Hippocratic Botanic Garden & International Hippocratic Foundation

Kos


This little-known place, 1km before Asklepieion, does not have the immediate 'wow' factor due to its modest collection. But it should. It houses a small text-heavy exhibition on Hippocrates, explaining the oath for doctors, plus ancient medical instruments, the likes of which are still used today. The highlight is the botanic garden, growing herbs and plants that were used in Hippocratic times.

Note: it is not a pruned and sculpted garden and this is intentional. Its 'scrappy' nature is authentic and the plants are grown in the conditions they would have been in ancient times. Given there's no video information at the Asklepieion, this provides wonderful context to the workings of the healing centre.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kos attractions

1. Asklepieion

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The island’s most important ancient site stands on a pine-covered hill 3km southwest of Kos Town, commanding lovely views across towards Turkey. A…

2. Odeion

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Built on the site of an even older Greek predecessor, this 2nd-century Roman theatre seated around 750 spectators. In summer, performances are sometimes…

3. Xysto

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This cluster of Doric columns once supported the roof of an open-sided portion of the ancient gymnasium.

4. Nymphaeum

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Despite its misleading name, this columned structure was actually a public toilet.

5. Western Excavation Site

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This open archaeological site, south of the centre, holds ancient ruins uncovered by an earthquake in 1933. Its real treasures are the mosaics of the…

7. House of Europa

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You can still sense the opulence of this 2nd-century private villa, of which the chief surviving relic is a superb mosaic floor depicting the abduction of…

8. Casa Romana

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Reopened to the public in 2015 after years of restoration, Casa Romana is believed to have been constructed during Hellenistic times and remodelled until…