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Asclepieion Kos

4.4
·9k reviews·, Greece

Ancient healing sanctuary and medical school where Hippocrates practiced, offering a profound glimpse into the origins of Western medicine.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon (6-7 PM)

Avoid summer heat & crowds

CrowdMedium
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Panoramica dal tempio

Asclepieion Kos

Best Time

Late afternoon (6-7 PM)

Avoid summer heat & crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ancient healing sanctuary and medical school where Hippocrates practiced, offering a profound glimpse into the origins of Western medicine.

4.4
(9k reviews)

"Amazing place where you can walk around for a couple of hours, taking in the beautiful views and the beauty of the architecture of the past."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of steps and uneven paths. Essential for exploring the terraces!

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water, especially in summer. The on-site cafe is pricey.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Three Terraces

The Three Terraces

Asclepieion of Kos

Explore ancient healing rooms, temples, and Roman baths across three levels with stunning sea views.

Hippocrates' Legacy

Hippocrates' Legacy

Asclepieion of Kos

Walk in the footsteps of Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, at this historic sanctuary.

Panoramic Sea Views

Panoramic Sea Views

Highest points of Asclepieion

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Aegean Sea and even Turkey from the upper levels of the site.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Terraces

The Asclepieion is built on three distinct terraces, requiring a good amount of walking and climbing. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for steps, especially if you have knee issues. Going in the late afternoon can help avoid the summer heat.

Tickets and Amenities

Admission is €15 per adult, which some find steep given the state of the facilities. There's a cafeteria nearby, but reviews suggest it's pricey. Toilets are located before the ticket kiosk and are reportedly basic.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon (6-7 PM)
Why
Avoid summer heat & crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer tour groups
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Welcome to the birthplace of Western medicine… The Asklepieion of Kos 🏛️🕊️ Where healing was sacred. #kos #hyppocrates #Greece #healing #medicine #asklepieion #holidaytips #foryou #foryoupage
@sip_maes
428 likes • 16.7K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of steps and uneven paths. Essential for exploring the terraces! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water, especially in summer. The on-site cafe is pricey. Reddit

The Asklepieion, an ancient hospital, dedicated to the god of health, Asklepios.⚕️ 🏛 was built in 357 BC. #sightseeing #greece #kos #travel #hospital #ancient #asklepios #godofhealth #asklepieion
@misslamiat
161 likes • 3.2K views
▫️Το Ασκληπιείο Κω είναι χτισμένο στις πλαγιές ενός λοφισκου με πλούσια βλάστηση και θέα στη θάλασσα και τις μικρασιατικές ακτές. ▫️Αποτελεί το σπουδαιότερο αρχαιολογικό μνημείο του νησιού αλλά και ένα από τα πιο φημισμένα ασκληπιεία της αρχαιότητας. ▫️Στους αρχαίους χρόνους αποτελούσε χώρο λατρείας του Θεού Ασκληπιού και χώρο θεραπείας αλλά και διδασκαλίας της ιατρικής. ▫️ Εκεί δίδαξε ο Ιπποκράτη...
kalliopioanna
127 likes • 1.7K views

🚗 Easy Access by Car/Taxi

Rent a car or take a taxi from Kos Town (approx. 2 miles). Reddit

🚌 Tourist Train Option

A fun, train-like vehicle offers a sightseeing route to the Asclepieion. Reddit

Asclepieion of Kos - founded during the Hellenistic times, after the 4th century BC, on a site which had formerly been associated with the cult of Apollo (Asclepius’ father), Zeus, Athena and the healing deity Paeon.
mysticpinkmist
6 likes • 103 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Lots of steps and uneven paths. Essential for exploring the terraces! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water, especially in summer. The on-site cafe is pricey. Reddit

🚗 Easy Access by Car/Taxi

Rent a car or take a taxi from Kos Town (approx. 2 miles). Reddit

🚌 Tourist Train Option

A fun, train-like vehicle offers a sightseeing route to the Asclepieion. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The panoramic sea views are incredible, especially from the top terraces. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(9k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Asclepieion for its stunning history and beautiful architecture, offering a deep connection to the origins of Western medicine. However, the site's accessibility is a significant concern due to numerous steps and uneven paths, making it difficult for those with mobility issues. The €15 entrance fee is also noted as being rather steep, especially given the basic condition of some facilities like the toilets and the pricey on-site cafe.

