Explore Lindos
Lindos, a captivating archaeological site, a charming fishing village, and a former municipality on the island of Rhodes, beckons with its rich history and scenic beauty. Following the 2011 local government reform, Lindos is now part of the larger municipality Rhodes, standing as a significant municipal unit sprawling over 178.9 km2.
Above the modern town of Lindos proudly rises the Acropolis of Lindos, a natural citadel with a complex history shaped by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Knights of St John, and Ottomans. The acropolis offers a challenging archaeological puzzle, difficult to excavate due to its successive fortifications.
Key features of the Acropolis include:
The Castle of the Knights of St John is a medieval stronghold built before 1317 on Byzantine foundations. With walls and towers following the natural cliffs, the castle boasts a pentagonal tower overlooking the harbor, settlement, and southern road. Surviving towers today provide glimpses into the castle's strategic design.
The Greek Orthodox Church of St John, dating from the 13th or 14th century, stands on the ruins of an earlier church, possibly from the 6th century. Its historic charm adds to the layers of Lindos' cultural tapestry.
Notably, Lindos is not only a historical marvel but also a cinematic backdrop, with scenes from the well-known film "The Guns of Navarone" filmed against its breathtaking backdrop. Lindos invites visitors to explore its historical riches and witness the convergence of antiquity and cinematic artistry.
Exploring Lindos is not just a journey through time; it's an archaeological adventure that has revealed the layers of its ancient history. The Carlsberg Institute of Denmark, under the direction of K.F. Kinch and Christian Blinkenberg, conducted extensive excavations at Lindos from 1900 to 1914.
These excavations were meticulous, reaching down to the bedrock and uncovering the foundations of all buildings on the acropolis site. The significance of these findings is invaluable, providing insights into Lindos' architectural marvels and the lives of its ancient inhabitants.
However, Lindos faced challenges during the Italian occupation of the island from 1912 to 1945. Major restoration efforts were undertaken on the Lindos acropolis, but, unfortunately, these interventions were poorly executed and had detrimental effects on the historic record.
Specific restoration actions during this period included:
Regrettably, these restoration efforts fell short of modern standards and, in some cases, caused damage to the very remains they sought to preserve. Parts of Lindos were masked by the intervention, compromising the authenticity of the archaeological site.
Recognizing the need for a more considerate approach, Greek and international archaeologists, working under the supervision of the Greek Ministry of Culture, have embarked on recent restoration endeavors. Their goal is not just to restore but to protect and preserve the ancient buildings on the Lindos acropolis, ensuring that future generations can marvel at the site's true historical grandeur.
These ongoing efforts represent a commitment to responsible archaeology, respecting Lindos' rich heritage and allowing its ancient wonders to stand the test of time.
Lindos, blessed by the embrace of the Mediterranean Sea, enjoys a captivating climate that paints a picture of mild winters and scorching summers, with rainfall gracing the landscape mainly in the winter months. Let's delve into the details of Lindos' climate:
The climate classification for Lindos, according to Köppen, is Csa—indicating a Mediterranean climate. This means that the region experiences warm to hot, dry summers and mild winters, characteristics typical of areas influenced by the Mediterranean Sea.
Lindos boasts an annual average temperature of around 22 °C (72 °F), creating an inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. In 2015, Lindos claimed the title of Greece's warmest area, showcasing its reputation as a sun-drenched destination.
The summer of August 2021 etched Lindos into meteorological history. The World Meteorological Organization station in Lindos recorded the all-time highest mean monthly temperature in Europe during that period. This extraordinary feat highlights Lindos as a place where the sun's embrace reaches unparalleled warmth.
Adding to Lindos' meteorological accolades, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service notes that SE Rhodes, the region encompassing Lindos, holds the record for the highest mean annual sunshine in Greece, basking in over 3,100 hours of sunlight annually.
In conclusion, Lindos' climate is not just a backdrop to its historical wonders but an integral part of the allure that draws visitors to experience the sunlit enchantment of this Mediterranean haven.
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