The Loggia mosque - Mosque of Gazi Hassan Pasha
The Loggia Mosque: A Testament to Kos's Rich History
The Plane Tree of Hippocrates
Visit the legendary Plane Tree of Hippocrates in Kos Town, a symbol of ancient medical wisdom and a lasting legacy.
A legendary plane tree in Kos Town, Greece, said to be where Hippocrates taught his students. Though the current tree is younger, it's believed to be a descendant of the original, marking a significant historical and cultural landmark.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Hippocrates Plane Tree
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Kos, 853 00, GR
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Getting There
Walking
The Plane Tree of Hippocrates is centrally located in Kos Town and easily accessible on foot. From the main square (Platia Eleftherias), walk northeast towards the waterfront. Continue along the promenade until you reach Georgiou Papanikolaou Street. Turn left, and the tree will be on your right. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes.
Public Transport
If arriving by bus from other parts of the island, disembark at the main bus station in Kos Town. From there, walk towards the town center and follow the directions for walking from Platia Eleftherias. The Plane Tree of Hippocrates is about a 10-minute walk from the bus station. A single urban bus ticket costs approximately €1.70 if purchased from the driver or €1.60 from a kiosk.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Kos Town. Inform the driver you wish to go to the Plane Tree of Hippocrates in Platanos Square. The ride from most central locations should take no more than 5-10 minutes and typically costs around €5-€7. Taxi fares in Kos start at €3.00, with each kilometer priced at €1.50.
Local tips
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Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
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Take a stroll around Platanos Square to admire the nearby Castle of the Knights and Gazi Hassan Mosque.
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Bring a camera to capture the unique sight of the ancient tree and its supporting scaffolding.
Discover more about Hippocrates Plane Tree
The Plane Tree of Hippocrates stands as a living testament to the legacy of ancient medicine in Kos Town, Greece. According to legend, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, taught his students beneath its shade, imparting knowledge of healing and natural remedies. While the present tree is estimated to be between 500 and 1,000 years old, it is believed to be a descendant of the original tree from Hippocrates' time.Located in the Platia Platanou (Square of the Platane) in the heart of Kos Town, the tree is near the Castle of the Knights and the Gazi Hassan Mosque. The tree's massive branches are supported by metal scaffolding due to its age and the hollowing of its trunk. The Plane Tree of Hippocrates has a circumference of approximately 12 meters, making it one of the largest plane trees in Europe.Over the centuries, the tree has become a symbol of medical knowledge and learning. Seeds and cuttings from the tree have been distributed worldwide to medical schools, libraries, and institutions. The site offers visitors a chance to reflect on Hippocrates' contributions to medicine and the importance of healing and human connection.
A brief summary to Hippocrates Plane Tree
Use Hippocrates Plane Tree as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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