Tree of Hippocrates - a tree on a hill with a sky background
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Tree of Hippocrates

4.3
·11k reviews·Kos, Greece

Legendary plane tree in Kos Town, where Hippocrates is said to have taught medicine. A free, historically significant landmark.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Tree of Hippocrates - a tree on a hill with a sky background

Tree of Hippocrates

Best Time

Early mornings

Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Legendary plane tree in Kos Town, where Hippocrates is said to have taught medicine. A free, historically significant landmark.

4.3
(11k reviews)

"It's free to visit and hugely consequential in world history. Visit!! Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Free to Visit! 💰

Enjoy this significant historical landmark without any admission fee. A great value stop!

Combine with Castle Visit 🏛️

It's conveniently located near Neratzia Castle and the harbor, making it easy to explore multiple sites.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 11,493 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ancient Plane Tree

The Ancient Plane Tree

Kos Town

Legendary plane tree where Hippocrates is said to have taught medicine. A symbol of ancient wisdom and healing.

Statue of Hippocrates

Statue of Hippocrates

Near the Tree

A prominent statue honoring the Father of Medicine, a fitting tribute near his legendary teaching spot.

Views of the Bay

Views of the Bay

Adjacent to the Tree

Enjoy pleasant views of the bay area, offering a tranquil moment amidst historical exploration.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Legend

While the current tree is a descendant, not the original, its symbolic power is immense. Imagine Hippocrates teaching here, connecting you to the roots of Western medicine. It's a free, historically significant stop in Kos Town.

Timing is Key

Visit during cooler parts of the day, especially if exploring nearby attractions like Neratzia Castle. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a more serene experience, avoiding midday heat and crowds.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, cooler temps
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Legend says Hippocrates taught under this ancient plane tree in Kos, not in a classroom—but outdoors, with nature as his blackboard. 📚✨ A reminder that true education can happen anywhere—even under a tree. #HomeEducation #Hippocrates #TreeOfHippocrates #LearningEverywhere #NaturalLearning #HomeschoolInspiration #AncientWisdom #hippocraticoath #homeed #homeschool #worldschool #worldschooling #world...
@homeedtravel
10 likes • 209 views

Free to Visit! 💰

Enjoy this significant historical landmark without any admission fee. A great value stop! Reddit

Combine with Castle Visit 🏛️

It's conveniently located near Neratzia Castle and the harbor, making it easy to explore multiple sites. Reddit

Hippocrates (the inventor of medicine) tree in the island of Kos. He used to teach medicine under this tree around 490 BC #foryou #greece #medicine #kos
@tahirjamil66
27 likes • 1.1K views
#castleofKos Можно бесконечно гулять в рыцарских замках Греции 😍 На Косе, прямо перед входом в замок Нерация, сохранилось знаменитое дерево Гиппократа. Самый большой в Европе платан, под которым отец медицины обучал своих учеников искусству врачевания. Нашла его поздно вечером, но очень впечатлил! #kosisland #Greece #ancientvibes #treeofhippocrates
timosha.gr
36 likes • 409 views

Imagine the History 📚

The current tree is a descendant, but let your imagination fill in the gaps of ancient teachings. Reddit

Great Photo Op 📷

Capture the essence of ancient Greece and the legendary tree. Drone footage is also available! TikTok

Imagine walking through the quiet streets of the island of Kos, and there it is — the Tree of Hippocrates. This isn’t just any tree, it’s a living piece of ancient history. Legend has it that under this very plane tree, Hippocrates himself taught his students. Standing by its trunk, you look up at the branches that stretch out like they’re guarding centuries of wisdom. It feels like every leaf hol...
ivashka.95
2 likes • 1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free to Visit! 💰

Enjoy this significant historical landmark without any admission fee. A great value stop! Reddit

Combine with Castle Visit 🏛️

It's conveniently located near Neratzia Castle and the harbor, making it easy to explore multiple sites. Reddit

Imagine the History 📚

The current tree is a descendant, but let your imagination fill in the gaps of ancient teachings. Reddit

Great Photo Op 📷

Capture the essence of ancient Greece and the legendary tree. Drone footage is also available! TikTok

Learn the Legacy 🥺

Connect with the birthplace of Hippocrates and the foundations of Western medicine. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(11k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Tree of Hippocrates a historically significant and free landmark in Kos Town, offering a tangible connection to the 'Father of Medicine.' While the tree itself is a descendant, its symbolic value and serene atmosphere are appreciated, especially when combined with nearby attractions like Neratzia Castle.

