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
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),…
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.
2.98 MILES
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12.2 MILES
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21.31 MILES
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Dibeklihan Culture & Art Village
12.08 MILES
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16.86 MILES
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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…
- placement: superzone
- path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
- possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
- targeting:
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