Last updated on December 18, 2023.

Of all the ancient sites I was able to visit in Kos Town, the Western Excavation Area was my favorite. It beat the ancient Agora in terms of mosaics and quality of ruins. It’s not quite as good as the Asclepeion just outside of town, but it’s worth seeking out. Admission to the site is free and it’s open 24 hours.

Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
Western Excavation Area

 

Gymnasium and Nymphaeum

The first part of the Western Excavation Area I explored contained the remains of a large gymnasium and nymphaeum.

Gymnasium in the Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
Gymnasium
Gymnasium in the Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
Ruins of the gymnasium
Gymnasium in the Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
Ruins of the gymnasium
Gymnasium in the Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
Gymnasium

The gymnasium and nymphaeum contain some impressive mosaics.

Sanctuary of the Nymphs in the Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
Sanctuary of the Nymphs
Sanctuary of the Nymphs in the Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
Sanctuary of the Nymphs
Mosaic in the Gymnasium in the Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
Mosaic in the gymnasium
Mosaic in the Gymnasium in the Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
Mosaic in the gymnasium

 

Roman Road

Also impressive is the Roman road that cuts through the site.

Road with the Nymphaeum at the top left corner in the Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
Road with the nymphaeum at the top left corner
Roman road in the Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
Roman road
Roman road in the Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
Roman road

 

Basilica

At the end of this area I came to a Christian basilica built over a set of Roman baths. There were a few faded frescoes to be found.

Basilica in the Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
Basilica
Basilica in the Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
Frescoes in the basilica
Basilica in the Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
Frescoes in the basilica
Basilica in the Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
Fresco in the basilica

 

Mosaic

The last part of the archaeological site I found was a mosaic of the Kidnapping of Europe.

House of the Kidnapping of Europe in the Western Excavation Area in Kos, Greece
House of the Kidnapping of Europe
Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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