Sanctuary dedicated to Ancient Greek god of medicine, Asklepios. The priests of Asklepios, called Asklepiadai, were also physicians and provided the cure to the sicks who gathered at the sanctuary.
How to get thereThe famous ancient physician, Hippokrates, was born on Kos island around 460 BC, and is said to have died in 357, aged 104. He taught and practiced here for some time in his life. There many writings reputed to be Hippocratean, but most of these are, including the Oath of Hippokrates, dubious or modified significantly in later period.
The sanctuary we see now was constructed after the death of Hippokrates. He maintained fresh air and clean water are essential for the health, and this place provided both (the fountain, however, is now dry).
This is the view from the top terrace of the sanctuary; the town on the plain is Kos and the land beyond the sea is Turkey.
The sanctuary remained active all through the Hellenistic and Roman period. It suffered destruction at the middle of the 6th century, for un-identified cause and fell into ruin. The Knights of St. John brought out the stones from here to construct the castles.
In Greece there were four sanctuaries of Asklepios. The one in Epidauros is as famous as this one in Kos. There was also one in Athens, near the Theatre of Dionysos (see photo).
Information about the opening hours and entrance price, please check Greek Ministry of Culture website. It is here.
