Alasarna: Echoes of Ancient Kos

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Unearth Kos's ancient past at Alasarna: Explore ruins from the Temple of Apollo to early Christian basilicas near Kardamena.

Explore the ruins of Alasarna, an ancient city on Kos, near Kardamena. Discover remnants of the Temple of Apollo, early Christian basilicas, and Hellenistic structures, offering a glimpse into the island's rich history from Neolithic times to the 7th century AD.

A brief summary to Alasarna

Unnamed Road, Kos, 853 02, GR

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit during weekdays for a more relaxed experience and to avoid weekend crowds.
Allocate at least an hour to fully appreciate the exhibits and the museum's ambiance.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Kardamena for a complete cultural experience.

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Getting There

Walking

From the center of Kardamena, walk north on Agiou Nikolaou towards the beach. At the T-junction, turn left onto Akti (coastal road). Walk along the coast for about 1km until you reach Unnamed Road, where you'll see a sign for Alasarna. Turn left onto Unnamed Road and walk 300m to reach Alasarna. The walk is relatively flat and takes about 15-20 minutes.
Public Transport

Take a public bus from Kardamena towards Kos Town and get off at the stop nearest to Unnamed Road. From the bus stop, walk approximately 500 meters along Unnamed Road to reach Alasarna. Buses are frequent, especially during the high season. A single fare from Kardamena to the nearest stop is approximately €2.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Kardamena. A taxi ride from the center of Kardamena to Alasarna is a short trip. The approximate cost is around €8-€12. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey.

Discover more about Alasarna

Alasarna, located near present-day Kardamena on Kos, is an archaeological site that unveils layers of history spanning from the Neolithic era to the early Christian period. Once a significant urban center, Alasarna was abandoned in the 7th century AD due to Arab pirate raids. The site's importance is linked to the worship of Apollo, with the Temple of Apollo considered the island's most ancient temple. Excavations since 1985 have revealed remarkable finds, including the Temple of Apollo's foundation, Hellenistic-era buildings, a stoa, and early Christian basilicas. The Temple of Apollo, oriented east to west, features visible platforms, stairs, and Doric column remains. A sacrificial pit lies to the east of the temple. During the Hellenistic period (3rd-1st century BC), Alasarna thrived as a commercial hub, trading with major ports like Athens and Corinth. The city's acropolis is believed to have been on Tholos Hill, where an ancient theater was excavated in 1928. Alasarna continued to prosper into the early Christian era (4th-7th century AD), with houses, cemeteries, and basilicas attesting to a bustling community. Today, Alasarna offers visitors a chance to explore the island's past and appreciate its lasting religious and cultural significance.