Added: 06/09/2006 |
Splendid Seashores and Remarkable Roman Ruins in Kos - An Ideal Combination for a Greek VacationThe third largest island in the Dodecanese, after Rhodes and Karpathos, Kos lies between Kalimnos and Nissiros. It is mainly flat with a mountain chain running along the south coast. Famous as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, Kos is also known for its lovely, gentle scenery. The island is lush and fertile, with an abundance of springs and streams, gorgeous beaches and a marvelous climate. As a visitor in Kos you will find splendid long seashores. Lambi towards Cape Skandari is the beach closest to town. Here you will find sea sports, taverns, snack bars and coffee shops. To the east side, just 2km from the town center, there is an area with many hotels, and a camping site, named Psalidi with a nice beach along the road. Further down to the south is the sandy beach of Cavo Fokas and on same road at 13km from the town, on an impressive landscape, lies the beach of Thermes. Here hot springs trickle over black sand into the sea, warming it up for early or late season swims.
Aside from the draw card of beautiful beaches, there's an abundance of interesting Roman ruins in Kos to be explored. Kos today has developed into a cosmopolitan resort, which is becoming more and more in demand, for apart from its physical beauty it possesses some remarkable archaeological sites and important monuments of which the most famous are Roman ruins in Kos.
Kos was prominent in antiquity because of its healing temple of Asclepius, founded after the death of the famed physician Hippocrates, who allegedly taught students on the island. The island has several archaeological remains of Persian, Turkish, Roman and Byzantine conquerors that all added their bit during a long history. The island also features the remains of temples for other healing deities, including Isis and Sarapis, and appears to have historically been an island healing retreat.
The excavations carried out at the site of the ancient city have revealed the foundations of Classical structures. Roman ruins in Kos such as the Agora and Hellenistic and Roman buildings - the Gymnasium, a large Roman house with mosaics; the Odeon; the Roman Baths - sections of the Classical wall; ruins of the temple of Aphrodite and another temple, possibly dedicated to Herakles now attract thousands of visitors. Other things worth seeing round the town include Hippocrates' Plane Tree, said to have been planted by the father of medicine; it is considered the oldest tree in Europe.
The Venetian Kos Castle of the Knights, dating back to the 15th century, a splendid example of the imposing military architecture of the age and the Loggia, a two-story building of the 18th century with an elegant minaret towering over it constructed with materials taken from the ancient site. The Archaeological Museum is also worth a visit containing finds from the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman eras, including a 4th century B.C. statue of Hippocrates. Finally, there are some interesting early Christian churches, in and near the town, which bear witness to the influence of St. Paul's teachings on the island.
Come and marvel the Roman ruins in Kos, its busy bars, an entertaining nightlife and beautiful beaches. You are guaranteed to have the experience of a lifetime!
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