patmos Holidays

view of Monastery

About patmos

"The Jerusalem of the Aegean" or Holy island  is one way of describing Patmos island. Patmos is distinguished for its beaches and for its imposing 11th century Monastery which is the island's most important landmark. The construction of the monastery began in the 11th century. It is circums-cribed by massive graystone walls with battlements that protected the main church and another five chapels.Its extraordinary treasury contains Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, sacred vessels, 9th century embroideries and other pricelessobjects, while its library houses parchment documents patriarchal seals, illuminated manuscripts and rare old books. In the chapel dedicated to Our Lady, frescoes can be seen which date to
1210-1220. Patmos, situated between Leros and Ikaria, is a mountainous island with rocky soil and an abundance of small coves. It is 161 nautical miles from Piraeus. The majestic fortress -

View of skala port

monastery crowns the hill above the port, surrounded by dazzling white, cubelike houses which spill down its flanks and form the town of Chora. Ships arriving at Patmos dock in the island's harbor Skala, a lively place with its white houses, flowevered courtyards, fish tavernas, hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops. North of Skala is the

village of Kambos, set among trees and greenery; it is considered by many to be the island's finest beach.

general view of skala port
and Monastery

There are miles of tracks and lanes around Patmos, many other monasteries and churches to explore and some lovely sand and shingle beaches off the beaten track. There are several other villagesworth exploration. The seaside village of Grikos is only 5 kmfrom Skala and has a couple of very good tavernas. Other areas worth visiting on Patmos are: Kastelli a 20' uphill walk from the center of Skala where one will see a breathtaking view, and especially at sunset (there is also a small chapel on the summit where there are also remains of a Hellenistic wall); Lefkes which is one of the island's most fertile valleys and produces much of Patmos' fruits and vegetables. Boats from Skala will take you for day trips to the nearby islands of Fourni, Arki, Lipsi and Marathi. Alternatively the hydrofoil can take you to Samos, Leros and islands further afield.

Patmos in history

According to mythology the first inhabitants of Patmos island werethe God of the sea Neptune and Patmos or Pantos who was none else than the Goddess Diana.The first inhabitants were the Kares in 3000 BC followed by the Dorians and the Ionians.  Much later, when the Romans ruled Patmos, the island became an exile place. In 95 AD the exiled St. John the Theologician reached the island

and  wrote the "Revelation" in a cave which is located at the foot of the monastery. The island goes on to become a place of pilgrimage for the Christians. In 1100 AD the monk Christodoulos founded the Monastery of St. John the Theologician. In 1200 the island was conquered by the Venetians and in 1537 by the Turks. From the end of the 16th century the invaders prosper from trade and the island's shipping.

little port in patmos

The harbor of Skala becomes the safest and main port in thewhole area. Large storehouses are built, castles and rich mansions to protect against attacks from pirates. In 1659 the Venetians destroy the island and in 1669 the island falls under Turkish occupation. The island of Patmos is finally freed in 1948 and united with the rest of Greece.

Patmos sites

the cave of the apocalypse

Some of the most important sites of Patmos are the following:

1. Monastery of St. John the Theologician
2. Cave of the Apocalypse
3. The women's monastery of Zoodoxos Pigi
4. Kasteli (in Skala) with remains of an ancient Acropolis
5. The various little chapels scattered all over the island
6. Take a daily excursion to the little islets of Arki, Lipsi or Marathi