"Stunning history, beautiful to see, not accessible unless you can do many steps! Also €15pp..
But we did and enjoyed."

DK Green

"Amazing place where you can walk around for a couple of hours, taking in the beautiful views and the beauty of the architecture of the past . The paths are quite poor in areas, and if you have trouble walking, this could be a problem. As others have said, the price of €15 is rather steep.If they used some of the entrance fee to make it more accessible with better pathways, it would not be as bad. The toilets are really poor and are just before you get to the ticket kiosk."

Derek Booth

"Amazing Greek history that don’t want to miss
If you have knee problems it would be hard for you to climb but otherwise great views. Put on comfy shoes! You can see Aegean Sea 🌊 and Turkey 🇹🇷 from the highest points. Being a physician to visit Asclepieion is a must!

Entrance fee costs 15 € for adults.
There is a cafeteria close by if you need to grab something light to drink and eat. We took freshly made orange 🍊 juice."

Aous Karim

What People Like

Rich historical significance
Beautiful ancient architecture
Panoramic sea views

What People Dislike

Limited accessibility (steps)
Steep entrance fee
Basic facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You have several options to reach the Asclepieion from Kos Town. Taxis are readily available and the journey is short, about 2 miles.Reddit Public transportation is also an option, with signs posted around town indicating routes.Reddit For a more unique experience, a tourist 'train' vehicle offers a sightseeing route directly to the site.Reddit

Yes, driving is a convenient way to visit. Many visitors rent cars and find the site easily accessible.Reddit Parking is generally available near the entrance.

While it's only about 2 miles from Kos Town, the walk involves some uphill sections. It's feasible for those who enjoy walking, but consider the heat during summer months.

Guided tours are often available, but some visitors have noted that guides can sometimes obstruct access to information points.Reddit It's advisable to check for tour availability upon arrival or book in advance if you prefer a structured experience.

Many visitors recommend exploring the site in the late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the changing light on the ruins.Reddit Taking your time to appreciate the history and the views from each terrace is key.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for adults is €15 per person.Reddit Some visitors find this price a bit high considering the condition of some facilities.Reddit

Information on specific discounts is not widely available in reviews. It's best to inquire at the ticket kiosk upon arrival or check the official site if available.

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the most up-to-date hours before your visit, especially if traveling during shoulder seasons or holidays.

Online ticket purchasing options are not frequently mentioned. It's generally assumed that tickets are purchased on-site at the entrance.

The entrance fee grants access to the entire archaeological site, including all three terraces, the ruins of temples, treatment rooms, and the museum exhibits (if any are present).

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The Asclepieion is built on three terraces with many steps and uneven paths, making it challenging for those with significant mobility issues or knee problems.Reddit Accessibility is limited, and visitors with walking difficulties should be aware of this before their visit.

Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended due to the uneven terrain and numerous steps.Reddit Lightweight clothing is advisable, especially during warmer months, to help manage the heat.

Yes, restrooms are available, but reviews indicate they are basic and located before the ticket kiosk.Reddit

From the higher terraces, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the coastline of Turkey.Reddit The scenery is a significant highlight for many visitors.

Most visitors spend a couple of hours exploring the site, taking in the history and the views.Reddit You can easily spend more time if you wish to linger and absorb the atmosphere.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a cafeteria located close to the site that offers light refreshments.Reddit However, reviews suggest that prices can be quite high for what is offered.Reddit

The cafeteria offers drinks and light snacks. Freshly made orange juice was specifically mentioned by one visitor.Reddit

The closest dining options would likely be back in Kos Town. It's advisable to eat before or after your visit if you're looking for a full meal.

