The Asklepieion of Kos is the most important archaeological site on the Greek island of Kos. The ancient sanctuary of Asclepius is located just 4 km southwest of Kos town on a wooded hill. Located on a slope about 100 meters above the sea, the Asklepieion was terraced and the individual levels connected by imposing staircases.
The ancient Asklepieion can be understood as a mixture of sanctuary, hospital and educational site. Accordingly, on the various levels there were rooms for the overnight stay of patients, treatment rooms, relaxation areas and several sanctuaries. In the Roman era, the structure was extended with the addition of a large spa area. At the Asklepieion of Kos Hippocrates is said to have received his medical education.
The Asklepieion was discovered in 1902 by the German archaeologist Rudolf Herzog and excavated until 1904.
Lower Terrace
This area dates from the 1st century AD and was surrounded by colonnades. Behind the porticos were rooms that were probably used to house patients during their treatment. On this level there were also two underground rooms that may have been used for patients with venereal diseases and leprosy. Several buildings were used for teaching and housed a medical school, as well as an anatomical and pathological museum. In the niches of the retaining wall towards the second level probably figures of various gods were placed. In Roman times, the structures on this level were expanded to house a big spa area.
Middle Terrace
The middle level is the oldest part of the complex, dating back to the 4th century BC. In this area the medical treatments took place. Here were medical bathing facilities, several temples dedicated to Asklepios in the Ionian order, as well as a later supplemented temple consecrated to Apollo consecrated in Corinthian order.
Upper Terrace
On this third level a large temple in Doric order dedicated to Asclepius Kiparissios Apollo was built, probably an exact copy of the temple in Epidaurus. A staircase led further up the hill into a sacred pinewood and cypress forest dedicated to Appollon. A Christian altar, also found on the highest level, is a witness of the conversion of the temple into a church in Byzantine times, the church was dedicated to Our Lady.
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Opening Hours
- Monday to Sunday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.