The Asclepieion is an ancient sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of healing, on a pine-covered hill about 3 km southwest of Kos Town. It was also a healing centre and a school of medicine, linked with Hippocrates and the teaching that followed his ideas. You can walk the paths among the ruins, where some sections have been rebuilt and much of the stonework still sits much as it would have been. From the higher parts of the site, the view reaches across the water towards Turkey. Allow time for the climb.
Where the site sits
The Asclepieion lies on a pine-covered hill about 3 km southwest of Kos Town. The drive from the town takes around 10 minutes. From the higher parts of the site you can see across the water towards Turkey, and the view is one of the main reasons people make the climb.
The approach is uphill, with steps to the top. Allow time to walk slowly and to stop at the viewpoints.
What the sanctuary was
This was a sanctuary to Asclepius, the god of healing. It also functioned as a healing centre and as a school of medicine. The school is linked with Hippocrates, and its training followed the principles associated with his teaching, which sought to base medicine on scientific principles and to investigate the causes of disease.
The complex was built over three terraces, and the remains of its buildings are still spread across them. Its link with Hippocrates is why many visitors treat the site as a starting point for the history of medicine in the west.
What you see among the ruins
Parts of the site have been rebuilt. Plateaus were rebuilt over the original flooring, and columns and broken marble structures mark where treatment areas and buildings stood. Trees grow among the remains, and the site is peaceful enough to take your time.
Some visitors wanted more visual material showing how the site looked when it was in use. Explanatory signs beside the stones are few, so a guide or the audio app gives you the context you need. There are plenty of cats on the site, so keep them in view as you walk.
Planning the visit
Adult entry has been reported at 15 euros, and EU students under 25 enter free. Tickets can be bought online in advance. The site is open every day.
Visiting early in the day avoids both crowds and heat. The Sunday before Easter has been reported as especially quiet, with few other people on the paths.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. Adult entry has been reported at 15 euros, and EU students under 25 enter free. Tickets can be bought online in advance.
How long do you need?
Allow 1 to 2 hours for the ruins and the climb to the top.
How do you get there?
The site is about 3 km southwest of Kos Town, roughly a 10-minute drive. Parking includes a free lot, a paid lot, a wheelchair accessible lot and free street parking.
Is there information on site?
Explanatory signs beside the artifacts are limited. An audio guide is available through the HH Guide app, and a guided tour gives more context.
