Altar of Dionysus Travel Guide

The Altar of Dionysus, located in Kos Town, stands as a testament to the island's vibrant history during the Hellenistic period. Constructed in the 2nd century BC, the altar was dedicated to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, winemaking, grape cultivation, and fertility, a deity greatly revered in ancient Kos. The altar was built with local white and grey-blue marble.Today, visitors can observe the remains of the altar, including a rectangular stone wall that forms the upper foundation, the altar's entrance, and sections of a stone wall within the altar. The site also features scattered columns and foundation stones, offering a tangible connection to the past. The Altar of Dionysus was designed in the Π-shape typical of Hellenistic altars. The altar's frieze, an important artistic element, depicted the battle of the Amazons and representations of Dionysus, satyrs, and Silenus. Many of the relief blocks from the frieze are now housed in the Neratzia Castle's Museum.The altar is located near other significant historical sites, such as the Ancient Agora and Casa Romana, making it easy to combine visits. The Altar of Dionysus is set in a sunken, L-shaped area surrounded by trees. The site was excavated in the early 1930s during the Italian occupation.