History of Kos and important monuments

The history of Kos dates back to antiquity and its importance is evidenced by numerous archaeological finds from the ancient period as well as valuable monuments that refer to the Roman, Byzantine and Venetian rule. The town of Kos was founded around 393 BC. It was here that the famous physician Hippocrates, later described as the father of modern medicine, worked.

Among the most important historical monuments of the town and the island of Kos are the Asklepion, an ancient healing centre and temple dedicated to the god of medicine, Asklepios, located about 3 km from the town. It was here that Hippocrates founded his school and passed on his medical knowledge. In the centre of the town you can admire the remains of the ancient agora, which was the centre of social and commercial life in antiquity, the ancient gymnasium and the Roman baths. One of the capital's most visited sites is also the 2nd century AD Roman Odeon or Casa Romana, a magnificent restored Roman villa with mosaics and marble fountains.

The medieval castle of Neratzia, built in the 14th century by the Knights of the Order of St. John, dominates the city. The Neratzia fortress was built to protect against attacks by the Ottomans and pirates, and thus still symbolizes the defensive strength of the city. It is connected to the city by an arched stone bridge that crosses Palm Tree Avenue. From the walls of the fortress, there are magnificent views of the harbour and the adjacent part of the city.

Other sights include the remains of ancient buildings and narrow streets where Byzantine and Ottoman influences mingle. Other valuable architectural monuments include the local mosques, the Gazi Hassan Pasha Mosque (known as the Loggia Mosque) and the Defterdar Mosque with its Hellenistic and Byzantine columns. The Turkish community has a strong presence in the nearby village of Platani (Kermentes in Turkish), which is famous for its restaurants serving excellent Turkish cuisine, kebabs and other delicacies. You'll pass through Platani if you head from Kos Town to the world-famous Asklepion.

The historical heritage of Kos is further enhanced by the presence of museums and galleries, where artefacts from different historical eras of the island are on display. Many tourists also head to the Hippocratic Plane Tree, under which the famous physician Hippocrates is said to have taught. Although the massive tree, with a trunk circumference of over 5 metres, is actually too young to be original, it could easily have grown back. The age of the plane tree is estimated at around 700 years.

Regarding the history of Kos and its monuments, it is also important to mention the earthquake that struck the island of Kos in 1933. The great tremor almost destroyed the historic centre of Kos, which, on the other hand, allowed for extensive archaeological research and the later reconstruction of some monuments. This earthquake, with a magnitude of around 6.4, caused more than 180 casualties and caused considerable damage to a number of buildings, especially those of older origin, which were unable to withstand the strong shaking.

Much of the town of Kos had to be rebuilt after the earthquake, thanks in particular to the Italians who ruled the island at the time. The Italian era left a large imprint on the appearance of Kos in the form of new imposing buildings and individual elements in the Venetian style. The Italians also emphasised space for parks and other green areas, which they had planted with all kinds of trees and plants. The town hall and the marketplace in Eleftherias Square and the Port Authority, for example, date from the period of Italian rule.

Kos Town as a modern tourist centre

Today, Kos is a bustling tourist centre with modern infrastructure and a wide range of services. The town centre is full of shops selling a variety of goods, including small souvenir shops and shops selling local produce, as well as boutiques and larger shopping centres. The gastronomic offer is also very varied, with traditional Greek tavernas offering typical Greek dishes, as well as restaurants serving international cuisine and fast food stalls, which are also plentiful.

Accommodation ranges from luxury hotels with private pools and wellness services, to family-run guesthouses with traditional cuisine, to small, cosy apartments. In this respect, Kos caters to the needs of different types of visitors.

There are a number of car, scooter and bicycle rental companies in town. You will also see many cyclists and, on closer inspection, a number of marked cycle paths, both in the town itself and in its surroundings. The city has well-paved, wide main roads, large squares and parks. Its strategic location near the harbour and the main bus station makes the town easily accessible and serves as a starting point for excursions around the island.

The town centre is lively at almost every hour of the day and night, and the palm tree-lined seafront promenade, which is the town's main tourist thoroughfare, is particularly famous. The many clubs, bars and discos attract nightlife. The seafront is also dotted with stylish cafés and patisseries offering refreshment on hot summer days. We also recommend visiting one of the local tavernas to enjoy the famous fish specialities. The town also has a lively harbour where boats sail out to the surrounding islands.

The main landmark for visitors and locals alike is Eleftherias Square, located right above the harbour. The public library building, the municipal market and the Archaeological Museum of Kos stand here. The square acquired its present form and layout after the great earthquake of 1933, as did many of the surrounding buildings. From the square, picturesque narrow streets lead visitors to various corners of the Old Town of Kos. The ancient Agora is in close proximity, while further inland the Western Archaeological Zone (which includes, for example, the ancient gymnasium and stadium), the Roman Odeon and the Roman villa Casa Romana are hidden in the green. If, on the other hand, you head towards the harbour and the eastern seafront, you will reach the Neratzia Fortress and the Hippocratic Plateau.

The city's cultural life is rich, with festivals, markets and concerts that combine ancient tradition with modern lifestyle. The town of Kos is also important for its museums and historical buildings, which represent the different eras of its existence. A walk through the town centre is a real treat, where ancient heritage mixes with modern architecture to create a unique atmosphere. The town of Kos is remarkably green, with palm trees and flowers everywhere.

Beaches around the town of Kos

There are several pleasant beaches in the vicinity of Kos. Right in the town is the town beach Akti Zouroudi, a sand and shingle beach with crystal clear water, excellent tourist facilities and ideal conditions for water sports. Other beaches are located in close proximity to the town - Lambi beach to the north and Psalidi beach to the south-east, popular sand and shingle beaches, already a bit quieter than the town beach itself.

All beaches near the capital are well equipped for tourism, providing an ideal environment for swimming and the opportunity to try various water activities such as windsurfing, diving or paddleboarding. The beach areas are characterised by clear water, fine sand or pebbles and are equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and beach bars.

These places are popular not only with tourists but also with locals who spend their leisure time here. The proximity of the beaches to the town allows visitors to combine exploring the historic centre with relaxing on the shores of the Aegean Sea. The road along the coast between the resorts of Lambi, Kos and Psalidi is ideal for walking and cycling.

For whom the capital of Kos is suitable

Kos is the ideal destination for those who want to combine historical sightseeing with a classic seaside holiday. It is suitable for all ages, couples and families with children. Its advantages will be especially appreciated by lovers of history, culture and those who prefer livelier resorts with a varied evening entertainment offer.

For day-trippers from other parts of the island, Kos is a must-stop for a concentration of historical sites and shopping opportunities. The capital of Kos is a city full of greenery, colour, and a variety of smells and tastes, which is why it is known as the "Garden of the Aegean". It is a very diverse and multicultural city, as is the whole island of Kos. So you should definitely not miss it when visiting the island.

More touristic destinations of Kos

Close resorts: Lambi, Platani (Kermentes), Psalidi

Most favourite resorts of Kos: Kardamena, Kefalos, Lambi, Marmari, Mastichari, Kos Town, Tigaki

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Kos.