Patmos

Patmos , surrender yourself to the mysticism and tranquillity of the island of Apocalypse

Patmos , splendour and peace. This is how you feel when you enter the street of Hora and the monastery. For many years, during the Orthodox Easter and the whole summer period, it has been a favourite destination for intellectuals, artists, royals and celebrities from all over the world. The small, secluded and at the same time marvellous island of Apocalypse is the “Jerusalem of the Aegean” and is deeply connected to religion.

Mystical experiences await you here in Dodecanese: The Monastery of St John the Theologian, in the dark cave where the holy St John wrote the book of Revelation, and the labyrinthine streets of Hora with its impressive aristocratic houses. Visit and explore the island monument, which Unesco has declared a World Heritage Site.

What to do in Patmos?

This sacred, candlelit cave is where Blessed St John is believed to have received the visions of Jesus and wrote a copy of the Book of Revelation, the final chapter of the Christian Bible. In 95 AD he was exiled from Patmos where he preached, was baptised and prayed with the inhabitants of the island. Eventually, Patmos became sanctified and became an important pilgrimage focus.

After piety

High on the hill above Hora, the Monastery of St John the Theologian is an important centre of worship. With its important religious history and impressive architecture, this monastery rises majestically above the Aegean and dominates the life of Patmos. The monastic community here has existed for over 900 years, and the relics, rare documents, icons and other Orthodox treasures in the monastery are priceless.

It was founded in 1088 by the Byzantine monk blessed St Christodoulos. Every Easter, on the night of the Resurrection, the Holy Light travels from Jerusalem to Patmos. Likewise, the church service of Niptiros on Holy Thursday, which takes place only on Patmos and in Jerusalem, is an event that you cannot fail to be impressed by.

Perfect Hora

From the 16th to the 19th centuries, feudal lords, wealthy merchants and captains, left their mark on Hora. Walking in the shadow of magnificent Gothic and neoclassical buildings, passing under arches and stone pillared passageways, climbing passageways that can only fit two people, it is not difficult to understand why it is considered one of the most magnificent island cities of the Aegean.
You will want to be transported to another time and shown the scenic and majestic houses of Vardikou, Valvi, Foundi (Leonton). In Nikolaidi, converted into an extraordinary museum, you will find many archaeological discoveries as well as a display of traditional houses on Patmos.

Kalikatsou: Solid as a rock

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This large rock protrudes from the water and looks like a statue in the sea. This is an important archaeological site. Researchers believe that it was once the temple of Aphrodite and continued as a place of worship until Christianity. Climb up and see carvings in the rock, water reservoirs for sacred rituals and small caves where offerings were made. The view from above is breathtaking as the Aegean Sea is at your feet.