Ναός του Ασκληπιού

The Temple of Asclepius stands on a hillside within Kos’s ancient healing sanctuary. Three terraces organise temples, altars, priestly quarters, and surviving architectural fragments across the slope.

Most surviving structures belong to the Hellenistic period, while the oldest altar dates from the fourth century BC. An Ionic temple stands west of that altar. A large Doric temple crowns the highest terrace, while a Byzantine church survives through one capital. Roman baths and libraries later expanded the sanctuary before earthquakes caused its decline.

Patients slept here hoping Asclepius would reveal cures through dreams, which priests interpreted. Hippocrates taught medicine here through observation and reason rather than religious belief. Treatments included herbal remedies and baths, while stories describe dark chambers where sacred snakes moved around patients overnight.