On the northeastern slopes of the Dikeos Mountains lie the remains of the most important archaeological site on the island. The Asklepieion of Kos was not only a sanatorium in ancient times, but also a sanctuary that served as a place of worship and healing for body and mind.
»The Asklepieion of Kos impresses with its picturesque location, which extends over several floors and is framed by a dense coniferous forest.«
It was the doctor Hippocrates of Kos, whose teachings were applied in the Asklepieion. The father of modern medicine was far ahead of his time and revolutionized healthcare with groundbreaking healing methods more than 2000 years ago.
Today, you can walk in the footsteps of the ancient doctor and feel the energy that once emanated from this place when you visit. After all, the Asklepieion (also Asklepion) was an important place of pilgrimage and brought considerable prosperity to the island of Kos.
In this article, we will give you the most important information for a visit to the ancient site and provide you with a lot of background information and tips for the Kos Asklepieion:
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#1 How to get to the Asklepieion of Kos
The Asklepieion of Kos is about 4 km away southwest of Kos Town. Coming from the capital, you will pass through the small town of Platani. If you are travelling from Tigaki or Mastichari, take the expressway from Kos and branch off towards the excavation site just before Kos Town. Alternatively, you can get there via the village of Zia along a scenic mountain road.
With the rental car to the Asklepieion
Although bus tours are available to the Asklepieion on Kos, we recommend travelling by rental car. This allows you to make your trip flexible and visit the site at quieter visiting times. The approach from Kos Town or Antimachia is well signposted and the road is paved throughout. Only shortly before the finish the one-way street regulation can be a bit confusing.
Our recommendation for car rental on Kos is Costas Car Rental – a friendly family business that we have known and appreciated personally for years. Well-maintained cars, uncomplicated service and top ratings on Google speak for themselves. From small cars to family cars, everything is there. Click here for the desired vehicle for Kos:
What is the parking situation at the Asklepieion?
Free Asklepieio Parking is available directly in front of the Asklepieion grounds. The parking spaces at the entrance are reserved for cars, the parking spaces near the main road for buses. As long as you’re there before 11 a.m., you should easily get a free parking space. Since the Asklepieion is a popular destination on Kos, the rush is highest at lunchtime in summer.
By bus to Kos Asklepieion
Even by public bus you will reach the Asklepieion of Kos. This stops directly in front of the excavation site and departs from the stop at the Akteon, Akti Miaouli Square, not far from the Albergo Gelsomino Accommodation (Link to Booking.com*). You can buy the relatively cheap tickets directly at the counter. Please check with your hotel or host for current departure times.
→ The Municipality of Kos publishes the Bus timetables for Kos on: mobility.kos
#2 Opening hours of the Asklepieion of Kos
Due to its great regional and national importance, the Asklepieion Kos open all year round. However, there are winter and summer opening hours. In the season (April – October) the facility is even open until 8 p.m. (last admission approx. 30 minutes before). The crowds of visitors are clearly limited at this time and the evening sun bathes the entire complex in an atmospheric light.
- Opening hours Asklepieion of Kos in summer (April – October): Mon-Sun from 08:00-20:00
- Opening hours Asklepieion of Kos in winter (November – March): Wed-Mon from 08:00-15:00
Ticket prices for the Kos Asklepieion:
- Adult: 15 €
- Reduced ticket (from 65 years): 8 €
- Children, young people and students up to 25 years of age: free admission for EU citizens
Days with free admission to the Asklepieion:
- March 6 (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
- 18 April (International Heritage Day)
- 18 May (International Museum Day)
- last weekend in September (European Heritage Days)
- October 28 (National Holiday – Ochi Day)
- every first Sunday from November 1st to March 31st
Closing days of Kos Asklepieion: 1 January, 25 March, Greek Easter Weekend, 1 May, 25 and 26 December
→ Your entrance ticket to the Asklepieion of Kos you can buy either directly on site at the entrance or via the official ticket website: HHTICKET
💡 Weather on Kos: The weather on the north coast of Kos is dominated by the foothills of the Dikeos Mountains (864 m). In spring and autumn, clouds can form in the mountains and rain sometimes falls down to the north coast. In summer, on the other hand, it is very dry and extremely hot on some days. The Asklepieion of Kos is almost shadowless except for a few trees, good sun protection is indispensable. For more information about the weather in Kos, check out our separate post: Weather in Greece
#3 Interesting facts about the Asclepieion of Kos
Today, the Asklepieion of Kos is considered the most important archaeological site on the island and was a kind of spa clinic and medical school center as well as a sanctuary in ancient times and thus an important place of pilgrimage in the eastern Mediterranean. The name of the place of worship derives from the Greek god of healing Asclepius (also Asklepios).
