KOS TOWN. Kos town is located in the northeast of the Greek island of Kos. Kos town is the capital and the main port of the island. The medieval castle of Nerantzias at the harbor is striking. This impressive castle was built in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John to protect against attacks by the Turks and pirates. The castle is connected to the city by a small bridge that crosses Palm Tree Avenue. The castle is situated in the port entrance where it may have been fortified in Byzantine times.
Kos is a lively city with lovely terraces, picturesque, narrow streets and shops. It also has well-paved wide main roads, large pubic squares and parks. The buildings in Kos town represent its diverse historical past. Various architectural styles are combined - styles dating from the ancient Greek period to Roman times, from the Byzantine period until Turkish times and even more modern times such as the Italian occupation of most of the Dodecanese islands in the early 1900s. The Italian occupation was responsible for much of the effort to reveal ancient Roman ruins on the island. The city is remarkably green, with palm trees and flowers everywhere. In Kos town you will see many cyclists. The many designated bicycle paths around Kos are shared by locals and tourists.
Drone video Kos town - ©JustGreece.com
Kos town owes its excellent urban plan to the earthquake of 1933 which razed much of the town to the ground. The Italians that ruled the island at that time rebuilt the town of Kos according to a well thought-out plan, while uncovering ancient Roman relics and ruins.
In Kos town, opposite Lotzia Mosque tourists can enjoy the large plane tree (Platanos) under which, according to legend, Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used to teach his students the art of medicine. While it is centuries old, it does not date back to the 2400s when Hippocrates lived. It may, however, be a descendant of a tree under which he taught.
Remarkable archaeological sites such as the Agora (market place), the Doric style Hellenistic temple, the altar of god Dionysos, the sanctuary and Stoa at the port, the sanctuary of Hercules, the ruins of the castle walls’ northern site, the Roman public baths, the luxury Roman mansions with their remarkable mosaic floors, await your exploration.
From Kos town you can take convenient boat trips, to explore all kinds of islands. You can easily explore the island of Kalymnos, or sail to the island of Pserimos or the island of Nisyros. You can even visit other islands that lie beyond.