Plateia Platanou

Kos Town


The warm, graceful charm and sedate pace of Kos Town is experienced at its best in this lovely cobblestone square, immediately south of the castle. Sitting in a cafe here, you can pay your respects to Hippocrates' plane tree. Hippocrates himself is said to have taught his pupils in its shade. The ancient sarcophagus beneath it was converted into a fountain by the Ottomans, while the 18th-century Mosque of Gazi Hassan Pasha, now sadly in disrepair, stands opposite.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kos Town attractions

1. Mosque of Gazi Hassan Pasha

The Gazi Hassan Pasha Mosque, built in 1786 with the support of pasha (admiral) Gazi Hasan Pasa, governor of Kos, boasts one of the most stunning minarets…

2. Hippocrates' Plane Tree

0.01 MILES

North of the Ancient Agora is the lovely cobblestone Plateia Platanou, where you can pay your respects to the Hippocrates' plane tree, under which…

3. Ancient Agora

0.07 MILES

Exposed by a devastating earthquake in 1933, Kos’ ancient centre – an important market, political and social hub – occupies a large area south of the…

5. Temple of Hercules

0.08 MILES

The only surviving parts of this 2nd-century BC temple are the foundations and platform on which the original structure once stood.

7. Castle of the Knights

0.11 MILES

Due to damage caused by an earthquake in 2017, Kos’ magnificent 15th-century castle is currently closed. Nevertheless, given its extraordinary location at…

8. Archaeological Museum

0.14 MILES

Housed in a superb example of an Italian-era building, located in the central square, the small, but excellent archaeological museum possesses a wealth of…