Colossus of Rhodes
Mandraki Harbour, where the legendary Colossus once stood, now features symbolic deer statues marking this site of ancient wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Colossus of Rhodes
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Mandraki Harbour, where the legendary Colossus once stood, now features symbolic deer statues marking this site of ancient wonder.
"Great to visit here and see where the Colossus once stood. Plenty of nice yachts to see also!"
No Statue, Just History
Remember the original Colossus is gone. Enjoy the harbor and imagine its grandeur!
Deer Statues are Symbolic
The iconic deer statues mark the possible location of the Colossus's feet.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mandraki Harbour
Rhodes Town
The historic harbor where the Colossus once stood, now marked by symbolic deer statues.
Symbolic Deer Statues
Mandraki Harbour entrance
Two bronze deer statues stand guard, believed to mark the spot of the ancient Colossus's feet.
Rhodes Old Town
Rhodes Town
A UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a glimpse into medieval history and the island's ancient past.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Understand the Colossus's Legacy
Mandraki Harbour is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
No Statue, Just History
Remember the original Colossus is gone. Enjoy the harbor and imagine its grandeur!
Deer Statues are Symbolic
The iconic deer statues mark the possible location of the Colossus's feet.
Explore Mandraki Harbour
Wander the harbor, admire the yachts, and soak in the atmosphere of this historic port.
Combine with Old Town
Easily pair a visit to the harbor with exploring the nearby Medieval City of Rhodes.
Tips
from all over the internet
No Statue, Just History
Remember the original Colossus is gone. Enjoy the harbor and imagine its grandeur!
Deer Statues are Symbolic
The iconic deer statues mark the possible location of the Colossus's feet.
Explore Mandraki Harbour
Wander the harbor, admire the yachts, and soak in the atmosphere of this historic port.
Combine with Old Town
Easily pair a visit to the harbor with exploring the nearby Medieval City of Rhodes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often express a mix of appreciation for the historical significance and disappointment that the original Colossus is no longer present. While the Mandraki Harbour and its symbolic deer statues are visually appealing and offer a sense of place, some find the lack of a physical structure underwhelming after a long walk. The area is generally considered pleasant for a stroll and for imagining ancient grandeur.
"In honesty, it disappointed us this time as we couldn't get in nor find explanation of the Colossus. Looks great from the outside right by the sea, but all that walk under the sun was exhausting and at the end there wasn't much to see."
Divanna Silva Novelo
"The Colossus of Rhodes (Ancient Greek: ὁ Κολοσσὸς Ῥόδιος, romanized: ho Kolossòs Rhódios; Modern Greek: Κολοσσός της Ρόδου, romanized: Kolossós tis Ródou)[a] was a statue of the Greek sun god Helios, erected in the city of Rhodes, on the Greek island of the same name, by Chares of Lindos in 280 BC. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it was constructed to celebrate the successful defence of Rhodes city against an attack by Demetrius I of Macedon, who had besieged it for a year with a large army and navy.
According to most contemporary descriptions, the Colossus stood approximately 70 cubits, or 33 metres (108 feet) high – approximately two-thirds of the height of the modern Statue of Liberty from feet to crown – making it the tallest statue in the ancient world. It collapsed during the earthquake of 226 BC, although parts of it were preserved. In accordance with the Oracle of Delphi, the Rhodians did not rebuild it.John Malalas wrote that Hadrian in his reign re-erected the Colossus,but he was mistaken. According to the Suda, the Rhodians were called Colossaeans (Κολοσσαεῖς), because they erected the statue on the island.
In 653, an Arab force under Muslim general Mu'awiya I conquered Rhodes, and according to the Chronicle of Theophanes the Confessor, the statue was completely destroyed and the remains sold.
THERE İS NO STATUE OVER HERE 😅😅😅"
Alara Daphne
"Colossus of Rhodes – Still Standing in Spirit
Though no longer visible in bronze and stone, the Colossus of Rhodes remains one of the most stirring symbols of human vision and resilience. Once straddling the ancient harbour like a titan born of sun and sea, it stood not only as a monument to victory, but as a celebration of freedom, imagination, and the courage of a people who refused to be forgotten.
Today, standing by the quiet piers of Mandraki Harbour where deer statues mark its possible feet, one can still feel the echo of greatness in the air. The light dances on the water as if reflecting his vanished form, and the whispers of ancient mariners seem to rise with the wind. It is a reminder that even when the physical disappears, the spirit of creation and defiance lives on.
The Colossus may be gone—but like all true legends, he has simply become part of the sky."
Dr Juan F Martínez-Canca
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Colossus of Rhodes was located at Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town. You can easily reach the harbor on foot if you're staying in Rhodes Town, or by local bus or taxi. Many cruise ships also dock nearby, making it a convenient stop.
Yes, there are parking areas available near Mandraki Harbour, though they can get busy during peak tourist season. Consider walking or using public transport if possible.
Absolutely! Mandraki Harbour is a pleasant walk from the cruise ship port, offering scenic views along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no specific ticket for the Colossus of Rhodes as the original statue no longer exists. You can freely visit Mandraki Harbour and see the symbolic deer statues.
Mandraki Harbour is a public area and is accessible at all times. However, surrounding shops and cafes will have their own operating hours.
There is no entrance fee to visit Mandraki Harbour. It's a public space where you can enjoy the views and imagine the ancient wonder.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Today, you'll find Mandraki Harbour with its picturesque marina and the symbolic deer statues at the entrance, believed to mark the spot of the Colossus's feet. The area offers a sense of history and beautiful sea views.
No, the original Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, collapsed in an earthquake in 226 BC and was later dismantled.
The Colossus was approximately 33 meters (108 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest statues of the ancient world, comparable to the Statue of Liberty.
The two bronze deer statues, one male and one female, are modern markers believed to represent the location where the legs of the Colossus once stood straddling the harbor entrance.
Yes, Mandraki Harbour is a lovely area for a stroll. You can walk along the piers, admire the boats, and take in the coastal scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are at the entrance of Mandraki Harbour, with the deer statues in the foreground and the sea or yachts in the background. The Old Town nearby also offers many picturesque shots.
Yes, Mandraki Harbour can be beautiful at sunset, with the golden light reflecting on the water and the surrounding architecture.
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Colossus
Imagine a statue so grand that ships would supposedly sail between its legs as they entered the harbor.Sadly, this magnificent structure had a short but glorious existence. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC, just 56 years after its completion. Despite its destruction, the legend of the Colossus endured, inspiring awe and wonder for centuries. The remnants were eventually sold off as scrap metal by Arab invaders in the 7th century AD.
Today, while the physical statue is gone, its spirit lives on. Visitors can explore Mandraki Harbour, the likely site of its base, and see the symbolic deer statues that now mark the entrance. It’s a place that encourages reflection on ancient engineering, resilience, and the enduring power of myth.
Mandraki Harbour Today
Walking around Mandraki Harbour is a delightful experience. The promenade is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a perfect place to relax, enjoy a coffee, or have a meal with a view of the Aegean Sea. The area is easily accessible and offers a pleasant contrast between the ancient history it represents and the lively present-day atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists, especially those arriving by cruise ship, as it's conveniently located near the port.
Many visitors find that while there's no physical structure to 'see' in terms of the Colossus itself, the historical context and the beauty of the harbor make it a worthwhile visit. It’s a place that sparks the imagination, allowing you to envision the grandeur of the past while enjoying the charm of the present.
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