Plane Tree of Hippocrates — Attraction in Municipality of Kos

Rumors say different things about this tree, some say it was planted by Hippokrates, others say he has spent a significant amount of time under this tree, while thinking about life. We will probably never know which one is true and certainly not if the tree is actually 2400 years old. The bespoken tree is for sure very old and is slowly rotting away, parts of the tree are dead but other are still alive. One can see based on the supporting metal cage how big the tree once used to be. To make the historical highlight a little more appealing, younger trees must have been added to it at some point, they will grow big and one day fully “replace” the old tree. I guess the earthquakes have damaged the real tree to some degree too. The place itself is beautiful but has also suffered a lot from the major earthquake. Unfortunately not much has been fixed or restored since then.

The tree of Hippokrates might not be worth a visit on its own, but if you are in Kos anyway and go for a sightseeing walk, you can easily check it off as the entrance to the coast fortress is...

If you're visiting Kos and have even the slightest interest in history, the Tree of Hippocrates is an essential stop on your journey. According to tradition, this is the very place where Hippocrates – the "Father of Medicine" – taught his students and spent his time reflecting under the shade of a great plane tree. Though the current tree is not the original (it's estimated to be several hundred years old), its symbolic value is deeply rooted in the history of Western medicine. The site carries a serene atmosphere, nestled within the heart of Kos Town, and offers a tangible connection to the island’s rich past. Surrounded by ancient ruins and close to other landmarks, it's a perfect spot to take a moment, appreciate the legacy of Hippocrates, and imagine what life might have been like in classical times. Whether you're a history lover or a casual tourist, this historical landmark is well...

Interesting place and beautiful surroundings.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Kos.

The Tree of Hippocrates is the Platanus orientalis (plane tree, or platane, in Europe) under which, according to the legend, Hippocrates of Kos (considered the Father of Medicine) thaught his pupils the art of medicine.

This plane tree has a perimeter of twelve meters, which gave it the reputation of being the largest in Europe. The island's authorities have taken some measures in order to preserve it. A short surrounding wall with a metal railing prevents it from extending excessively and keeps people in the proper distance.

The wall has Turkish ornaments on one side of this wall, while on the other there is a historic white engraved tap in the Arabic language, put by a Turkish governor. Water can be taken from it, even...