The ancient city of Ialyssos is located around the hill of Filerimos in the northernmost part of the island. It was named after the ancient hero Ialyssos. Ialyssos was the son of Cercaphus (son of the god of the Sun) and Kydippi. He had 2 brothers, Lindos and Kamiros, with each founding a city named after them. Ialyssos also had a daughter, Symi, from whom the island of Symi was named.

Ialyssos is considered the oldest city on the island and is estimated to have been built around 1500 BC. In antiquity it was a thriving city and a major commercial centre and was a member of the Doric Hexapolis. Ialyssos was also the birthplace of the famous Olympic champion and boxer Diagoras. In the 4th century BC, Ialyssos began to decline, due to the transfer of the economic and cultural centre of the island to the new city of Rhodes.

The ancient city of Ialyssos has a wealth of sights worth visiting:

1.Temple of Athena

The temple of Athena is a Doric temple with two, four or six columns, with a portico, a semi-circular and a rear portico.

2.Doric fountain

2 tunnels used to transport water to the city. The water was carried to an open reservoir which was formed by six pessaries with screens in the gaps between them, and from there to the gallery formed by six Doric columns forming the front of the fountain. On one of the pessaries is inscribed the rules by which the cistern operated.

3.Byzantine fortifications

Byzantine fortifications were built during the Byzantine Empire to protect the city from invaders and raiders. They are located on the north-eastern side of the hill and the repairs made later by the knights can be seen.

4.The church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

The church is a single-aisle basilica of the Dodecanese type, with a nave and a women’s balcony. It was built in 1756.

5.The church of Panagia Filerimou

The hill of Filerimos was named after a monk who during the period of the Crusaders came from Jerusalem to Rhodes, bringing the icon of the Virgin Mary, the work of the evangelist Luke, to the island. From the hill visitors can enjoy the view of the island.

6.The Church of Zoodochos Pigi

This church was built in the 15th century.

7.Church of Agios Georgios of Chostos

The church is an early Christian Basilica of underground type. It dates to the 5th to 6th century AD and is decorated with frescoes of the equestrian period. The frescoes depict the Passion of Christ, the Life of the Virgin Mary, and the patron saints of the Knights.

Want to learn more about the history of Rhodes? Visit Throne of Helios and combine knowledge with fun!