slopes of Monte Smith, 1km west of the Old Town…

2. Moat Walkway Entrance

5.32 MILES

If St Athanasios Gate is your exit rather than entry point for a walk in the moat, you need to keep your eyes peeled to spot this access route, which…

3. St Athanasios' Gate

5.33 MILES

Watched over by a sturdy round tower, this is said to be the gate through which the conquering Ottoman sultan entered the city in 1522.

4. Kalithea Thermi

5.39 MILES

Italian architect Pietro Lombardi constructed this opulent art deco spa, on the site of ancient thermal springs, in 1929. Its dazzling white-domed…

5. Great Hammam

5.43 MILES

Behind its plain exterior, this 500-year-old Ottoman bathhouse is spectacular, with a finely wrought star-pierced ceiling that allows light to radiate…

6. Muslim Library

5.43 MILES

This peaceful little library, founded in 1793, sits in an inviting little garden courtyard opposite the Mosque of Süleyman. Visitors can only enter the…

7. Mosque of Süleyman

5.44 MILES

Rhodes' Old Town bears many legacies from its Ottoman past. Many churches were converted to mosques during the Turkish era, and even more Muslim houses of…

8. Roloi Clock Tower

5.45 MILES

Commanding the highest point in the Old Town, this sturdy clocktower offers a tremendous panorama. Dating originally from the 7th century, it was damaged…

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