Altar of Dionysus: Echoes of Ancient Kos

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Discover the ancient Altar of Dionysus in Kos Town, a window into the island's Hellenistic heritage and a tribute to the god of wine.

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Altar of Dionysus

Explore the remnants of the Altar of Dionysus, a historical landmark in Kos Town dating back to the 2nd century BC. This once grand altar, dedicated to the Greek god of wine and festivity, offers a glimpse into the island's rich Hellenistic past.

A brief summary to Altar of Dionysus

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Altar of Dionysus.

Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Casa Romana and the Ancient Agora for a comprehensive historical tour.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves walking on uneven ground.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat, especially during the summer months.

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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 town center, walk east towards the waterfront. Continue to the harbor area, then follow the waterfront promenade north. Turn left onto Leof. Grigoriou V. The Altar of Dionysus is on the right at number 41. The walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Public Transport

Kos has a reliable bus network. Check local bus schedules for routes that stop near the Ancient Agora or Casa Romana, which are both close to the Altar of Dionysus. From the bus stop, it is a short walk to the site.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Kos Town. A short taxi ride from the Kos Town harbor or a central hotel to the Altar of Dionysus will typically cost around €5-€10. Taxis can be found at taxi ranks or booked by phone. Be sure the driver uses the meter.
Parking

If driving, there is a free parking area located near the Altar of Dionysus on Leof. Grigoriou V. This parking area is also convenient for visiting other nearby attractions such as Casa Romana and the Roman Odeon. Roadside parking may also be available.

Discover more about Altar of Dionysus

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.