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Second
in size island of the Dodecanese and homeland of Hippocrates, Kos
with its intense vegetation and colourful landscape, has a lot to
give to its visitors.
Kos was first inhabited at almost 3000 BC. Its history is a mosaic
of many cultures that pass from its land during the centuries.
Capital
and main harbour of the island, the city of Kos, is located at the
area of the Ancient City, which was founded at 366 BC. The Castle
of Nerantzia or Castle of the Knights dominates over the city. It
was built in the 16th century by the Knights of Rhodes, for the
fear of Ottomans, while the buildings and the rampants in it are
a bit older. The Bridge of the Castle connects it with the city
as well as with the Plate-tree under which Hippocrates, the father
of Medicine, is said that used to teach. Next to the plate-tree
is a tap built in 1972 by the Turkish governor Gazi Hasan. Its water
is poured in an ancient tomb.
The
earthquake of 1933 caused a lot of destruction to the city, but
was also the reason for the discovery of many anquities that the
Italian conquerors attended to restore. The Kamara of Ancient Agora,
the Temple of Hercules, the ruins of Pandimos Aphrodite's Temple,
the Roman Conservatoire, the Ancient Stadium and the Altar of Dionysus
are some of the island's archaeological treasures.
Next
to the Ancient Agora (Market) is the street of the nightlife, called
"the street with the bars".
Not
far from the capital of Kos is Asklipieio, perhaps the most important
and for sure the most famous sight of the island. The place of Hippocrates'
Medical School. There was heard for very first time the Oath of
Hippocrates, an Oath that is still heard at Asklipieio every year,
in the Ancient Greek language.
At
the south part of central Kos, 30 km from the capital is Kardamena.
Well known for its ceramic, Kardamena is now the most well developed
resort of the island. In excavations were found the remnants of
the ancient town Alasarna. Among the monuments are the Temple of
Apollo, the Ancient Theatre and old churches.
To
the north is Antimahia, a village that holds its name for more than
three millenniums. In Antimahia locals follow the tradition of popular
poetry and popular music. Its Castle was build by the Knights of
Rhodes. It was bombarded a lot of times and it was also used as
a prison. In its interior are two small churches, while in its internal
gate one can see the blazon of Pierre d' Abusson.
Even
more to the north is the coastal village Mastihari. At the ruins
of an old church are distinguished beautiful mosaics. To the west
is Kamari, were we can see other Temples of the 5th century with
Ionian columns and mosaics. Not far away is Kefalos and its devastated
Castle, where according to the legend resides the daughter of Hippocrates,
transformed to a dragon waiting for the kiss of a Knight that will
give her the human look again. There are also Papavasilis windmill,
Palaces, Astypalaia (birthplace of Hippocrates and old capital of
the island), the cavern Aspri Petra (White Stone) and the Monastery
of Ayios Ioannis.
Asklipieio
of Kos is one of the most important archaelogical monuments of Greece.
There was born modern medical science by Hippocrates. Asklipieio
was a place of leisure and treatment. The doctors were at the same
time priests of God Asklipios. Their symbol was (and still is) the
Snake, due to that animal's capability to locate therapeutic plants.
Plate-tree
of Hippocrates, at the town of Kos. It is said that it was planted
by Hippocrates, thousands of years ago. However, the truth is that
today's tree is almost 58o years old and that probably it is an
offshoot of the ancient plate-tree.
The
Castle of the Knights. During Medieval time, Kos was under the possession
of the Knights of Rhodes, who also built the Castle of Nerantzia.
At its entry is found "Great Magician's Thyreos". In its
interior are buildings of 15th century's second half, made with
marble and stone, many of which were emanated from Asklipieio.
The
Archaeological Museum of Kos, at the capital, where are exhibited
discoveries of Hellenistic and Romean eras. Among the exhibits are
the statue of Hippocrates and mosaics with the figure of Asklipios,
Orpheus and Hercules.
The
ruins of Romean Era, at the town of Kos. Among them you can see
Casa Romana, a building of Pompeian Rhythm with 26 rooms, galleries
with Ionian and Corinthian Rhythms and mosaics presenting animals.
Each
year, during summertime are hosted Hippocratia, with concerts, theatrical
events and exhibitions of Painting and Photography. At Asklipieio
is heard the Oath of Hippocrates. At Kardamena is organized the
feast of Fish, at Kefalos the feast of Ouzo and at Mastihari the
feasts of Wine and Honey. During the cultural events Alassarnia,
at Asfendiou, are organized chess games as well. On 8th September,
at Kardamena, takes place the feast of Panayia (Mother Mary) and
at Palia Pyli the feast of Ayios Yeoryios.
To
Kos: With a boat the trip from Piraeus lasts 10 to 13 hours. With
a plane from Athens the flight lasts almost 55 minutes.
At
Kos: There are urban (tel:2242026276) and long-distance busses (tel:2242022292)
as well as plenty taxis (tel:2242022777).
Health
Centre:
2242022300 - 2242023423
Police Department:
2242022222
Port Authority:
2242026594
Airport:
2242051229
Kos Municipality:
2242028420
Gastronomy:
Local baklavas and tomato sweet are really tasteful. Antimahia's
honey is famous. Kos products also posa cheese (cheese in red wine)
and refreshing Kanellada.
You should buy: Posa cheese, tomato sweet, honey, ceramics and handmade
jewels.
Sailing: Marina of Kos is one of Mediterranean's best marinas.
Swimming: Most of the island's beaches are more than one kilometer
long. You will find a unique landscape and deep blue waters in Kardamena,
while you should also enjoy your swimming at the beaches of Tigaki,
Marmari, Kefalos and Paradise.
 
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