"The Hippocrates Tree is a lovely spot to visit in Kos Town. It offers a nice bit of nature and a chance to learn some of the history behind Hippocrates and his connection to the island. Overall, it also gives you a nice overview of the bay area, making it a pleasant stop while exploring the town."

Glen Bataillie (Glen Bataillie)

"You can enter right from street by the government building by the ocean, with a busstop nearby. It is also close to the old castle and the harbour. There is not much to see but with anything else, it is still always good to witness some history in some form."

Caroline Nelson

"It is true that there isn't much here other than a derelict tree that at one time saw the beginnings of the field of medicine. We supply the backstory ourselves, using imagination and this simple, humble setting becomes the most amazing place!

It's free to visit and hugely consequential in world history. Visit!!"

Warren Baker

What People Like

Historical significance
Free to visit
Symbolic connection to Hippocrates

What People Dislike

Not the original tree
Limited to see

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Tree of Hippocrates is located in Kos Town, easily accessible from the street by the government building near the ocean. There's a bus stop nearby, and it's a short walk from the old castle and the harbor. Reddit

While specific parking lots aren't highlighted, Kos Town has several public parking areas. It's best to park in the town center and walk, as the tree is in a central, pedestrian-friendly area. TikTok

Yes, the Tree of Hippocrates is within walking distance from the Kos harbor, making it a convenient stop for cruise passengers or those arriving by ferry. Reddit

Absolutely! There's a bus stop conveniently located near the Tree of Hippocrates, making it easy to reach via local bus routes within Kos Town. Reddit

Approaching from the waterfront or the direction of Neratzia Castle offers a scenic route. The tree is a central landmark in Kos Town. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, visiting the Tree of Hippocrates is completely free! It's a public landmark, allowing everyone to experience its historical significance without charge. Reddit

As an outdoor landmark, the Tree of Hippocrates is accessible at any time. However, for the best experience, visit during daylight hours and consider the cooler parts of the day. TikTok

There is no entrance fee. The Tree of Hippocrates is a historical site open to the public free of charge. Reddit

While you can technically see the tree at night, it's best visited during daylight hours to appreciate its surroundings and historical context. TikTok

No booking is required. It's a freely accessible historical site in Kos Town. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the ancient plane tree itself, believed to be a descendant of the one Hippocrates taught under. You'll also find a statue of Hippocrates nearby and enjoy views of the bay. TikTokReddit

No, the current tree is not the original. It's estimated to be several hundred years old and is considered a descendant or successor to the original tree where Hippocrates taught. Reddit

A visit to the Tree of Hippocrates is typically brief, often around 15-30 minutes, especially if combined with nearby attractions. Reddit

Legend states that Hippocrates, the 'Father of Medicine,' taught his students and reflected under this tree, making it a deeply symbolic site for Western medicine. TikTokReddit

There are no specific facilities directly at the tree itself, but being in Kos Town, you'll find plenty of cafes, restrooms, and shops nearby. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the grandeur of the ancient tree, the statue of Hippocrates, and the scenic bay views. Drone footage can offer unique perspectives. TikTok

Absolutely! The Tree of Hippocrates offers a tangible connection to ancient history, perfect for evocative historical photographs. TikTok

Some creators have captured drone footage, showcasing the tree and its surroundings. Always check local regulations regarding drone usage. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the tree's atmosphere. TikTok

Generally, photography is allowed. Be mindful of other visitors and respect the historical nature of the site. TikTok

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