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The Asclepeion of Kos, the most important archaeological site on the island, was one of many healing sanctuaries in ancient Greece dedicated to the god Asclepius. The priests at these temples usually prescribed a trip to the baths or a gymnasium for a cure, and sometimes used substances like opium to induce trances in the patients. Non-venomous snakes were also often used in the healing process along with dogs.
Doctors don’t have to look further than Hippocrates, the Father of Western Medicine, for the beginnings of their profession. Hippocrates was thought to have learned his trade at his birthplace, the island of Kos, from his father and grandfather. He’s credited as the first person to believe that diseases occurred naturally and not as punishment from the gods, thus separating medicine from religious practices. He brought a strict professionalism to the practice of medicine and is thought to have developed the Hippocratic Oath, which new doctors worldwide take to uphold medical standards.
Getting There
I visited the Asclepeion of Kos on my day trip to the island. It’s located about 4 kilometers from Kos Town. If you don’t have your own car, it’s easily accessible by taking a taxi or hiring a bike.
Visiting
The Asclepeion is open daily during the summer and on a limited schedule during winter months. Admission from April 1 through October 31, is at the full rate of €8, and from November 1 through March 31, it’s at a 50% reduced rate of €4 (as of August 2024). Upon presentation of a passport or valid travel document: all visitors up to the age of 5 and EU citizens from age 6-25 are admitted free of charge; and EU seniors over age 65 and non-EU citizens from age 6-25 are admitted at the 50% reduced rate (summer months only). Take water and snacks with you from Kos because the concession booth at the Asclepeion is way overpriced! Check the official website for more info.
Arrival
When I entered the site of the Asclepeion, located in a peaceful and quiet forested area, I could immediately feel the power of the earth. It was quite a strange feeling. Apart from a few tourists, I could only hear the wind whistling between the tall cypress trees.
First Terrace
The first terrace, a wide open space containing the foundations of a few structures, was the entrance to the complex.
The structure to the left contained Roman baths dating from the 1st century. Directly ahead was the propylaia with several steps to the next level of the terrace.
After climbing the steps, the retaining wall and the Temple of Xenophon are visible. The retaining wall has niches where fountains and statues were once held. The Temple of Xenophon was built by a rich doctor from Kos, Gaius Stertinius Xenophon, who was also the personal physician of Roman Emperor Claudius.
Second Terrace
The second terrace holds the most interesting structures of the complex.
Two temples with columns are the first things I noticed. To the left is a Corinthian temple dedicated to Apollo and built in the 2nd century. Seven columns have been reconstructed.
To the right is an Ionic temple with two columns standing, dating from the 4th century BC. This temple held offerings from sick pilgrims. The foundations of a home for priests are next to the Ionic temple.
The altar was built in the 4th century BC and is the oldest structure of the complex. It was rebuilt in the 2nd century BC.
The final structure on the second terrace is a semicircular meeting area called the Exedra.
Third Terrace
On the third terrace sits a Doric temple dedicated to Asclepius. It was built in the 2nd century BC. It was the largest temple of the complex.
Finally, a stoa in the shape of the Greek letter Π surrounded the Doric temple. Patient rooms were located off the stoa.
From this level there are excellent views of Kos Town and the coast of Turkey.
