Tree of Hippocrates, Kos

The Tree of Hippocrates is a historical landmark nestled in the heart of Kos, Greece, known for its deep roots in both the literal and metaphorical sense. Tradition has it that Hippocrates, the father of medicine, once taught his pupils the art of healing beneath its branches. This tree, a plane tree (Platanus orientalis), is an emblem of the enduring legacy of medical knowledge and the rich cultural heritage of Kos.

Though the current tree is not the original under which Hippocrates sat, as plane trees do not live for over 2,000 years, it is said to be a descendant of the ancient one, thus maintaining the symbolic connection to the past. The Tree of Hippocrates stands in the center of Kos, near the Castle of Knights and the entrance to the Archaeological Museum, making it a prominent and easily accessible site for visitors.

The tree's impressive size, with a broad canopy and a trunk so wide that it is supported by scaffolding, makes it a unique spectacle. Tourists often gather around it to enjoy its shade and to capture a moment of their journey next to this living monument of science and history.