Last updated on December 18, 2023.

Outside of the ancient Agora and the Western Excavation AreaKos 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. Admission to all of the ancient ruins in Kos Town is free.

 

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.

Roman baths in Kos, Greece
Roman baths

 

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.

Stadium in Kos, Greece
Stadium

 

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 2023) and it’s open from 8:30am to 3:30pm daily except Tuesdays.

Roman Odeon in Kos, Greece
Roman Odeon
Entrance
Roman Odeon in Kos, Greece
Roman Odeon

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.

Corridor
Mosaic at the Roman Odeon in Kos, Greece
Mosaic

 

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. Admission is €6 (as of October 2023) and it’s open daily except Tuesdays. Unfortunately, it was closed for renovation at the time of my visit.

Casa Romana in Kos, Greece
Casa Romana

 

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.

Altar of Dionysus in Kos, Greece
Altar of Dionysus
Altar of Dionysus in Kos, Greece
Altar of Dionysus

 

Tree of Hippocrates

Finally, one interesting site near the Agora is the Tree of HippocratesHippocrates, 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.

Tree of Hippocrates in Kos, Greece
Tree of Hippocrates
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Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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