Guardians of History
Kos, an island with a turbulent past and a strategic position in the Aegean Sea, is home to some of the most impressive fortifications of the Dodecanese. Its castles, standing proudly over the centuries, are irrefutable witnesses of the island's knightly and Byzantine glamour.
The Castle of Nerantzia
At the entrance of the port of the city dominates the Castle of the Knights, also known as the Castle of Nerantzia. Built on the ruins of an ancient fortress, its construction began by the Knights of Saint John in the 14th century. Due to the continuous Turkish raids, the project was completed with delays, resulting in an imposing double wall. It is noteworthy that until the early 20th century the castle was essentially an islet, as it was separated from the city by a moat full of sea water. Today, at that point extends the beautiful Palm Tree Avenue, while the historic bridge that connects it with the emblematic Plane Tree of Hippocrates is preserved until today, offering a unique setting for exploration.
The Medieval Charm of the Inland
Beyond the town, history continues in Antimachia, where we find an exceptionally well-preserved 14th-century medieval castle. Its imposing walls conceal old churches and ruins of settlements, transporting the visitor back to the era of the Knights.
Byzantine Glamour and Aegean View
In Pyli, perched on a steep cliff, the remains of a Byzantine Castle are preserved. The ascent there rewards the visitor with breathtaking, panoramic views of Kalymnos, Pserimos and the coasts of Asia Minor. Similar fortification remnants are found at the top of a hill in Kefalos, where the ancient castle oversees the bay, completing the historical mosaic of an island that has been an eternal bastion of culture and defense.
The Castle of Nerantzia
At the entrance of the port of the city dominates the Castle of the Knights, also known as the Castle of Nerantzia. Built on the ruins of an ancient fortress, its construction began by the Knights of Saint John in the 14th century. Due to the continuous Turkish raids, the project was completed with delays, resulting in an imposing double wall. It is noteworthy that until the early 20th century the castle was essentially an islet, as it was separated from the city by a moat full of sea water. Today, at that point extends the beautiful Palm Tree Avenue, while the historic bridge that connects it with the emblematic Plane Tree of Hippocrates is preserved until today, offering a unique setting for exploration.
The Medieval Charm of the Inland
Beyond the town, history continues in Antimachia, where we find an exceptionally well-preserved 14th-century medieval castle. Its imposing walls conceal old churches and ruins of settlements, transporting the visitor back to the era of the Knights.
Byzantine Glamour and Aegean View
In Pyli, perched on a steep cliff, the remains of a Byzantine Castle are preserved. The ascent there rewards the visitor with breathtaking, panoramic views of Kalymnos, Pserimos and the coasts of Asia Minor. Similar fortification remnants are found at the top of a hill in Kefalos, where the ancient castle oversees the bay, completing the historical mosaic of an island that has been an eternal bastion of culture and defense.
