Ancient Kamiros

Overview

Ancient Kamiros is the excavated Doric city on the northwest coast of Rhodes — one of the three ancient cities that merged to found the city of Rhodes in 408 BC. Its hillside ruins offer a remarkably complete picture of an ancient Greek town.

Highlights

• Residential Quarter: Foundations of houses with intact water-supply systems reveal daily life in a 3rd-century BC Greek city.
• Agora and Temple: The public square and temple ruins occupy the middle terrace.
• Cistern and Stoa: A monumental Hellenistic stoa and massive water cistern crown the upper terrace.

History

Founded in the archaic period, Kamiros prospered through agriculture and olive oil production. After the three cities united to found Rhodes in 408 BC, Kamiros declined and was eventually abandoned. It lay buried until excavations began in 1859.

Visitor Tips

• Remote Location: 40 minutes by car from Rhodes Town on the west coast — no public bus.
• No Shade: Bring sun protection — the site is entirely exposed.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.