Rhodes City, a gem filled with historical riches, offers a walk through time. Medieval monuments, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman mosques stand as testaments to its varied past, while reminders of Ancient Greece are ever-present. The Rhodes Olympic stadium is a notable relic from this era.
Since 1912, the ongoing excavations of Rhodes' acropolis have revealed its significant ancient heritage. Despite incomplete work, early 20th-century archaeologists uncovered a legacy of antiquity yet to be fully understood.
Researchers have uncovered a unique athletic structure dating back to the 3rd century B. C. This stadium stands out as the only surviving twin of the iconic Olympia stadium and the Athenian Panathenaic Stadium. Shaped in an elongated rectangle, it stretches an impressive 200 meters in length and 35 meters in width, which were significant dimensions for its time. Notably, the stadium boasts exceptional sound quality, allowing clear audio transmission up to a distance of 400 meters.
At the heart of the arena lies a running track marked with start and finish lines. The stadium’s one end is curved, serving dual purposes: hosting combat sports and accommodating turns during equestrian events and races. Encircling this end are the stands for judges and spectators, offering a prime view of the action. It’s recorded that officials and nobility were privileged with seats closest to the competition. The spectator rows remain largely intact to this day, with the venue historically seating up to 800 individuals.
Annually, the Rhodian stadium held minor contests and every four years, major games in honor of Helios, the island’s guardian deity. These festivals featured athletic, equestrian, and musical challenges, with female athletes participating. Champions were awarded a poplar leaf crown. Rhodes athletes were renowned, especially Diagoras, the island’s most celebrated sports figure. Rhodes airport is named after him.
Adjacent to a stadium stands a quaint restored marble theater, which hosts performances today just as in ancient eras. Near the stadium’s east side lie the remnants of a gymnasium. The ancient Rhodes stadium remains in excellent shape thanks to restorations by Italians and the Rhodes archaeological service. Annually, thousands visit this historic site, both as a cultural landmark and an events venue.
Surrounded by lush greenery, this stadium is a serene spot for leisurely strolls and relaxation. While some come to bask in its historical ambiance on the ancient stands, others jog along its tracks. Photographers and nature lovers will find the monument’s location a treasure trove, offering stunning coastal and sea vistas, particularly during the breathtaking dawn and dusk hours. Access to this picturesque site is open to all at no charge.
The Rhodes Stadium lies south of the acropolis’s peak on Monte Smith Hill, previously known as «Agios Stefanos.» Accessible by car with free parking nearby, it’s also reachable via public transport. However, many tourists choose to walk from the Old Town, a journey that takes around 30 minutes. For an easy city tour, the Rhodes City Tour bus is a convenient option, stopping at major attractions including the acropolis at the hill’s base. Catch the bus at the harbor or Old Town, with tickets available online. The same ticket allows for a return trip from the stadium to the city center.
