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KOS TOWN

The town of Kos was founded in 366 BC, in the same area where modern Kos nowadays is to be found. Itclimaxed 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 antiquityand 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 thePalm 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 itsharbour. 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 ArchaeologicalMuseum, 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 Hippocrateshimself.

TIGAKI

Tigaki (or Tingaki) lies just away from Kos town on the North part of the island. Is is a long 10 km of whitesand beach. The shallow waters make Tigaki ideal for kids and an easy place to swim and have fun with the

waves.

THE NERATZIA CASTLE

It is situated in the entrance of the Kos harbour on a place where, in antiquity, there was an island,

communicating with the inland through a brigde, that one sees even today (The bridge of the Phoenicians'street). It is formed of two defensive precincts. The interior one has four circular Towers in the corners; the

southeastern Tower forms part of the exterior precinct, which is larger than the first, with massive bastions onthe four corners, battlements and gunports. The two precincts are separated by a large moat and communicatewith a drawbridge.

The castle was built of local stone as well as parts of ancient buildings (columns, architraves, bases etc.) fromthe ruins of the ancient city. On the upper part of its masorry, one can see many blazons.

Over the main gate' s one sees an hellenistic frieze with masks and garlands. On the gates ceiling (central gate,Carmadino gate) there are basalt columns placed obliquely, which come probably from the early christianbasilica of Limen.

THE WINDMILL OF ANTIMACHIA

From a great number of windmills that Kos presented in its agricultural past, the windmill of Antimachia is thelast one that is still operational.

KEFALOS

Probably the most beautiful beach in Kos and the most famous one. Chances are that the picture that travelagency advertised Kos with was the small island of Castri in Kefalos village. One of Kos symbols. A beautiful

white sand and crystal blue waters.

The monastery of Agios Nikolas is that close that you can easily swim to it. Kefalos is located at the SW part of

the island and the distance from Kos town is 45 km and it is connected by regular bus.

ASKLEPION

Situated 4 km west of Kos, Asklepeio is the most significant archaeological site on the island. The excavationshere began in 1902, by Iakovos Zaraftis from Kos and Hertsok from Germany. Asklepeio was built in a green

area full of cypress trees. During the ancient years, it served as a sanatorium and it was dedicated toAesculapius, son of Apollo, protector of health and medicine. Many significant people taught and worked here,

one of them being the father of Medicine, Hippokrates. Due to the steep ground, Asklepeio consist of fourconnecting levels, called "andira". The first is characterized by ruins of Roman constructions of the 1st century

AD. The second, where the medical school is said to have been housed, is known for its arches and statues. Thespas were here and they were watered from the spring of King Halkon and the spring of Vournika on Mount

Dikeo. The third level is where the Temple of Aesculapius of Kiparissios Apollo (4th century BC) used to be.Excavations in the surrounding area brought to light an invaluable treasury for visitor's offerings, a semi-

circular platform and a small Roman temple dedicated to Neron. The fourth level was constructed in the 2nd

century BC and included a large temple of Doric style along with the chambers of the patients.

HIPPOCRATES PLANE TREE

The famous plane tree of Hippocrates stands in front of the Castle of the Knights, at the centre of Kos town. Itis a huge tree, with a perimeter of twelve meters, which is considered to be the largest in Europe. The

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inhabitants claim that it was planted by Hippocrates, the greatest doctor in antiquity, who used to teach under

its shade. According to tradition, the Apostle Paul also taught there. On this site, cultural festivals are held eachsummer.

MARMARI

Marmari is the first seaside village you will meet when leaving the town of Kos. There you will find severalbeaches with crystal blue waters and warm, white sand.

There is quite a number of restaurants to choose where to have dinner.

MASTICHARI

Approximately 3 kilometres northwest of Antimachia lies the village of Mastichari, where one can find some ofthe most beautiful beaches on Kos. The port is always full with fishermen that provide daily the local tavernas

with fresh fish. And guess what: Another festival, the Mastichari Wine Festival, where you should go if you lovehome made wine, local delicacies and Greek music. Mastichari is also your gate to the neighbouring island of

Kalymnos, since daily cruises are available from the port of the village.