Posted on August 23, 2012 by sguese

Tourism has long consumed the island of Kos, including the island’s main town of the same name. It is no wonder with the Greek island’s wealth of antiquities and beaches. Throw in the idea that this space in Greece has been inhabited for 10,000 years and you have a popular place that truly withstands the test of time. If you want to open up to Kos town as many have before, you will need these five keys to do so.

 

Hang around Hippocrates, Asklepeion

 

If you hire a car in Kos, you can head just outside the city to Asklepeion. Many say the site is reason enough to come to the island. Askle

peion makes up where Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, is said to have founded the first medical school in the late 5^th century B.C. The site would go on to serve as a place of healing for thousands of years after his death. Much of the ruins date from the 4^th century B.C. to the 2^nd century A.D. An added bonus to Asklepeion is its grand views of Kos town, the sea and the Turkish coastline.

 

Sifting Through Kos’ Past, Kos Archaeological Museum

 

The Italians in the 1930s wanted a place to display Hellenistic and Roman finds around the island. They would form what is now the Kos Archeological Museum. The museum presents Hellenistic and Roman sculptures and mosaics found all over the island. One notable mosaic is that depicting Hippocrates and Pan welcoming the god of healing, Asclepius. The mosaic dates from the 3^rd century.

 

Sitting under Wise Trees, A Visit To the Municipal Fruit Market

 

Even if you don’t want to pick up fruit at Kos Fruit Market, you might still appreciate a visit. The market sits right at the foot of what is believed to be the oldest tree in Europe. The strange looking tree also carries a bit of a tall tale as well. Some believe it to be the Tree of Hippocrates where the famous medicine man instructed his students.

 

 

Rome’s home in Kos, Casa Romana

 

Kos is home to the largest Roman villa in Greece, Casa Romana. With its 37 rooms, the villa decorates in lavish mosaics, marble paving and fountains. The Roman villa was most likely not the first structure here as evidence shows an earlier Hellenistic residence on site. Built and rebuilt over the centuries, most of what you see today hails from the 3^rd century A.D. You can find Casa Romana on your walking tour at the intersection of Vas. Pavlou and E. Grigoriou.

 

Dominating Town, Castle of the Knights

 

While in Kos town, it’s hard to miss the Castle of the Nights dominating the harbor. The present structure hails from the 15^th century. It was the work of the Knights of St. John. The fortress would fall to the Turks in 1522. Most of the appeal of the castle comes from its impressive exterior. It is merely filling shoes however. The Castle of the Knights is part of a long line of fortresses defending Kos since ancient times.