Kos Island Town |
The town of Kos was founded in 366 BC, in the same area where modern Kos nowadays is to be found. It climaxed during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, being a crossroad between civilisations, between East and West, the meeting point for both culture and trade. Its public market was of great fame during the antiquity and still is thriving in our days.
When entering the harbour of Kos town the imposing medieval Castle of Neratzia is bound to draw your attention. This castle is connected to the mainland by a bridge that crosses the Palm Tree Avenue, the same one that connects the Castle to the Platanos, the large plane tree under which Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used to teach. All around Kos town you can find signs of the past, reminders of the civilisations that passed through its harbour. Numerous buildings, built in imitation of the Italian architecture of the colonies in N. Africa, most typical being the Country Hall. In order to take a taste of the antiquity wonders that Kos has to offer, make a stop at the Archaeological Museum, located at Eleftherias square, exhibiting a wide collection of archaeological treasures, such as the mosaic of Hippocrates, the Hellenistic sculptures of Aphrodite, Eros and one believed to be of Hippocrates himself. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Italians have passed through the island and formed the mosaic of modern Kos. Many archaeological monuments dating back to more than 3000 years can be found over the landscape, some of them being the Odeon (ancient theatre), the Roman House (Casa Romana), the Ancient Market place, the “Abduction of Europa”, the Western Excavations and many more... The Asklepieion, located just outside Kos town, is probably the most famous and important archaeological site on the island. It is world-wide known as the centre of Hippocrates' Medical School, since it was there that Hippocrates used to practice medicine, it was there that the Hippocratic Oath was first told, a tradition that has been repeated thousands of times each time a new doctor takes its oath. It is until our days that the Hippocratic Oath can be heard every summer in the Temple of Asklepius, recited in ancient Greek, a practice that brings awe to all attendants... Culture, history, nature, all together form the beauty of Kos. The wetland in Psalidi, a place of unique natural beauty await for you to feel the harmony, to experience the peacefulness and excitement of the contact with unspoilt nature. There you’ll feel the freshness of untouched beauty, you’ll see rare birds, hundreds of plants and long, gold beaches surrounding this small paradise. Passed the beautiful wetland of Psalidi you’ll find Therma, a place named after the numerous hot springs of the area. Hot spring water can not only fill you with feelings of relaxation and harmony, but also help you in several health problems, since its rich sulphur content gives it great therapeutic value. |