The Asclepeion is a place of healing that dates back over 2000 years. It’s found just inland from the capital
Kos Town. It’s a vast site with ancient ruins of buildings, arches and pillars as well as steps to each of the three raised levels. From the top level you get fantastic views of the island.
The lowest level is where the main medical school was, this is where the waiting rooms and visitors offerings were. The next level held a temple of Apollo where today you can now see some restored columns. There was also some thermal baths on this level. The top level had another large temple and it’s believed this was for the aristocracy.
The Asclepeion in
Kos is where Hippocrates, the “father of medicine” received his medical training and where practitioners of the day tried to create a system for diagnosis and care.
Entrance is 8 euros and there are a few informational signs dotted around to tell you about the various areas, sadly the information is a bit sparse so perhaps taking a guided tour is the better option if you really want to learn about the Asclepeion and everything that went on there all those years ago.
The Asclepeion is named after Asclepius who was the god of medicine or the personification of medicine and healing in ancient Greek mythology.
Just as you leave the Asclepeion you’ll notice a small orange stand where they produce and sell the freshest orange juice from the fruit found on the trees in the area. It’s delicious and very refreshing after wondering around the ruins in the heat of the day.
Getting to the Ascelpeion is simple as there are many tours of the island that stop there or pre-booked guided tours are available from many of the travel agencies in the tourist towns and villages. Alternatively if you have a hire car or vehicle then you can drive, it’s well signposted and there's ample parking available outside the gate.
