Kos is an island in the Aegean Sea, situated between Kalymnos and Nisyros Islands, 200 nautical miles from Piraeus.
The island has been inhabited since the end of the Neolithic period until today. The first inhabitants of the island were the Dorians. Kos flourished during the second millennium BC when the Minoans settled on the island. It is also called the "island of Hippocrates" because it was where the founder of modern medical Hippocrates was born.
Kos is a beautiful island with modern infrastructure. The signs of time and transfer of many civilizations and people from Kos are alive up today. From the mythical era of Hercules and the Hellenistic era of Asklepios, the ancient stadium, the ancient market and theatre till the present day with their modern infrastructure and housing developments, a number of monuments and residues, reveal the different cultures that have shaped the history and local tradition of the island.
Kos. It is the capital of the island, built on the southeast side at the same position as the ancient city. History and culture spread through every corner of the city through the ancient ruins and numerous historical monuments that coexist with today.
Upon arriving on the island, the History of Kos unfolds to cruise visitors, with the imposing ancient castle at the port, the Governor's Office and the historic Platanus of Hippocrates, at a short distance from the port.
Everywhere one finds scattered specimens of the cultures that passed from the island. Ancient buildings, Venetian neoclassicals, traditional Dodecanese architecture and modern buildings coexist harmoniously.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
Cruise guests can begin their tour of the city of Kos by:
The Castle of Neratzia (or Castle of the Knights) was built in 1436 AD by the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in the ruins of an ancient city. It is one of the most distinctive examples of knights' architecture in the Dodecanese. Next to the Castle entrance, visitors will see the Hippocrates Tree. In ancient Greece the great doctor Hippocrates would teach his students under the shadow of this tree.
Bridge of the Castle of Neratzia. The bridge of the Castle of Neratzia connects Platanos Square with the entrance of the castle.
The Ancient Market of Kos. During ancient times, the Market of every city was its commercial and social center. The Ancient Market of Kos is one of the largest excavations in Greece till today. It was built in the 4th century. BC and is a short distance from the port of the city.
The Roman Odeon is considered one of the most significant public structures of ancient Kos. It was built in the 2nd century A.D. Today the conservatory hosts cultural events, especially during the summer months.
Casa Romana – Roman House. One of the most interesting attractions of the island is the Roman House or Casa Romana. This is a Pompeii type villa of the 2nd century A.D. It consists of 36 rooms and 3 outdoor areas. From the main entrance of the building, starts to perceive the wealth of the findings one.
The Altar of Dionysos is located near the Ancient Agora. It is of the Hellenistic period, built in the 2nd century. B.C. during island's peak period.
Temple of Hercules. The temple is near the plane tree of Hippocrates dates back to the 2nd century B.C.
The Mosque of Lozias. Kos (City). The mosque Gazi Hasan Pasa, well known as the mosque of Lozias or the Mosque of the Plane Tree, is located on Lozias square, where the Plane Tree of Hippocrates.
International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos (City). The area of the plot today amounts to 380,000m2. The whole plot extends to a slope offering the guest a unique view of the surrounding area, Kos city and Asia Minor, beyond the sea. Precious plants but also herbs of the Greek flora, for which Hippocrates were medicine for every disease they come to life in a physical space around the International Hippocratic Foundation of Kos.
Ancient Theatre. The theatre is located in the area of Ampavri, in the southern area of today’s city of Kos. The monument, in the form which survives today, belongs to the category of the big urban Roman theatres.
Asklepion, a hospital from the classic era, nests in forested hills, 3.5 km west of the city. It divides into three huge levels that are connected with stone steps. At the upper and lower level were patient wings and in the middle level a an array of temples overlook.
MUSEUMS
Archaeological Museum of Kos (City). The two levels high building at Freedom square that houses today's Archaeological Museum Kos is a protected monument of the era when the Italians had taken over, built in 1935. The Μuseum exhibits the most important sculptures, mosaics, statues and the imposing statue of Hippocrates of the 4th century B.C, while a relief with banquet scene and funerary sculptures are shown on the walls. The Museum also exhibits Statues Demeter, Kori, Athena, Aphrodite, Nymphs, Fortune and a seated Hermes.
Hippocratic Museum is located at the Hippocrates Institute and exhibits medical copies of ancient medieval reliefs, busts of Hippocrates and Asclepius, large numbers of silver and bronze medals, as well as authentic publications of the Hippocratic School.
CHURCHES
Church of Agios Paulos is located in the village of Asfendiou, 14 km from the city of Kos, built between 5th to 6th centuries. The church is of royal style and is one of the most important monuments in the area.
Church of Agia Theotita is located in the village of Kardamaina, 30 km from Kos Town. It is of royal style with impressive mosaics.
BEACHES
Therma, Ag.Fokas, Cavo Paradiso, Ag.Stefanos, Ag.Theologos, Kamari, Kardamaina, Karnagio, Koxylari etc.
Thermal Beach or Center Therma is a hugely enjoyable outing on the coast near Kos town. Thermal waters flow from the base of the cliffs into the sea, and a small circle of stones keeps the water by the beach very hot. Swim into the sea away from the stones to marvel at hundreds of bubble streams emitted from sulphurous vents in the sea floor.
