Asklepieion

Why go

The Asklepieion was a sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of healing, and a school of medicine: Hippocrates founded his school here and taught. It stands about 3.4 km southwest of Kos Town, on a wooded hillside that looks out to sea.

The site is built on three terraces. On the second stand the oldest structure, a large altar from the mid-4th century BC, and a small temple of Apollo whose seven Corinthian columns have been put back up. The highest terrace is taken up by a large Doric temple of Asclepius from the 2nd century BC.

Our tips

• Navigation apps sometimes send you to the wrong entrance. Follow the signs.
• There is little shade. Come early in the morning or late in the afternoon.