Attractions of the island of Kos – photo, description, what to see on the island of Kos, map
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.
Plato Hippocrates
The plane tree was planted by a world famous physician with his own hands. Legends say that under this tree, Hippocrates wrote prescriptions for the sick and talked with his students. The plane tree grows near the fortress of the Ioannites. This is a tall and wide tree that is over 2000 years old. Skeptics think that the plane tree has nothing to do with the name of the great doctor, and that he 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 awe and care. The branches rest on metal supports. The tree rests on the bark, the wood has rotted from old age. Next to the tree of the ancient doctor is a mosque and a castle.
Temple of Asklepion
An amazing historical place, which is also related to the great Hippocrates. It is believed that at this place he taught medicine. This is where modern medicine is believed to have originated. 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 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 patients came to the temple of Asklepion with the hope of recovery. It was necessary to fall asleep directly in the temple, and in the morning to tell the priest everything that was dreamed of at night. The patient was selected medicines based on his dreams. Now this approach is comparable to the method of Dr. Freud. After healing, people brought generous gifts to the temple.
Tourists will not see the temple as such. Now there are ruins in its place. But they have retained their majesty to this day. Now in the ruins they arrange shows and performances on medical topics. Asklepion has a good location. From this place on the island of Kos, a gorgeous panorama overlooking the sea opens up.
Panel
The complex was erected by the knights who once lived here. Due to the earthquake in 1933, many buildings turned into ruins. Over time, the Panellenion was resurrected by the Italian fascists. On the site of the ancient ruins, they built a new building. During the Second World War, the Nazi party was located in the complex. The Panellenion is a historically significant place.
The building was rebuilt far from the best times for the island of Kos. Near the complex is the Agora market, where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits, as well as souvenirs and household goods. The location of the Panellenion is Eleftherias Square, where you can see many other remarkable 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 been preserved on the site of ancient temples. Agora was the largest market in Ancient Greece.
Inside the former market space is the temple of Hercules, the remains of the temple of Aphrodite and the Christian basilica. 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 the gaze of tourists.
Kalymnos Island
Kalymnos is located near the island of Kos. Attractions on it will be enough 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 rare 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 created on Kalymnos. The inhabitants of the island got sponges from the sea. They dived without gear and the necessary equipment. They were guided by the experience and skills that they inherited from skilled ancestors. Over time, the situation has changed.
Before Kalymnos gained popularity among tourists, the sponge factory brought income to the island. Even today, a school is open there, which teaches the art of catching sponges. In addition to the sights described above, the island is interesting for high cliffs with numerous ledges. Their merits were appreciated by thousands of extreme lovers. Nature has created rocks that are perfect for both diving 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 the ruins of its walls remained from the city. At the foot of the fortress offers amazing views of the mountains. You can climb to the top by a stone staircase carved into the rock.
Climbing is not for everyone. For those who are in shape, it will seem like an easy physical exercise. The city of Paleo Pili has a dark history. It was once densely populated. But due to the outbreak of cholera, the inhabitants 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.
Near the temple there is a spring in which they take water that has healing powers. In Paleo Pili, you can go to ancient Greek burials or visit underground crypts. Above the ancient relics stands the temple of Stavros. A resourceful Greek opened a tavern in this place where you can have a nice meal. Lunch after a long walk is what you need.
Mosque Defterdar
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 external appearance of the majestic building. 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 permanent parishioners, for whom it is a favorite place.
There is a market next to it. You can walk along the malls, buy various goodies 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 in the difficult days of the island. Defterdar has retained all its rich and elegant decoration up to the present day.
Mosque of Haji Hasan
There has been a fusion of several cultures on the island. From each left traces that have survived to this day. The island is extremely interesting with a variety of temples, mosques, castles. The mosque stands on the site of a former spring for ablution. The mosque has retained its appearance. Tourists come to its walls to get acquainted with multiculturalism.
You can buy souvenirs in the mosque. With the onset of darkness, the building of Hadji Hassan is illuminated by dim lights. Couples in love often pass by the mosque under the cover of 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 amphitheatres. 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 building, many interesting sculptures were found, one of which was the statue of Hippocrates. It was placed in the archaeological museum. The Odeon welcomes guests from all over the world every year. Today it has become a venue for symphonic music concerts.
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 patio.
He depicts a panther that has caught prey. The floor of the villa's rooms is covered with mosaics imitating the sea. In the images you can see a lot of aquatic inhabitants, both real and fictional. During the earthquake, the villa was significantly damaged. It has been reconstructed for many years. As a result of the restoration, the building received a new life.
A trip 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.