The sights of the island of Kos attract tourists from all over the world. Kos will give unforgettable moments of relaxation for both active youth and those who come here for peace and tranquility. There are so many interesting places on the Greek island that you want to be in several places at the same time.
Platanus of Hippocrates
The plane tree was planted with his own hands by a world famous physician. Legends say that under this tree, Hippocrates wrote out recipes for patients and talked with his students. The sycamore grows near the fortress of the Johannites. It is a tall and wide tree that is more than 2000 years old. Skeptics think that the plane tree has nothing to do with the name of the great doctor, and that it is not even 1000 years old.
If we rely on the information of ancient sources, then we can conclude that the plane tree on the island of Kos is the oldest of all trees in the world. Amazingly, the tree was able to survive for so many years! The Greeks to this day treat the plane tree with special trepidation and care. The branches lie on metal supports. The tree rests on the bark, the wood rotted from old age. There is a mosque and a castle next to the ancient doctor's tree.
Temple of Asklepion
An amazing historical site, which is also related to the great Hippocrates. It is believed that he taught medicine at this place. It is believed that this is where modern medicine was born. The temple was built before our era, after the death of the healer. Asklepion was built in honor of the ancient Greek god of medicine Asclepius.
Legend has it that his father and mother were both ordinary mortals. Asclepius was able to become such an unsurpassed healer that for this he was granted immortality. Shortly before our era, many temples began to be erected in his honor throughout Ancient Greece.
Hundreds of sick people came to the Asklepion temple with the hope of recovery. It was necessary to fall asleep directly in the church, and in the morning tell the priest everything that he dreamed at night. The patient was selected drugs based on his dreams. Now this approach is comparable to that of Dr. Freud. After healing, people brought generous gifts to the temple.
Tourists will not see the temple as such. Now in its place are ruins. But to this day they have retained their majesty. Now in the ruins they organize shows and performances on medical topics. Asklepion has a good location. From this place of the island of Kos, a gorgeous panorama opens up overlooking the sea.
Panellenion
The complex was erected by the knights who once lived here. Due to the earthquake in 1933, many buildings were turned into ruins. Over time, Panellenion was resurrected by the Italian fascists. They built a new building on the site of the ancient ruins. During World War II, the complex housed a party of fascists. Panellenion is a historically significant place.
The building was rebuilt far from the best times for the island of Kos. Near the complex there is the Agora market, where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits, as well as souvenirs and household goods. The location of Panellenion is Eleftherias Square, where you can explore many other notable places of the island of Kos. The complex fits perfectly into the local architecture.
Ancient Agora
Almost in the center is the ancient Agora, the ruins of which were found after the earthquake. Separate fragments of buildings have survived on the site of ancient temples. In ancient Greece, the Agora was the largest market.
Inside the former market space is the Temple of Hercules, the remains of the Temple of Aphrodite and the Christian Basilica. The Agora included theaters, baths and other buildings. The ancient monuments of the temples were partially reconstructed. After receiving a new look, they became available to tourists.
Kalymnos island
Kalymnos is located near the island of Kos. There will be enough attractions for a day, no less. In 1994, a maritime museum appeared on Kalymnos. Its owners are the Valsamidi brothers. The museum is their private gallery. Among the exhibits of the museum are the rarest finds raised from the depths of the sea. In the maritime museum, you can get acquainted with the aquatic inhabitants of the island.
A large sponge factory was established on Kalymnos. The inhabitants of the island took out sponges from the sea. They dived without equipment and necessary equipment. They were guided by the experience and skills that they inherited from their skilled ancestors. The situation has changed over time.
Before Kalymnos gained popularity among tourists, the income to the island was mainly brought in by the sponge factory. Even today, there is a school there that teaches the art of catching sponges. In addition to the sights described, the island is interesting for its high cliffs with numerous ledges. Their merits have been appreciated by thousands of extreme lovers. Nature has created rocks that are perfect for both underwater swimming and climbing.
Paleo Pili
Paleo Pili is an ancient city on the island of Kos. It was built during the Trojan War. In the twentieth century, only ruins from its walls remained from the city. At the foot of the fortress, there is an amazing view of the mountains. You can climb to the top by a stone staircase carved into the rock.
Lifting is not within the power of every person. For those who are in shape, it will seem like a simple exercise. Paleo Pili has a dark history. It was once densely populated. But due to the occurrence of cholera, residents had to leave their homes.
The ruins here are legendary: there are rumors that Jesus Christ appeared in this place. The myth has no documentary evidence. Despite this, the Church of the Appearance of Christ was built. For nine centuries it has received pilgrims who come to the Son of God with gratitude for the grace sent from above. Jesus is asked for help and support in new beginnings.
There is a spring near the temple, from which they take water, which has healing power. In Paleo Pili, you can go to ancient Greek tombs or visit underground crypts. The temple of Stavros stands above the ancient relics. One resourceful Greek opened a tavern in this place, where you can have a nice snack. Lunch after a long walk is what you need.
Defterdar Mosque
The mosque is located in the central part of the old city. As soon as you see it on the horizon, you can already admire the appearance of the majestic structure. The white walls of the mosque are decorated with Arabic frescoes. She is not as popular as her brother Haji Hassan. But this mosque also has its own permanent parishioners, for whom it is a favorite place.
There is a market next to it. You can walk along the shopping arcade, buy different delicacies, or just take a walk. The mosque was built in dark times. Kos was under Ottoman occupation. When looking at the mosque, there is not a single hint that it was built during the hard days of the island. Defterdar has retained all of its rich ornamentation to this day.
Haji Hasan Mosque
Several cultures have merged on the island. From each there are traces that have survived to this day. The island is extremely interesting for the variety of temples, mosques, castles. The mosque stands on the site of a former bathing spring. The mosque has retained its appearance. Tourists come to its walls to get acquainted with multiculturalism.
Souvenirs can be purchased at the mosque. With the onset of darkness, the building of Haji Hasan is illuminated with dim lights. Couples in love often pass by the mosque under cover of the night.
Ancient Roman Odeon
Once it was almost the most significant place on the island of Kos. There are suggestions that the Odeon served not only for musical events. It was attended by members of the City Council. The building was built in a classical style.The odeon has a semicircular shape, like all ancient amphitheaters. A domed roof towered over the ancient structure, which collapsed over the years. At the bottom there is a place reserved for the orchestra.
During the excavations that were carried out on the territory of the structure, many interesting sculptures were found, one of which was the statue of Hippocrates. She was housed in the archaeological museum. The Odeon annually receives guests from all over the world. Today it has become a venue for concerts of symphonic music.
Roman house
The Roman House is an impressive monument on Kos. This is a villa that belonged to an aristocratic family. Jewelry indicates wealth and abundance. The villa is striking in its enormous size. The building includes 26 rooms, each of which is decorated with decorative elements. There is a fountain in the middle of the courtyard.
It depicts a panther catching prey. The floor of the villa's rooms is tiled with mosaics imitating the sea. In the images, you can see many aquatic creatures, both real and fictional. During the earthquake, the villa was significantly damaged. It was reconstructed for many years. As a result of the restoration, the building received a new life.
Traveling to the island of Kos will be extremely interesting for those who are fond of history. Curious facts and rare information will add new knowledge and increase intelligence.
