Kos Town

Brief History

Kos has a long history going all the way back to prehistoric times and the age of myths, as it was considered the sacred land of Asclepius, the god of medicine. However, Kos Town was not always the most significant center on the island; the earliest traces of human activity have been discovered in White Stone Cave, in the southern part of Kos, and it was the area of the present-day Kefalos —then called Astypalea— which served as the island’s capital city till 366 BC.

Around 393 BC, in the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War and the local civil strife between the supporters of democracy and oligarchy, the Koans decided to found a new city named Kos; this was how Kos Town eventually came to be established. During the Hellenistic times, the economy and intellectual life of the island flourished, with the establishment of the Asclepieion of Kos being one of the most significant events. It was there that Hippocrates, widely known in the West as the father of medicine, established his school, imparting his medical knowledge. The City of Kos was adorned with a magnificent Agora, one of the biggest in the ancient Greek world, theaters, temples, stadiums, and excellent sculptures.

Later, when the Roman State was divided into two parts, Kos became part of the Byzantine Empire. Until the 14th century, peace was mostly undisturbed; then, in 1314 AD, the Knights Hospitalier took control of the island, and began to construct a series of defensive works, like Nerantzia Castle and the Castle of Antimachia. Shortly afterward, Kos became the target of multiple Turkish attacks and was eventually occupied by the Ottomans in 1523.

The architectural style of Kos Town changed drastically when the island came under Italian rule in 1912. Considering it a marvelous tourist resort, the Italians undertook the construction of public works and imposing buildings, like the Town Hall, the Government Palace, the building housing the Archaeological Museum and many more. Many of the ancient monuments that are visible today were also excavated and restored at that time.

Sights

Around Kos Town, you will find a plethora of ancient sites, museums, churches, and other magnificent monuments from different periods.

Historical Landmarks

Nerantzia Castle: The medieval castle is undeniably the jewel of the harbor. It was built in the 14th century by the Knights of Saint John and it houses an exhibition of architectural members from the ancient city of Kos.

Ancient Agora: Located south of the castle, the Agora was the commercial and social center of ancient Kos. It is estimated to have been built during the 4th century BC and it consisted of an open courtyard lined by arcades. Temples, baths, and houses have also been excavated close to the Agora.

Hippocrates Plane Tree: Opposite the Castle of the Knights and the Ancient Agora, visitors will find the centuries-old Plane Tree of Hippocrates, where the renowned physician is believed to have sat, lecturing his students. Though the tree you will see is probably too young to be the original one, it may well have sprouted from it. Its seeds have even been gifted to prestigious institutions, such as the National Library of Medicine in the United States.

Ancient Gymnasium: The Ancient Gymnasium is part of a complex known as the Western Archaeological Zone, which contains some of the most important sights of the area. Along with the adjacent stadium, the Ancient Gymnasium was where athletes participated in games and sports competitions, as well as in intellectual pursuits.

Roman Odeon: Dating from the 2nd century AD, the Roman Odeon is a magnificent well-preserved structure. The awe-inspiring underground corridors underneath the rows of marble seats now house a photography exhibition.

Casa Romana: Very close to the Odeon, you will find the Casa Romana, an astonishing Roman Villa known for its beautiful mosaics, lavish decorations and marble fountains.

Altar of Dionysus: The ruins of the Hellenistic Altar of Dionysus are located close to the Agora and the Casa Romana. Though not much remains to be seen today, it used to be adorned with magnificent sculptures, whose fragments are now exhibited inside Nerantzia castle.

Defterdar Mosque: Standing in Eleftherias Square, in the very heart of Kos Town, the Defterdar Mosque is a prime example of Islamic architecture. It is one of the two mosques on the island to be still operational today and is open to the public once a week.

Loggia Gazi Hasan Pasha Mosque: Commonly referred to as the Loggia Mosque, the Gazi Hasan Pasha Mosque stands in the same square as the Plane Tree of Hippocrates and is an elegant two-story building with striking masonry. Watch out for the sculptures placed in niches at the base of the minaret.

Palazzo del Governo: The Palazzo del Governo (or the Government House) is an imposing three-story building that dominates the harbor on Akti Miaouli Avenue. It boasts elaborately decorated windows and was the administrative headquarters of Italian officials until 1943. Even though it is not open to the public, you can marvel at its grandeur during your walk along the romantic promenade.

Museums

Archaeological Museum: To put everything you have seen during a day of sightseeing into perspective, you could explore the Archaeological Museum on Eleftherias Square. It houses a wide variety of findings from the island’s excavation sites, including majestic sculptures from the Asclepieion and the Roman Odeon, as well as a collection of masterful mosaics.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Restaurants

In Kos Town, you can find a wide variety of places to eat, from traditional taverns to fine-dining elegant restaurants. Whether you’re looking forward to tasting typical Mediterranean and Koan dishes or prefer to savor ethnic specialties, Kos Town is sure not to disappoint you. Watch out for delicacies made with the island’s emblematic products, such as octopus balls and krasotyri, a goat’s cheese variety cured in red wine that can be served as a meze or be used in traditional small pies (katimeria), drizzled with honey. Many of the best taverns and restaurants are concentrated around the port, offering great sea views. Prices may vary depending on the place, but there are plenty of budget-friendly options. Check out the restaurants in Kos section for some of the best places to eat.

Cafes and Nightlife

Around the picturesque streets of Kos Town, you will find a plethora of cafes that operate from early in the morning till late at night, serving refreshments, drinks, snacks, and delicious desserts. Don’t forget to taste kanelada, a local beverage made with cinnamon. Moreover, the town boasts a vibrant nightlife scene, with laid-back lounge bars, rooftops and nightclubs where you can enjoy a nice cocktail or dance the night away. Much of the town’s nightlife lies in the so-called Bar Street, close to some of the island’s most significant ancient sights.

Hotels

Finding accommodation in Kos Town won’t be a problem. Those traveling on a budget can find plenty of affordable cozy apartments, but there is also a wide selection of elegant suites, modern villas and luxury hotels, boasting their own pools and wellness facilities.

Ways to move around

As many historical sights are located close to one another, it is easy to admire them without needing to use any means of transport at all. Public transport is another convenient way of moving around, as city buses are cheap and run regularly. At the same time, there is also the option of hailing a taxi or renting your own car.

Interestingly, the town is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Greece, so it is highly recommended that you try cycling in the beautiful streets around the port.