In brief
Located on the eastern borderline of the Aegean Sea, Patmos is the northernmost island of the Dodecanese island group. Its interesting landscape features low barren hills succeeded by small plateaux, while its lacy coastline is deeply intended by tens of promontories forming countless picturesque bays and coves. With a mostly dry climate, the island is regularly visited by north winds, bathing into the sunrays for 3000 hours out of a year. Situated at a distance of 158 nautical miles from the mainland port of Piraeus, it covers an area of 34 square km with greatest length of about 25 km.
Located on the eastern borderline of the Aegean Sea, Patmos is the northernmost island of the Dodecanese island group. Its interesting landscape features low barren hills succeeded by small plateaux, while its lacy coastline is deeply intended by tens of promontories forming countless picturesque bays and coves. With a mostly dry climate, the island is regularly visited by north winds, bathing into the sunrays for 3000 hours out of a year. Situated at a distance of 158 nautical miles from the mainland port of Piraeus, it covers an area of 34 square km with greatest length of about 25 km.
General Information
“The Jerusalem of the Aegean” is one way of describing Patmos or Patnos, as it was referred to in one 5th century inscription. It was here that St. John the Theologian was exiled between 95 and 97 AD and was inspired to write the Book of Revelation or Apocalypse.
Later the emperor Alexios Komninos ordered the monk Christodoulos Letrinos to find a monastery in honor of the Apostle. Thus the holy monastery of Patmos was built, the most important landmark on the island.
In September 1995 it was celebrated the anniversary of the 1900 years from the date that the Book of Revelation was written.
Patmos, situated between Leros and Ikaria, is a mountainous island with rocky soil and an abundance of small coves.
The majestic fortress-monastery crowns the hill above the port, surrounded by dazzling white, cubelike houses, which spill down its flanks. Interspersed among them are miniscule churches and grand sea captains’ mansions, separated from each other by narrow lanes, high walls and small squares opening onto breath-catching views over the Aegean.
Ships arriving at Patmos dock in the island’s harbour, Skala, a lively place with its white houses, flowered courtyards, fish tavern as, hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops.
North of Skala is the village of Kambos, set among trees and greenery, and near it is what many consider to be the island’s finest beach.
“The Jerusalem of the Aegean” is one way of describing Patmos or Patnos, as it was referred to in one 5th century inscription. It was here that St. John the Theologian was exiled between 95 and 97 AD and was inspired to write the Book of Revelation or Apocalypse.
Later the emperor Alexios Komninos ordered the monk Christodoulos Letrinos to find a monastery in honor of the Apostle. Thus the holy monastery of Patmos was built, the most important landmark on the island.
In September 1995 it was celebrated the anniversary of the 1900 years from the date that the Book of Revelation was written.
Patmos, situated between Leros and Ikaria, is a mountainous island with rocky soil and an abundance of small coves.
The majestic fortress-monastery crowns the hill above the port, surrounded by dazzling white, cubelike houses, which spill down its flanks. Interspersed among them are miniscule churches and grand sea captains’ mansions, separated from each other by narrow lanes, high walls and small squares opening onto breath-catching views over the Aegean.
Ships arriving at Patmos dock in the island’s harbour, Skala, a lively place with its white houses, flowered courtyards, fish tavern as, hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops.
North of Skala is the village of Kambos, set among trees and greenery, and near it is what many consider to be the island’s finest beach.
Sightseeing
Whether you are interested in history and religion or not, the Monastery of St. John is a must. Its real name is Agios Ioannis o Theologos ("St. John the Theologist") and it looks like a huge fortress above Hora. In fact, it was built as a fortress in the 16th century, since the island needed some sort of defence when pirates attacked. In the monastery you can visit the church, the Treasury and the museum.
The construction of the monastery began in the 11th century. It is circumscribed by massive grey stonewalls 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 pricelless objects, 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.
The Cave of Revelation lies between Hora and Skala and is where St. John had his vision. There is a crack in the roof where Jesus appeared to him and John dictated his vision to his disciple Prochorus.
The nunnery of Zoodochos Pigis ("Life-giving Source") lies in Chora and can sometimes be visited, but the most active nunnery is outside the village and is called Evangelismos.
If you are up for a climb, visit the monastery of Profitis Elias ("Prophet Elias") where you'll get a fantastic view since it is the highest point of the island (269m). On a clear day you'll see as far as to Turkey.
In general, Chora is well worth walking around in. It is built like a labyrinth to keep the pirates away, and has many nice houses and little shops.
Beaches
Patmos’s indented coastline conceals a host of lovely beaches. Among the favourites are Grigos, Kallikatsou, Psili Ammos and Diakofti.
Whether you are interested in history and religion or not, the Monastery of St. John is a must. Its real name is Agios Ioannis o Theologos ("St. John the Theologist") and it looks like a huge fortress above Hora. In fact, it was built as a fortress in the 16th century, since the island needed some sort of defence when pirates attacked. In the monastery you can visit the church, the Treasury and the museum.
The construction of the monastery began in the 11th century. It is circumscribed by massive grey stonewalls 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 pricelless objects, 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.
The Cave of Revelation lies between Hora and Skala and is where St. John had his vision. There is a crack in the roof where Jesus appeared to him and John dictated his vision to his disciple Prochorus.
The nunnery of Zoodochos Pigis ("Life-giving Source") lies in Chora and can sometimes be visited, but the most active nunnery is outside the village and is called Evangelismos.
If you are up for a climb, visit the monastery of Profitis Elias ("Prophet Elias") where you'll get a fantastic view since it is the highest point of the island (269m). On a clear day you'll see as far as to Turkey.
In general, Chora is well worth walking around in. It is built like a labyrinth to keep the pirates away, and has many nice houses and little shops.
Beaches
Patmos’s indented coastline conceals a host of lovely beaches. Among the favourites are Grigos, Kallikatsou, Psili Ammos and Diakofti.
Useful Information
How to get there
By sea from Piraeus
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
How to get there
By sea from Piraeus
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22470 Municipal Offices: 60300, 31577
Police: 34100
Port Authority: 31231
Health Center: 60000
http://www.patmos.gov.gr
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