Just 4 kilometers away from the Turkish city of Bodrum, the island of Kos was known in ancient times especially because Hippocrates, the father of medicine, was born there. In the city of Kos, the origins of the Greek physician are preserved and commemorated in the so-called Plane Tree of Hippocrates (considered one of the largest in Europe), as according to legend Hippocrates taught his students the art of medicine under a similar specimen. On the 5th of September every year, the women of Kos perform a sort of ritual with branches from the plane tree to receive good health, vigor, and longevity.
The magic of history comes alive on the island of Kos not only through natural beauty and traditions but also in its various archaeological sites. Noteworthy is the Castle of Neratzia, located on a small islet south of the harbor of the city of Kos. Of strategic importance, the fortress was built by the Knights of Saint John using materials from numerous local Greek and Roman ruins.
Another very important fortress, though less well known, is the Antimachia Fortress built in the 15th century to strengthen the island’s internal defense. Within its 45,000 square meters, it is possible to discover the remains of granaries, cisterns, churches, and dwellings of the era.
