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Outside of the ancient Agora and the Western Excavation Area, Kos Town has a few more ancient Greek and Roman ruins to visit. No, they aren’t as spectacular as many other ancient ruins in Greece, but they’re worth seeking out if you find yourself on the island.
Roman Baths
First, I visited the remains of the old baths. They’re located just a block in from the harbor and date back to the 3rd century BC.
Stadium
Next, north of the Western Excavation Area, is the stadium. It doesn’t leave much to the imagination. There really isn’t much to see other than a few stones scattered among trees.
Roman Odeon
South of the Western Excavation Area is a restored Roman odeon in very good condition. It was built in the 2nd century, could hold 750 people, and was used for choirs and musical competitions. It was restored in 1934. This is one of the more impressive ancient sites in Kos. Admission is free (as of October 2024) and it’s open daily except Tuesdays.
The odeon was completely covered with a roof and had corridors underneath the seating area. It’s possible to walk in the corridors where interpretive panels give more information about the structure. Just behind the odeon is a beautiful mosaic almost completely intact.
Casa Romana
Next, I walked by the Casa Romana. It’s the restored house of a wealthy Roman. It has an area of over 2,300 square meters. Built in the 3rd century, it’s a good example of the architecture of the period and contains interesting mosaics. The Casa Romana is open daily except Tuesdays but was closed for renovation at the time of my visit. (Note: I finally had the chance to visit in November 2023 and will update this page with photos and info as soon as I have a chance.)
Admission from April 1 through October 31, is at the full rate of 6€, and from November 1 through March 31, it’s at a 50% reduced rate of 3€ (as of October 2024). Upon presentation of a passport or valid travel document: all visitors up to the age of 5 and EU citizens from age 6-25 are admitted free of charge; and EU seniors over age 65 and non-EU citizens from age 6-25 are admitted at the 50% reduced rate (summer months only).
Altar of Dionysus
Near the Casa Romana is the Altar of Dionysus. It was built in the 2nd century BC. Only the foundation remains. Many of the original pieces were used in the construction of the Castle of Neratzia on the harbor.
Tree of Hippocrates
Finally, one interesting site near the Agora is the Tree of Hippocrates. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, was said to have taught his students under the shade of the tree. The fountain of the mosque next to the tree has a sign in Ottoman script that says “Water of Hippocrates”. The current tree is only 500 years old but is thought to be a descendant of the original tree from the time of Hippocrates. Trees planted at medical schools in other parts of the world have been seeded from this very tree.
