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Altar of Dionysus: Echoes of Ancient Kos

Explore the ancient Altar of Dionysus in Kos Town, a historical landmark offering a glimpse into the island's Hellenistic past.

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The Altar of Dionysus, dating back to the 2nd century BC, stands as a testament to Kos's rich Hellenistic past. Located near the Ancient Agora, this historical landmark offers a glimpse into the religious practices and artistic achievements of the time, though only remnants of the original structure remain.

A brief summary to Altar of Dionysus

  • Leof. Grigoriou V 41, Kos, 853 00, GR

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Casa Romana and the Ancient Agora for a fuller exploration of Kos's history.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain around the Altar of Dionysus can be uneven.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Altar of Dionysus is located in Kos Town and is easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From Eleftherias Square in the center of Kos Town, walk east towards the waterfront. Continue along the harbor promenade, passing cafes and shops. Turn left onto Leof. Grigoriou V. The Altar of Dionysus will be on your right at Leof. Grigoriou V 41. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. There is no admission fee.

  • Public Transport

    Urban buses in Kos Town offer routes to areas near the Altar of Dionysus. Check local schedules for routes that include stops close to Leof. Grigoriou V. From the bus stop, walk to Leof. Grigoriou V 41. A single urban bus fare is approximately €1.70 if purchased from the driver or €1.60 from a kiosk. Keep your ticket for the duration of the ride.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Kos Town. You can find them at taxi ranks or book one by phone. Ask the driver to take you to the Altar of Dionysus on Leof. Grigoriou V 41. Taxi fares in Kos start at €3.00, with a rate of €1.50 per kilometer. A short taxi ride within Kos Town will likely cost around €5-10.

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Discover more about Altar of Dionysus

The Altar of Dionysus, situated in Kos Town, offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's Hellenistic past. Constructed during the 2nd century BC, when Kos flourished, the altar was dedicated to Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, fertility, and theatre. The altar was built with local white and grey-blue marble, reflecting the architectural style of the Hellenistic period. Originally, the altar was a П-shaped structure adorned with sculptures depicting scenes from the life of Dionysus, Maenads, Satyrs, and battles. The frieze, a particularly important artistic element, portrayed the battle of the Amazons and represented Dionysus with his companions. Today, these sculptures are housed in the Castle of the Knights of St. John. While the Altar of Dionysus endured damage from an earthquake in 142 AD and was further dismantled in the 15th century by the Knights of Saint John, remnants of the altar can still be seen. Visitors can view a stone wall, a rectangular section of the upper foundation, and the entrance. The site is located a few meters northeast of Casa Romana and at the same level as the Hellenistic Agora.

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