Asclepieion, Kos
The Asklepieion of Kos, a sanctuary and healing centre of the 4th to 2nd century BC on the slope of a hill, regarded as the birthplace of medical science and of Hippocrates.
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About the museum
The Asklepieion of Kos was a place of worship of the god Asclepius and a healing centre. Scientific medicine developed here in particular thanks to Hippocrates and the medical school he founded. The sanctuary was built gradually from the 4th to the 2nd century BC and remained in operation until the 4th century AD.
It is organised in three terraces linked by imposing staircases. On the terraces were the cult areas with the altar and the temples of Asclepius and Apollo, as well as the areas for the treatment and accommodation of patients. In Roman times, fountains with healing waters, cisterns, latrines and baths were added.
In the early 2nd century BC, under the protection of King Eumenes II of Pergamon, the sanctuary acquired its monumental form, with a large central staircase and a Doric temple of Asclepius on the upper terrace, a copy of the temple at Epidaurus. After 242 BC it gained panhellenic fame and held the Great Asklepieia, a festival with musical and gymnastic contests. The site was restored by Italian archaeologists in the 1930s.
Highlights
- Three terraces linked by monumental staircases
- Doric temple of Asclepius on the upper terrace
- Altar and temple of Apollo
- Roman fountains, cisterns and baths
- Site of Hippocrates’ medical school
- Operated by
- Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Δωδεκανήσου
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €15 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €8Citizens of the EU over 65 years of age and students from countries outside the EU, upon showing ID. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · People with a disability of 67% or more and one companion, with a disability certificate. |
| Students & apprentices | freeStudents of universities in the EU, with a student ID. |
Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October, and the first and third Sunday of each month from 1 November to 31 March.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The site is in Platani and is about 13 minutes by car from the town of Kos.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