Between 1901 and 1904, the site was first uncovered by Greek and German archaeologists. During the Italian rule of Kos (1912-1943), further excavations took place under the direction of the Italian Archaeological School in Athens, which gave the site its current reputation.
As early as 1,550 BC, long before the time as a place of healing, there was a ritual cult site here. It was not until the 4th century BC that further buildings were systematically added, including several small and large temples, assembly halls, treatment rooms and quarters as well as baths and fountains, so that one can certainly speak of a historic rehabilitation clinic.
Around 242 BC, the Aklepieion of Kos gained great importance far beyond the borders of the island, and even festivals were held. From 82 AD onwards in Roman times, the Sanctuary on Kos attracted people from Rome to Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) who were making pilgrimages to Kos in the hope of alleviating their suffering.
After the fall of the Roman Empire (395 AD) and intensified by severe earthquakes around 469 and 554 AD, the bloom of the Asclepieion ends. With the increasing Christianization and the renunciation of the polytheistic cult around Zeus & Co., temples were successively converted into churches. Components of the Asclepieion can even be found today in the Neratzia Fortress in Kos Town.
Hippocrates of Kos: Father of Medicine
In order to the Father of modern medicine and author of the famous oath, there are numerous myths and legends. Scientists today assume that the Asklepieion on Kos was only established as a therapeutic site after his death. During Hippocrates’ lifetime, only the Asclepius altar and temple existed, in front of which he imparted his methods and wisdom to his students, including:
“The most effective medicine is the natural healing power that lies within each of us.”
Hippocrates was born around 460 BC on Kos in present-day Kefalos. Many of his teachings on alternative healing methods and a healthy mindset have been handed down and are fundamentally anchored in our modern medicine today. Since he did not see health as dependent on the gods, he is considered the founder of medicine as a science.
Around 420 BC he probably left the island of Kos and travelled through the eastern Mediterranean as a travelling doctor with a priestly character. His sons and some of the medically trained students established the first Medical School on Kos. Many of today’s medical terms go back to the work of that time.
Basic medical principles were already developed during this period, such as a high level of hygiene and the need for careful questioning and examination of patients and thus systematic diagnosis and therapy. The patient’s life circumstances and mental state were also included in the treatment for the first time.
The most famous doctor of antiquity died at the biblical age of 90 around 370 BC in Larissa on the Greek mainland. In the city of Larissa, a large monument was erected in his honor at the end of the 19th century. The Oath of Hippocrates, which is still part of medical ethics today, was first mentioned in the 1st century AD, but is also attributed to the work of the most famous father of Kos.
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#4 Walking tour of the ancient site
The Asclepieion of Kos was once one of the approximately 300 healing sites in ancient Greece, among which, however, it was at times the most important. Hardly visible from the outside and protected by a dense needle world, you will reach the entrance of the actual facility shortly after the ticket counter.
There was once a kind of gate building, the so-called propylon, through which every visitor enters and is greeted shortly afterwards by the extensive grounds. The three terraces are connected to each other by stairs, some of which are up to 12 m wide. If you want, you can download the smartphone app Digi-Past Asklepieio in advance and enjoy the Asklepieion in virtual 3D.
On each level there are information boards (English and Greek) that tell you about the different components and Building of the Kos Asclepieioninform. The first terrace was dedicated to the spa and was surrounded by a columned hall (stoa). Here were classrooms, anatomical exhibition halls and a kind of pathology. Remains of a Roman thermal bath can also be seen.
