Exposed by a devastating earthquake in 1933, Kos’ ancient centre – an important market, political and social hub – occupies a large area south of the castle. Back in the 4th century BC, this was the first town ever laid out in blocks, and you can still discern the original town plan. Landmarks include a massive columned stoa, the ruins of a Shrine of Aphrodite, 2nd-century BC Temple of Hercules, and 5th-century Christian basilica. The site is fenced, but usually open all day.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
22.83 MILES
A visit to the caldera is like stepping into a science fiction movie, cows grazing amid strange coloured rocks in what resembles a lunar landscape.
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16.86 MILES
Painter and sculptor Ender Guzey established this unique space in a remote hillside location east of Bodrum, showcasing contemporary art and (occasional)…
12.37 MILES
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum (originally 44.8m high) was the greatest achievement of Carian King Mausolus (r 376–353 BC),…
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2.98 MILES
The island’s most important ancient site stands on a pine-covered hill 3km southwest of Kos Town, commanding lovely views across towards Turkey. A…
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12.2 MILES
Bodrum's magnificent waterfront castle, built by the Knights Hospitaller, dates back to the 15th century. It houses the excellent Museum of Underwater…
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18.27 MILES
This unorthodox collection is the life's work of a local Kalymnian man, Stavros Valsamidis, who for 48 years undertook private dives, and amassed items…
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21.31 MILES
This showpiece modern museum, on Mandraki’s main pedestrian street, displays a fascinating collection of Hellenistic and Roman pottery and sculpture, as…
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Dibeklihan Culture & Art Village
12.08 MILES
In the all-but abandoned village of Yakaköy just off the road between Yalıkavak and Ortakent, this complex contains an art gallery, shops, the Dibek…
Nearby Kos Town attractions
On the south side of Kos' castle are the ruins of the Shrine of Aphrodite.
The remains of a 5th century Christian basilica.
The only surviving parts of this 2nd-century BC temple are the foundations and platform on which the original structure once stood.
4. Mosque of Gazi Hassan Pasha
0.07 MILES
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…
0.07 MILES
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…
0.08 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…
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…
0.18 MILES
Due to damage caused by an earthquake in 2017, Kos’ magnificent 15th-century castle is currently closed. Nevertheless, given its extraordinary location at…