Stoa Building, Rhodes

The Stoa Building is another historical site within the Acropolis of Rhodes that has been preserved for visitors today. Constructed towards the end of the 3rd century BC, this building would have been an impressive sight in classical times, large enough to be clearly visible from the lower town and harbor of Rhodes. A "stoa" in ancient Greece typically featured two long rows of columns supporting a roof, with walls at each end to hold the structure together.

Although the Stoa in Rhodes hasn't survived intact, many of its columns and the original floor plan are still visible. The structure spans 87 meters in length and originally included fourty-two columns, while the middle of the supporting wall was designed to accommodate a grand staircase. This large building served as a hub for visitors coming from the lower town, likely housing market stalls and providing space for public events or simply offering a shady respite from the intense Mediterranean sun.

Over time, the ancient Rhodians expanded the building and cleverly integrated two large, underground cisterns to collect rainwater from the roof and the propylaia staircase, showcasing their ingenuity in water management.