Ancient Ialyssos

Ancient Ialyssos was one of the three Dorian city-states of Rhodes, together with Lindos and Kamiros, and its acropolis lay on what is now Filerimos Hill above the village of Ialyssos in the South Aegean region of Greece, about 12 kilometres from Rhodes Town. The settlement dates back to the Mycenaean and Geometric periods and was a significant centre until the three cities united to found the city of Rhodes in 408 BC. Today the remains sit on the summit plateau, within the same enclosure as the Monastery of Our Lady of Filerimos, and are covered by the same ticket. The best-known ruin is a 4th-century BC Doric fountain house, a well-preserved structure with a pillared facade and a water channel that once supplied the city. Nearby are the foundations of the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus, which stood on the acropolis, and parts of a Byzantine church built over the older temple. Visitors also find sections of fortification walls and scattered column drums among pine trees. The ruins are modest compared with Kamiros or Lindos, and they are best enjoyed together with the monastery and views from the hill. A visit to the ancient remains alone takes about 45 minutes. The site is open roughly 08:30 to 15:30 in summer, with shorter winter hours, and its admission is included in the Filerimos ticket of about 6 EUR, with free entry for eligible young visitors. Mornings are cooler and quieter, and midday brings coach groups. A signboard gives basic explanations. Visitors can reach the hill by taxi, which costs about 18 EUR from Rhodes Town, or by rental car in around 20 minutes.