Asklipieio Kos, Kos Travel Guide

4.4 (7521)

Discover the ancient Asklipieio of Kos, a healing sanctuary and medical center dedicated to Asclepius, offering insights into ancient Greek medicine.

Home
Travel Guides
Greece
Kos
Asklipieio Kos

Explore the ancient Asklipieio on Kos, a renowned healing center dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. Discover the ruins of temples, medical facilities, and a museum showcasing ancient medical practices, all set on a verdant hillside with stunning views.

A brief summary to Asklipieio Kos

Kos, 853 00, GR
Click to display

Monday 8 am-8 pm
Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
Thursday 8 am-8 pm
Friday 8 am-8 pm
Saturday 8 am-8 pm
Sunday 8 am-8 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Asklipieio Kos.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves walking over uneven terrain.
Bring water and sun protection, especially during the summer months.
Consider a guided tour for deeper insights into the history and significance of the site.
Check the bus schedule in advance if using public transportation from Kos Town.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Plane Tree of Hippocrates

Sanctuary of Aphrodite

Roman Odeon of Kos

Altar of Dionysus

Πηγή Ιπποκράτη

Explore Asklipieio Kos on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Asklipieio Kos, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Kos Town, take the local bus to Asklipieio. Buses depart from the main bus station near the harbor. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes. Check the KTEL bus Kos website for the most up-to-date schedule. A single ticket costs around €1.50 - €5.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Kos Town. A taxi ride to Asklipieio takes about 10 minutes and costs approximately €4-€6 from Kos Town.
Walking

For those staying in Platani, Asklipieio is within walking distance. From the center of Platani, follow the signs leading to the archaeological site. The walk is approximately 30 minutes, though uphill.

Discover more about Asklipieio Kos

The Asklipieio of Kos, located 3.5 km northwest of Kos Town, stands as a testament to ancient Greek medicine and healing practices. Built on a hillside, the Asklipieio offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the coast of Asia Minor. This sanctuary was dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine, and served as a healing center and medical school.Founded in the Hellenistic period after the 4th century BC, the Asklipieio was constructed on three terraces. The terraces housed various structures, including temples, altars, and medical facilities. The lowest level featured a medical school, one of the first institutions to systematically impart medical knowledge. Patients would come to the Asklipieio seeking treatment, hoping for divine intervention from Asclepius.Excavations at the site have revealed remarkable findings, including statues, surgical instruments, and inscriptions. The site also includes a museum that houses an extensive collection of artifacts related to ancient medical practices. Visitors can explore the ruins and imagine the ancient practitioners and patients who once walked these grounds. The Asklipieio provides a unique opportunity to connect with the past and learn about the fascinating methods of treatment employed here.The Asklipieio's architectural formation was completed in four phases, reflecting the influence of Hellenistic and Roman styles. Over time, the site suffered from earthquakes and invasions, leading to its decline. However, archaeological research and restoration efforts have preserved the monuments, allowing visitors to appreciate their historical significance.