While not explicitly stated, bringing your own water and snacks is a good idea, especially if you want to avoid the on-site cafe's prices and ensure you have what you need.

For authentic Greek cuisine, consider trying local tavernas in Kos Town. Gyros are a popular and affordable option, with Ousia in Kos Town being a recommended spot.Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic views from the upper terraces are spectacular for photography.TikTok The ancient ruins themselves, with their architectural details and the interplay of light and shadow, also make for compelling shots.Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary at archaeological sites. It's best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone at the Asclepieion.

Late afternoon, especially closer to sunset, offers beautiful golden hour light that enhances the ancient stones and the sea views.TikTok Early morning can also be good for fewer crowds and softer light.

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, tripods or professional photography setups might require special permission. Always be respectful of the site.

You can capture wide-angle shots of the terraces and the surrounding landscape, close-ups of the ancient stonework, and atmospheric photos of the ruins against the sky or sea.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Asclepieion offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient history, it might be challenging for very young children due to the extensive walking and numerous steps across its three terraces.Reddit Encourage kids to imagine the site as a historical playground where ancient doctors healed people. The open spaces can be fun for them to explore, but constant supervision is crucial. Consider bringing snacks and plenty of water, as facilities are basic and the on-site cafe is pricey.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs & Medical Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by ancient history and the origins of medicine, the Asclepieion is an absolute must-visit.TikTokInstagram+4 Walking through the ruins where Hippocrates practiced and taught offers a profound connection to the past. Take your time to absorb the details of the architecture and imagine the daily life of this ancient healing center. Reading up on Hippocrates and the history of the Asclepieion beforehand can greatly enhance your experience.Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The €15 entrance fee might be a consideration for budget travelers.Reddit To maximize value, ensure you dedicate ample time to explore the entire site and appreciate its historical significance. Consider packing your own water and snacks to avoid the expensive on-site cafeteria.Reddit Visiting during the shoulder seasons might offer slightly lower prices or fewer crowds, though the entrance fee is generally fixed.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Birthplace of Western Medicine

The Asclepieion of Kos is renowned as the birthplace of Western medicine, deeply connected to the legendary physician Hippocrates.TikTokInstagram+4 Founded in the 4th century BC, this ancient sanctuary was dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of health and healing.TikTokInstagram+1 It served not only as a place of worship but also as a sophisticated medical center and school where Hippocrates himself studied and treated patients.TikTokInstagram+1 His teachings, emphasizing observation, diagnosis, and ethical practice, laid the foundation for modern medical principles, including the famous Hippocratic Oath.TikTokInstagram

This remarkable site is structured across three distinct terraces, each revealing different aspects of its historical function. The lower terraces likely housed administrative buildings and treatment rooms, while the upper levels featured temples and areas for religious ceremonies.Instagram+1 Visitors can explore the remnants of these structures, imagining the ancient practices and the pursuit of wellness that took place here centuries ago.TikTok The strategic location on a hillside offers impressive views of the surrounding landscape and the Aegean Sea, adding to the site's serene and contemplative atmosphere.Instagram

Exploring the Asclepieion's Architecture and Layout

The Asclepieion of Kos is a testament to ancient Greek architectural ingenuity, designed with a multi-level structure to accommodate its various functions.Instagram+1 Built on three terraces, the site cascades down a hillside, offering increasingly expansive views as you ascend.Instagram+1 The lowest terrace is believed to have contained the main entrance, administrative buildings, and possibly areas for patient recovery or rest.Instagram

Moving up to the middle terrace, you'll find more significant structures, including the remains of temples dedicated to Asclepius and possibly other deities like Apollo.Instagram+1 This level would have been central to the sanctuary's religious and healing rituals. The highest terrace, often referred to as the 'upper sanctuary,' features the most prominent temple ruins and offers the most breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding island.Instagram+2 This elevated position likely served ceremonial purposes and provided a vantage point for contemplation and healing.

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