Sights on the island of Kos

Ancient period (4th century BC - 4th century AD)

During the ancient period, Kos was an important centre of Greek culture, philosophy and medicine. Among the most important monuments of this period are:

Asclepion One of the most famous medical centres of the ancient world, the Asclepion was built in the 4th century BC and dedicated to the god of medicine, Asclepius. The complex on three terraces included a hospital, temples, baths and schools where the Hippocratic school of medicine was practiced. Today, Asklépion represents one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, located about 4 km southwest of the capital city of Kos.

Hippocrates' plane tree Under the massive plane tree in Plateia Platanou Square in the capital, the famous physician Hippocrates, the "father of medicine", is said to have taught his pupils. Although today's plane tree is not original, the site has a strong symbolic meaning and is a popular stop for tourists.

Ancient Agora The ancient agora of Kos was the centre of social and commercial life. Today, the remains of temples, public buildings and baths can be admired on the site, reflecting the wealth and importance of the island in the ancient period.

Roman monuments : Roman Odeon and Casa Romana The Roman era left several important monuments on Kos, including the Roman Odeon, a small ancient theatre, and the Casa Romana, a luxurious Roman villa with magnificent mosaics and frescoes that illustrate the lifestyle of the Roman elite. Both of these monuments are located in the capital.

Byzantine period (4th - 12th century AD)

During the Byzantine period, Kos became part of the developing Christian empire. New religious buildings and fortifications were built to reflect the change in beliefs and society.

Agios Stefanos Basilica The ruins of the 5th century AD Basilica of St. Stephen, located near Agios Stefanos beach, are one of the best preserved early Christian monuments on Kos. The basilica, built with a magnificent view of the sea, was part of a larger religious complex.

Agios Ioannis Monastery The Monastery of St. John is one of the other Byzantine monuments on the island. It is situated in a beautiful natural landscape in the south-west of the island, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and offers tranquillity and breathtaking views. It is known for its simple but impressive architecture and atmosphere of spiritual peace.

Agios Nikolaos Chapel The Chapel of St. Nicholas is a smaller but historically significant Christian building on Kos. Built on the small island of Kastri, close to the beaches, the Agios Nikolaos Chapel is an example of traditional Byzantine architecture and a reminder of the importance of religious faith on the island over the centuries. The chapel is dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors.

The Middle Ages and the Age of the Knights (13th - 16th centuries)

With the arrival of the Knights of St. John on Kos in the 14th century, a period of arming and fortifying the island began, which was a key point in the defence against Ottoman raids. This period has left significant traces on the local monuments.

Neratzia Castle Built by the Knights of St. John, Neratzia Castle is an imposing fortress that protected the harbour of the capital of Kos. This castle played a strategic role in the defence of the island, and its massive walls and towers are one of the most famous monuments on Kos today. The castle offers spectacular views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.

Antimachia Old Town Antimachia is an ancient town with deep roots that date back to the Middle Ages. This town, situated in the interior of the island, is known for its traditional style and old stone houses that reflect the historical and cultural development of the island. Visitors can see the remains of medieval fortifications and visit Antimachia Castle, built in the 14th century by the Knights of St John.

The old town of Paleo Pili Paleo Pili is another fascinating medieval town, which today consists of vast ruins with the remains of houses, chapels and fortifications. It is located in the interior of the island, on a mountainside, and offers panoramic views of the entire island. Paleo Pili is a great place to discover the ancient architecture and walk among the ruins with a medieval atmosphere.

Ottoman and Modern Period (16th century - present)

After the conquest of the island by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, the architecture of Kos was transformed and new buildings were built, including mosques and baths.

Mosques and Ottoman buildings Several monuments remain on the island from the period of Ottoman rule, most notably the mosques and Turkish baths (hamams), which still commemorate this chapter of Kos' history. Among the most important buildings of the Turkish period are the Defterdar Mosque and the Gazi Hassan Pasha Mosque.

Museums on the island of Kos

The island of Kos is not only home to ancient temples and castles, but also to several fascinating museums that collect and display valuable artefacts, giving us an insight into the rich history, culture and traditions of the place. Among the most important and interesting are:

The Archaeological Museum of Kos This museum, located in Eleftherias Square in the capital, is the most important museum on the island. The Archaeological Museum collects valuable artefacts from ancient Greece, the Roman Empire and the Hellenistic period. The collections include sculptures, mosaics, pottery and tools that reveal the wealth of ancient civilizations. Highlights include a statue of Hippocrates and statues of the goddesses Artemis and Aphrodite. The museum is housed in an ancient building from the Italian period and its collections are spread over several halls, giving visitors a comprehensive view of the island's history.

Hippocrates Museum A small but important museum focuses on the life and work of the famous physician Hippocrates, who was born on Kos and is considered the father of modern medicine. Located near the famous Asclepion, the museum displays copies of ancient medical instruments, texts and artefacts related to Hippocrates' teachings. Interestingly, the museum is surrounded by a garden of medicinal herbs that were traditionally used in Hippocratic medicine, giving visitors a glimpse into the practice of ancient medical science.

The Folklore Museum of Antimachia The Folklore Museum is located in the town of Antimachia and offers visitors an insight into traditional life on Kos in the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum is set up in a typical house and displays traditional furniture, clothing, agricultural tools and household items that illustrate life on the island in past centuries. In the museum, visitors can see not only the interior furnishings of a traditional house, but also small gardens and barns with examples of old farming practices.

The Museum of Modern Art The Museum of Modern Art features works by contemporary Greek and international artists. Although not focused on history, it is an interesting place for visitors who want to explore the contemporary art scene on the island and in Greece in general. The museum is located in the village of Psalidi, near Kos Town, and often hosts temporary exhibitions, art workshops and cultural events, making it a vibrant cultural centre of the island.

Map of Kos Island - Sights

The most important, most visited, but also special and interesting sights of the island of Kos are clearly marked on the map of the island of Kos.

History and sightseeing enthusiasts will surely head first to the capital of Kos, a beautiful historical town that has a lot to offer - in the article Excursions - Kos Capital you will learn about the past of the town, the most beautiful sights you can see here, but also about Kos as a modern tourist town. For more tips on excursions, see Kos - Excursions.