For over 15 years we have been traveling regularly to the island of Kos – for us it is always a bit like coming home. We now know the capital with its bustling alleys and historical remains inside out. And so we have also passed by the Plane Tree of Hippocrates countless times.
“This place in the heart of Kos Town is one of the most historic on the island. Legend has it that Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, taught his students here under the canopy of the plane tree.”
But the reality is different today: the once mighty plane tree is more like a tree skeleton. Held in place by metal supports, almost completely hollowed out, its crown is only a shadow of earlier days.
We have witnessed its slow decay over the years. But despite its visible decline, the plane tree of Hippocrates has lost none of its historical charisma. On the contrary, traces of the last 3,000 years, from antiquity to modern times, are lined up around the giant tree.
In this post, we’ll explain why this plane tree on Kos is so special, and tell you about the connection it has to the famous physician Hippocrates, as well as what you can discover in the area:
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#1 Walk to the plane tree of Hippocrates
The giant tree stands in the centre of Kos Town, behind the imposing Kastro Neratzia and only a few minutes’ walk from the harbour promenade. The best way to reach the Plane tree of Hippocrates is by foot as part of a city tour.
You can park your rental car outside the city center on the free parking in Leoforos Grigoriou Street and walk to the center to Eleftherias Central Square.
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If you use the bus to Kos Town, you also walk north from the bus station and walk to the church of Agia Paraskevi. Directly behind it is the market hall and Eleftherias Square.
From Eleftherias Central Square, turn right opposite the Lemon Café (Hint!) through the old city gate “Pyli tou Forou”. The Nafklirou Street leads directly to the Loggia Mosque and the Platia Platanou, the large paved square with the plane tree of Hippocrates.
But beware, if you come to the plane tree of Hippocrates today, you will no longer come across a mighty, green tree that stretches its crown powerfully across the square. We last saw the giant tree in full splendour in 2018, since then the strength of the large plane tree has been visibly dwindling.
Today there is only a frail giant – supported by metal struts, largely hollow on the inside and marked by age on the outside. The city administration’s care of the Natural Monument of Kos leaves much to be desired at times.
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#2 Who was Hippocrates of Kos?
Hippocrates was born around 460 BC on the island of Kos and is considered to be »Father of modern medicine«. As one of the most important physicians of antiquity, he revolutionized medicine by moving away from supernatural explanations for diseases and establishing a more scientific approach.
Instead of considering illnesses as punishment from the gods, Hippocrates of Kos had the view that diseases are of natural origin and can be treated through close observation and rational thinking. On Kos, Hippocrates founded a medical school that became the cradle of Western medicine.
Even after his death around 370 BC, his influence remained. His heirs erected the famous Asklepieion of Kos, which is located in a coniferous forest about 4 km outside the city. History buffs should not miss a visit to the ancient hospital.
→ Everything you need to know for your visit to the Asklepieion can be found here: Asklepieion of Kos
Hippocrates is also known for the famous Hippocratic Oath which can still be symbolically taken by doctors today and establishes ethical principles for medical practice. His writings and principles shaped medicine for many centuries and are still an important part of medical education today.
According to legend, he taught his students in the shade of the plane tree in Kos Town. The tree, under which he is said to have passed on his principles, is still a symbol of his teachings and his work today.
A monument to the famous doctor Hippocrates can be found today not far from the plane tree at the end of Nafklirou Street. You can find out more about his work and life in the International Hippocratic Foundation near the Asklepieion. The rooms display writings, statues and tools from antiquity that illustrate the life of the doctor.
#3 Hippocrates’ Plane Tree: History and Facts
The Oriental plane tree that stands in Kos town today probably does not date from the time of Hippocrates, but it is a descendant of the original tree. Some sources speak of an age of 500 to 600 years. Since the tree is hollowed out and the heartwood is missing, the exact age cannot be determined.
Despite its decay, the plane tree of Hippocrates is a protected natural monument with a trunk diameter of 4.70 meters and an estimated height of ten to twelve meters. The trunk has since broken, and the southern part of the giant tree hardly bears any leaves.
The tree is surrounded by a low wall with a fence. During the circumnavigation, historical relics made of marble stand out, including an ancient sarcophagus that served as a fountain in Ottoman times. On the opposite side are the Loggia Mosque of Kos is an purification well situated, both of which were badly damaged in the 2017 earthquake.
In the north of the plane tree of Hippocrates you can reach the Kastro Neratzia. The massive castle complex from the 14th century offers a magnificent view over the city and the port of Kos from its bastions, but is usually closed.
To the south, the plane tree is adjoined by the large, striking police building, whose architecture dates back to the Italian occupation period (1912 to 1943). Across the street, the Café Neratzia under large rubber trees is the perfect place for a cool Freddo with a view of the giant plane tree.
Meanwhile, history buffs can take a detour to the former Turkish Hamambad, which later served as a salt depot. The old bathhouse has been restored and offers a good insight into the virtues of the Ottoman occupation of Kos (1522 to 1912). Entry into the Turkish bath hammam is free.
#4 Places of interest in the area
Ancient Agora of Kos
Only a five-minute walk from the plane tree of Hippocrates is the Ancient Agora of Kos, the largest excavation site in the city. Those interested in history can linger here for hours. Numerous information boards give an impression of this impressive complex, which is lined with huge palm trees.
In the 14th century, the medieval city centre of the Knights of St. John was located here, just as imposing as that of Rhodes Town, which was completely destroyed by the severe earthquake of 1933. Underneath, the ancient agora came to light, which Italian archaeologists uncovered until 1942.
The agora dates back to the 4th century BC and was the center of public life in ancient times. The courtyard-like complex once housed a large columned hall (stoa) surrounded by shops. In the further area, the remains of ancient temples, a large marble gate and the ruins of an early Christian basilica and old residential buildings were found.
→ What else there is in the Capital of Kos, we will tell you in this article: Kos Town
Kos Harbour Promenade
If you walk along the palm avenue Finikon, which runs north of the plane tree of Hippocrates, you will reach the Mandraki Port of Kos. Here you can take a wonderful stroll and watch the hustle and bustle around the bulbous harbour pier. The cafés and restaurants at the harbour are always bustling.
Families with children can take a small city tour with the tourist train of Kos. The trips are entertaining, but offer a good overview of the island’s capital. And so you have the opportunity to take the “Kos City Train” past one or the other sight.
Numerous excursion boats are moored in the harbour for day trips to the neighboring islands of Kos. Particularly recommended are the “Three Islands Tour” to Plati and Kalymnos as well as the tour to the volcanic island of Nisyros. You can relax and discuss both in advance GetYourGuide* book. You can find more information about availability and prices here:
➲ To the 3-island tour with BBQ*
#5 Restaurants and cafes nearby
H2O All Day Bar & Restaurant: House restaurant of the Kos Aktis Art Hotel (Link to Booking.com*) with small sun terrace to relax. Perfect for a cool Freddo or a light lunch right by the sea. We always like to visit here!
Lemon: A cool café behind the Archaeological Museum. You can expect funky, colourful furnishings, good coffee, homemade lemonade and delicious snacks.
Fidelio Family Restaurant: Cozy restaurant in Nafklirou alley with good Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere.
Gelateria Nonno Enzo: New ice cream parlour in front of the Kos Aktis Hotel, where you can enjoy delicious Italian ice cream on the benches along the waterfront.
→ More helpful articles with numerous Travel tips for the island of Koscan be found at:
- Best Kos Hotels
- Kos Island – Travel ABC
- Kos Highlights
- Kos with children
- Kos Holidays – 11 Travel tips
- Plaka in Kos
- Beaches in Kos
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