History of the ancient healing temple of Asklepion

According to Greek mythology, Asclepius was the son of the god Apollo and was gifted with the art of healing. Over time, he even learned to heal the dead, pitting the supreme deity against himself. According to one legend, Asclepius had three sons who also became great healers. Among the great-grandfathers of Asclepius himself is said to have been Hippocrates, the famous ancient physician who came from a prominent medical family on the island of Kos, and whose theories and medical practices laid the foundations of modern medicine. According to another legend, Asclepius passed on his art of healing to the people of the island of Kos.

The origin of Asklepion dates back to the 5th century BC, but the district was expanded in the following centuries. The remains of buildings visible today date mainly from the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The extensive medical complex consisted of a hospital and a health centre where healers treated their patients and provided them with follow-up treatments such as baths, balms, etc. Doctors could pass on their medical knowledge to each other and to younger colleagues within the school of medicine. However, the site was also an important temple of the god Asclepius. At that time, illness was still believed to be divine punishment. It was not until Hippocrates sought to change this understanding by pointing to the natural processes leading to disease that he began to treat the sick in a different way.

There were many similar 'asclepions' (in the sense of healing complexes) in Greece, but the Asclepion on Kos was one of the largest and most famous. People came here from all over Greece to be healed. The Asclepion was set in the soothing surroundings of a cypress forest, which in ancient times was considered a sacred place, called the Grove of Apollo. The healers believed in the interconnectedness of the mental and physical health of the individual, so a pleasant environment, beautiful buildings, drinking healing water, various baths and, for example, attending theatrical performances were an essential part of healing therapies.

Archaeological site Asklepion in the present

The Asklepion archaeological complex is situated in the hilly terrain above the village of Platanai and is divided into several levels, connected by a beautiful marble staircase.

The most important part of the site are the remains of the Temple of Asklepios, dating from the 2nd century BC. The temple stands on the highest terrace of the site, from where there is a magnificent view of the town of Kos and the entire eastern coast of the island. Below is the ancient hospital and health centre, which benefited from the healing effects of the water and thermal springs rich in salts and minerals. Local discoveries also include the remains of the 2nd century AD Temple of Apollo. A medical school was located on the lowest level.

Visitors to the site can see restored ancient columns, stone foundations of buildings, remains of perimeter walls and mosaic floors, as well as many small objects and fragments.

More touristic destinations of Kos

Most favourite sights of Kos: Agora (archaeological site), Archaeological Museum (Kos Town), Asklepion (archaeological site), Neratzia Castle, Roman Odeon, Old town of Paleo Pili

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Kos.