Almost magically, you are attracted by the huge steps in the center that lead to the next terrace. Before the ascent, there is an old fountain on the left with a stone relief of the shepherd god Pan. Once at the top, the view wanders for the first time over the pine forest to the north coast to the sea and gives an idea of why this place was chosen as a sanctuary at that time.
On this level, in addition to priests’ apartments, there was also a small temple of Asclepius and a temple in honor of the god Apollo, of which seven columns are still preserved. Of the actual altar of Asclepius in the middle of the terrace, only a few stumps remain. 60 marble steps then lead you up to the top terrace.
From up here you have the most beautiful view of the complex and the surroundings. In ancient times, in the middle of the terrace stood the Asclepius Temple of Kos, of which only sparse remains can be seen today. You can take a breather under the large trees on the right, but don’t sit on antique stones.
A few hard-to-see, ancient steps lead up into the pine forest, where a healing spring must have once been located and where the cult of the Asclepieion of Kos had its origins.
It is recommended to go to the slightly outside Hippocrates Museum of Kos, known as International Hippocratic Foundationto visit. There you can get more information about the famous doctor.
- Opening hours International Hippocratic Foundation: daily 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun. closed, admission 4 €
#5 Guided tours to the Asklepieion
The Asklepieion on Kos is a popular destination for individualists. If you don’t want to travel on the island yourself with a rental car, you can get a guided tour to the Asklepieion connect. In addition to the Asklepieion, other highlights (including the village of Zia or the Kefalos region) will be integrated into the island tour. The Kos Tours can be purchased directly from our partner GetYourGuide* can be booked:
➲ To the island tour incl. visit to Zia*
➲ To the island tour incl. visit to Kefalos*
#6 Restaurants near Kos Asklepieion
Arap (Platani): Rustic tavern in the village square of Platani. Good Mediterranean cuisine with a Turkish touch, friendly service and large portions (including menu plates).
Lofaki Bar Restaurant (Giapili): Modern restaurant above Kos Town with a magnificent garden terrace. Fine dining, also very popular with locals, reservation is recommended. The restaurant is only open in the evening during the season (May to early October).
Karnagio Taverna (Zipari): Cozy, family-run tavern below the Asklepieion almost directly by the sea. Solid home cooking (mother and grandma cook together) and hearty grilled dishes at fair prices, plus a great view.
#7 Places of interest in the area
Embros Thermal Baths of Kos
Due to the volcanic origin of the island of Kos, there are two well-known thermal springs, although only the Embros Thermal Baths in the east of the island can be reached by land.
Directly on Therma Beach, the hot thermal water bubbles into a natural pool and is said to heal many ailments. In summer, there is a lot of activity here during the day. If you like it quieter, come in the early morning hours.
→ In this article, we have summarized everything you need to know for your visit: Embros Thermal Baths Kos
Visit to the mountain village of Zia
The highest mountain village on the island of Kos is the tourist attraction in the Dikeos Mountains. A main street with many souvenir shops and shops leads through the small village. A visit to the village can be easily combined with the Askleipeon of Kos due to the immediate proximity (10 km).
From the terraces of the numerous taverns and cafes you have a magnificent view of the north coast of Kos. Every evening at sunset, Zia is in a pilgrimage mood, because then everyone wants to photograph the red fireball on the horizon.
→ You can find the most important information about the most popular mountain village on the island in our article: Zia in Kos
Excursion to Kos Town
More than half of the island’s population lives in the capital in the northeast of Kos, so there is always something going on in Kos Town. Take a day to visit the lively island metropolis. On a tour, you will find many beautiful shops to stroll through, cozy cafés and many historical remnants of past cultures. In connection with the Asclepieion of Kos is also the Plane tree of Hippocrates in the heart of the capital.
→ In this post, we’ll take you on a tour of the capital: Kos Town
→ More articles and numerous Kos Travel Tipscan be found at:
- Best Kos Hotels
- Kos Island – Travel ABC
- Kos Highlights
- Kos with children
- Kos Holidays – 11 Travel tips
- Plaka in Kos
- Beaches in Kos
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