THE TOWN OF KOS Map of Kos Town The town of Kos was founded in 366 BC, in the same area where modern Kos nowadays is to be found. It climaxed during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, being a crossroad between civilisations, between East and West, the meeting point for both culture and trade. Its public market was of great fame during the antiquity and still is thriving in our days. When entering the harbour of Kos town the imposing medieval Castle of Neratzia (the Castle of the Knights of St. John) is bound to draw your attention. This castle is connected to the mainland by a bridge that crosses the Palm Tree Avenue, the same one that connects the Castle to the Platanos, the large plane tree under which Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used to teach. All around Kos town you can find signs of the past, reminders of the civilisations that passed through its harbour. Numerous buildings, built in imitation of the Italian architecture of the colonies in N. Africa, most typical being the Country Hall. In order to take a taste of the antiquity wonders that Kos has to offer, make a stop at the Archaeological Museum, located at Eleftherias square, exhibiting a wide collection of archaeological treasures, such as the mosaic of Hippocrates, the Hellenistic sculptures of Aphrodite, Eros and one believed to be of Hippocrates himself. The streets are wide, lined with trees and they are suitable for both cycling and walking.The street plan of the town is enviable.Along the central coastal road lies the little harbour of the town, where excursion boats embark their passengers for daily excursions to nearby islands.Along the narrow lanes of the Old Town, a lot of tourists shops sell lovely souvenirs or works of local craftsmen.The Municipality of Kos, trying to render the whole district to pedestrians and prevent the passing of vehicles, attempted a reformation of the historic center, so as to be used for recreation or walking purposes only, like in the most historic city centers all over the world.
The town of Kos was founded in 366 BC, in the same area where modern Kos nowadays is to be found. It climaxed during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, being a crossroad between civilisations, between East and West, the meeting point for both culture and trade. Its public market was of great fame during the antiquity and still is thriving in our days. When entering the harbour of Kos town the imposing medieval Castle of Neratzia (the Castle of the Knights of St. John) is bound to draw your attention. This castle is connected to the mainland by a bridge that crosses the Palm Tree Avenue, the same one that connects the Castle to the Platanos, the large plane tree under which Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used to teach. All around Kos town you can find signs of the past, reminders of the civilisations that passed through its harbour. Numerous buildings, built in imitation of the Italian architecture of the colonies in N. Africa, most typical being the Country Hall. In order to take a taste of the antiquity wonders that Kos has to offer, make a stop at the Archaeological Museum, located at Eleftherias square, exhibiting a wide collection of archaeological treasures, such as the mosaic of Hippocrates, the Hellenistic sculptures of Aphrodite, Eros and one believed to be of Hippocrates himself. The streets are wide, lined with trees and they are suitable for both cycling and walking.The street plan of the town is enviable.Along the central coastal road lies the little harbour of the town, where excursion boats embark their passengers for daily excursions to nearby islands.Along the narrow lanes of the Old Town, a lot of tourists shops sell lovely souvenirs or works of local craftsmen.The Municipality of Kos, trying to render the whole district to pedestrians and prevent the passing of vehicles, attempted a reformation of the historic center, so as to be used for recreation or walking purposes only, like in the most historic city centers all over the world.
Last update: 10-11-2012.
