Italian domination (1912-1943)

At the beginning of the 20th century, after the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the Italo-Turkish War, Kos came under Italian administration in 1912. Italian rule on the island was characterized by the modernization of infrastructure and architecture. The Italians invested in the construction of new roads, buildings and public facilities to improve living conditions on the island while promoting Italian culture and influence. To strengthen control and ensure security on the island, construction included military installations.

The next phase of Italian rule saw a major cultural and architectural transformation of Kos. The Italians embarked on ambitious projects to transform the urban landscape of the capital of Kos into a modern city with preservation of local history and culture. Significant buildings such as the Italian Town Hall (Town Hall), the marketplace (Agora) and the Peel School were built. The architecture of these buildings combined elements of Italian Renaissance, Neoclassicism and local oriental influences.

The Italian administration also encouraged research into ancient and medieval monuments, which led to the restoration of many historic sites.

After 1936, when Italy became a fascist state under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, there were significant changes in the administration of Kos. The fascist government promoted authoritarian reforms and increased the militarisation of the island. Stricter control measures were introduced and the local population was forced to adapt to the Italian fascist regime.

With the onset of the Second World War, the Italians built new military facilities on Kos, fortified ports and other strategic locations on the island to secure their military presence in the eastern Mediterranean. Kos became an important military base for Italian operations in the area. There was also repression of the Greek population and attempts at Italian cultural assimilation, leading to tensions between the local Greeks and the Italian authorities.

World War II and aftermath (1943-1945)

During the Second World War the situation on Kos changed dramatically. After the surrender of Italy in 1943, Kos was at the centre of fighting between the Allies and the Germans, leading to a period of instability and violence. The island was briefly occupied by British forces in September 1943. The British quickly took control of the island and were welcomed as liberators by the local Greek population.

The German command, however, quickly reacted to the British presence on Kos and in October 1943 carried out a massive air and naval attack on the island. The battle lasted just two days and ended in a German victory. The German occupation brought harsh conditions, including shortages of food and medicine, repression of the local population, and deportations of the Jewish community.

In 1945, after the end of the war, British forces returned to the island and took over temporary administration. This period was characterised by efforts to rebuild the island and a gradual return to normal life. Many buildings were damaged or destroyed, the economy was in ruins and the population traumatised. Post-war reconstruction was slow and difficult, complicated by political tensions between different factions of the Greek resistance.

Today, various memorials and museums on the island commemorate this period, paying tribute to the victims and heroes of those dark years.

Accession to Greece (1947)

In 1947, the island of Kos was officially annexed to Greece along with the other Dodecanese islands by the Treaty of Paris. This annexation was a welcome change for the people of Kos, marking the end of foreign domination and the beginning of a new era of development and modernisation.

The Greek government began to invest in the island's infrastructure and development, which included modernising education, health care and developing tourism. The annexation strengthened the national identity of the inhabitants, who could freely claim their Greek culture and traditions. At the same time, it was of strategic importance for Greek defence. Despite the challenges, the annexation of Kos to Greece has led to long-term stability and prosperity.

Late 20th century: the rise of tourism

Since the 1960s, Kos has become an attractive destination for international tourists thanks to its beautiful beaches, warm climate and rich history. The international airport, opened in 1964, has greatly improved the accessibility of the island for foreign tourists.

The development of the tourist industry became the main economic engine of the island, leading to the construction of hotels, new restaurants and other tourist facilities. Tourism has brought new employment opportunities to Kos and raised the standard of living of the local population, but has also brought issues related to environmental protection and cultural identity.

21st century: modern challenges and development

Entering the 21st century, Kos continued its development as a tourist destination, but also faced new challenges. The economic crisis in Greece in 2008 had an impact on the island, leading to a reduction in public spending and an increase in unemployment. Local authorities and entrepreneurs have been looking for new ways to attract tourists, including the development of alternative forms of tourism such as ecotourism and agro-tourism.

In 2015, Kos was on the frontline of the European migration crisis, with thousands of refugees and migrants arriving on the island seeking refuge in Europe. This situation posed a major challenge for local authorities and residents, who had to provide basic humanitarian assistance while managing the pressure on local infrastructure and services. Many Kos residents have stepped up to help the refugees, demonstrating the solidarity and humanitarian spirit of the islanders.

In 2017, a strong earthquake hit Kos, damaging some historic buildings and infrastructure, but the island recovered quickly from the event.

In recent years, Kos has focused on sustainable development, which includes the protection of natural resources and cultural heritage. The island is investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind farms and supporting environmental initiatives to help protect the environment.

Today, Kos is a thriving tourist destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. The island offers a mix of modern resorts and traditional villages, ancient monuments and natural beauty. The tourist industry is the main source of income for the local population, but the island also retains its agricultural traditions, particularly in the production of wine, olives and citrus fruits.

Monuments and important buildings

During the 20th century, especially during the Italian rule (1912-1943), several important monuments and buildings were built on Kos. These buildings still bear witness to the Italians' efforts to modernise the island and leave their cultural and architectural imprint.

Italian Town Hall (Town Hall): The Town Hall of Kos, located in Eleftherias Square, was built in 1928. The building is an example of Italian Renaissance architecture mixed with oriental and local elements, which was typical of the architecture in the Italian colonies. The building still serves as the town hall and is one of the most important buildings in the city centre.

Marketplace: The marketplace (Agora) in Eleftherias Square was also built during the period of Italian rule, in the 1930s. The building was designed to serve as an indoor market where locals sold their produce. The market is characterised by its elegant arched design and its combination of neoclassical and oriental architectural elements.

Hospital (Ospedale Civile di Kos): The hospital on Kos, known as the Ospedale Civile di Kos, was built during the Italian occupation in the 1920s. This modern building was designed in a functionalist style and equipped with the advanced medical facilities of its time. The hospital served the local population as well as Italian colonists and soldiers.

Church of Agia Paraskevi: The Church of Agia Paraskevi, built in 1931, is another example of Italian architecture on Kos. The building was built in a style associated with the Byzantine tradition, which was intended to show respect for local religious and cultural traditions. The church is located in the centre of Kos and serves as one of the main Orthodox churches on the island.

Port Authority: The Port Authority (Capitaneria di Porto), built in the 1930s, was part of an Italian effort to modernize Kos' port infrastructure. The building, designed in a functionalist style, served as an administrative centre for the port and fishing industry.