The timeless charm of Kos Town

Charming, cosmopolitan, colorful Kos Town is a vibrant reflection of the island’s rich history. You can witness first-hand the remains of its culturally diverse account of the past, in the countless buildings and monuments scattered around the town’s center; Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman ruins stand astride its cobblestone alleys, beautifully mingling with each other, revealing the intricately-woven chronicles that have been imprinted on the town’s character. Tree-clad parks, picturesque squares, and modern edifices round out this captivating mosaic of cultures. Among the myriad of entertainment and sightseeing options Kos Town offers, you will find the picturesque harbor with the medieval Fortress of the Knights of the Order of Saint John, and the old Plane Tree of Hippocrates, to be among the most emblematic sites of Kos.   

The impressive Fortress of the Knights of the Order of Saint John, also known as Castle of Neratzia, is imposingly rising as a bold sentinel, guarding the entrance of Kos harbor. The fortress used to be an islet in antiquity, communicating with the inland through a bridge that you can still traverse today, namely the Phoinikon Avenue. The castle consists of two defensive precincts, and it was built of local stone, as well as parts of ancient buildings like columns, architraves, and bases, taken from the ruins of the ancient city and the Asclepeion. On the upper part of its masonry, you will see sundry impressive blazons, and walking up the stairs you will enjoy one the best views over Kos harbor. Close to the ancient Agora, in the nearby Platanos Square, you can see a very old plane tree, one of the oldest in Europe, which according to legends, it was the same tree under whose shade Hippocrates taught the art of medicine to his disciples. Right next to the tree, you can see two Ottoman-period fountains and, behind it, the Mosque of Gazi Hassan Pasha that was built in 1786. 

Spending a day exploring Kos Town and its landmarks is a must when visiting this beautiful island of the Aegean and you will find yourself spirited away on a journey that transcends time that will sweep you off your feet!