Asclepeion

Athens, Greece

To the west of the Dionysos theatre and quite close to the cliff of the Acropolis lies the Asklepieion, the sanctuary of the healing god Asklepios dated to 420 BC. Functioning pretty much as hospitals, the asklepieia were of immense importance in ancient Greece, the most popular being the Asklepieion of Epidaurus. Besides the usual facilities for sheltering the pilgrims, the core structures of the Athenian complex were the temple of the god and the enkoimeterion (dormitory). That was a large two-storey stoa for the enkoimesis of the patients, a dream-like and rather hallucinatory state of sleep induction, practised in those shrines. While in hypnotic state, the patients waited to receive a dream vision of the god who would either give medical advice or even miraculously cure them. Votive offerings that came to light from the site often depict healed body parts. Characteristic examples are on display in the Acropolis Museum.

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Founded: 420 BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Greece

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4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Ms. Cindy Pierre, O.P. (7 months ago)
Although it was extremely windy when I visited, the views and being at a site where so much important history took place was well worth the effort. Hold on to the handrails if you need to, but if you’re in Athens, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this majestic place!
Peter Flemmer (7 months ago)
Amazing to see these structures close up and the views of Athens are impressive. Take your own water and hats, its a climb and limited shade on top. The remaining archeology and structures are all mixed up a bit so recommend visiting the museum first.
Diogo Santo (8 months ago)
It's the top place to visit in Greece and for a reason. All the history, the place itself, the constructions, the temples the theaters. Its absolutely a must do. Really enjoyed the view from the top. I would highly recommend to go early to beat the crowds. Its too many tourists and visitors. And it's worth it.
Ali Janati (10 months ago)
A truly incredible historical artifact that you must visit! It’s crazy to see in real life, it looks so mythical and magical that you can even begin to fathom how life with it must have been in ancient times when it was revered to such a high degree! Lovely sight make it the first thing to see when you go to Athens and you won’t regret it!
Marin “SayanMk” Kolev (10 months ago)
Buy the combined ticket online. You then just scan or show it at the entrance. Highly recommended! I didn't wait at all.. As for the Acropolis - it's definitely worth it, most impressive and interesting structure, however not my favourite of the top sites. It is great, no doubt, but the crowd is unimaginable, thus you can't really enjoy peaceful exploration. The top site can be explored in about an hour, HOWEVER (!!) be careful not to exit prematurely or you'll have to buy another ticket, depending on where you enter from. There are two entrances: on the top, and from the main street in front of the big glass museum. You should take the lower entrance and ask how to make your way up. I took the upper one, explored the Acropolis, exited, and was not allowed to go in from the other way. And I didn't see a way down through the Acropolis, but... oh well. The view is also good, the structure is in reconstruction, so the best thing about this part were the few statues.
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