The island of Kos has a long presence in history. The most interesting thing though is that in Kos you can enjoy your coffee in a café while admiring the ancient ruins and the beauty of the civilizations that developed and flourished on the island for centuries! There are plenty of historical points of interest scattered across the island, where in the very centre of Kos Town you can admire the co-existence of modern and past times. Are you ready for some time travelling? History lovers embark on the journey in Kos history and discover all the easy- to- find or the hidden secrets of Kos history.

Discover Kos & the ancient history. Kos has a rich history. Being the home island of the world’s first doctor, Hippocrates, Kos hosts one of the most important Greek archaeological sites, the Asklipeion, a temple dedicated to the God of Medicine and Healing, Asklipios. Here you can admire plenty of ancient Greek and Roman temples, fountains, mosaic floors and majestic stairs leading to the world’s first organized “hospital”. The second most important archaeological site of Kos is in the very capital of the island, the area of Limenas and Ancient Agora. The devastating earthquake of 1933 brought to light the foundations of Ancient Kos. Buildings, temples, the agora and parts of the ancient port unfold the wealth and culture of Kos developed during the 4th century BC. Visit also the Stadium of Xistos where the ruins of a grave that proves that Kos was inhabited since the Geometrical Age. Final stop is the Odeon where the famous marble statue of Askipios was found. To admire this statue and for a complete familiarization with the ancient history of Kos visit the Archaeological Museum of Kos in Eleftherias Square.

Explore the castles of Kos. The medieval era in Kos can be best admired by visiting the island’s castles. There are five castles in Kos, most of them built during between the 13th and the 14th century by the Knights of Saint John. Close to the village Pyli we find the remains of the Voukolia Castle, which must have been an observatory. The Castle of Antimachia is very well protected by the rock that it is built on, where the Castle of Cephalos or Fortezza di Chiffalo, as the Knight called it, lasted until the start of the 15th century. The Peripatou Castle must be the oldest on the island of Kos as a 1090 manuscript firstly referred to it. The Castle of Neratzia was probably the most important castle on the island since it was built to protect the main city of the island.

Tip: To see the Italian influences on the island do not miss a visit to the Casa Romana close to the Odeon in the city of Kos.

Discover Kos & The Historic Landmark of Kos. You won’t need to travel far to discover the most famous and important historical landmark of Kos island. A spot where four different cultures that lived on the island left their mark. We are talking about the Plane Tree of Hippocrates in the heart of the main city. This is the Plane Tree where Hippocrates taught his students about medicine, and it is the largest and probably the oldest plane tree in Europe. The plane tree today neighbours with the Castle of Neratzia (Venetian Era), the Mosque of Gazi Hassan (Ottoman Era) and the Castle of the Knights (Knight’s Era).

In Diamond Deluxe Hotel & Spa we love and respect history. Parts of the Kos Island’s history inspired the creation of the Hotel and we will be delighted to guide you for your historic trips in the island. Just click on www.diamondhotel.gr and start your time travelling as you live in a stunningly beautiful hotel.