The sights of Patmos
The Sacred Cave of the Apocalypse
The Cave is located between the port and Hora and is one of the most important Christian sites in the world. It is a place of worship and attracts visitors from all over the world, who have the opportunity to admire in Patmos the place where the Book of Revelation was written.
“I, John, your brother and companion in tribulation and kingdom and patience in Christ Jesus, was born in the island called Patmos, through the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was born in the spirit on the Sunday day, and I heard behind me a great voice like a trumpet sounding …” are the words of John the Evangelist in the Holy Book of Revelation, after his exile to Patmos in 95 AD.
The Book of Revelation in the Christian tradition was dictated by God himself in the Cave of Revelation, through three cracks in the rock that symbolize the Holy Trinity.
The Monastery of St. John the Theologian
In honour of John the Evangelist and following the decision of the Emperor of Byzantium Alexios A Komnenos, in 1088 AD, the construction of the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian in Patmos began. Its foundation was entrusted to Hosios Christodoulos the Latrin, to whom the island was granted in order to achieve this purpose.
The monastery is located at the highest point of the settlement of Hora of Patmos and visitors can admire, among other things, the Katholikon, the cells and the altar, which are preserved from the Byzantine period. The Library and the sacristy of the monastery are of particular interest and attraction, as they contain priceless manuscripts, objects and heirlooms.
The Baptistery of Saint John the Theologian
Next to the Church of St. John the Theologian, in the port of Skala, the ruins of the Baptistery are preserved. According to Christian tradition, this is where Patmians were baptized by Saint John, who, according to another tradition, sent the magician Kynopas to the bottom of the sea.
The archaeological site at Kastelli
Kastelli is the ancient Acropolis of Patmos, a place that was chosen because of its strategic location, as it is situated on a hill overlooking the islands of Naxos and Ikaria, the bay of Skala, Chochlakas and Merika.
In the archaeological site of Kastelli, visitors can see the ruins of the ancient Acropolis, the wall and the Towers, as well as the ancient Temple of Apollo. Findings prove the presence of a settlement from the Bronze Age (1600-1100 BC)
The Monastery of the Annunciation
In 1932, the Holy Monastery of Evangelismos was founded, which stands on a rock at the southwestern end of the island and is the largest nunnery on Patmos. The Monastery, dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, took the place of an old hermitage that had been built at that spot in 1613 by the Abbot of the Monastery of St. John the Theologian in honour of St. Luke.
Although new buildings were added from 1932, the frescoes and icons inside the monastery date back to the 15th century.ο
The nuns today have a strong charitable activity and are also involved in gardening, beekeeping and embroidery, while during the Italian occupation their role was important as they taught the Greek language to young children, contributing to its preservation.
The mills
In the Chora of Patmos are the three windmills of the island, two of which date back to 1588 and the third to 1863. After encouragement and mobilisation by the Swiss philhellenic banker Charles Pictet and with funding from private individuals and foundations, the Mills were restored and are now able to operate again. The first as a flour mill, the second for converting wind energy into electricity and the third for water production.
The Simantiri Mansion
The Simantiri Mansion is the oldest mansion house in Hora of Patmos, whose construction dates back to 1625. During the Turkish occupation it was used as a consulate, while today it functions as a museum.
There you will meet the last descendant of the Simantiris family, who will welcome you and guide you through the history of the house, telling you about every room and object in the mansion.
The Nicolaides Mansion
The Nikolaidis mansion is a two-storey building, representative of the buildings of Patmos, located in the northeastern part of Hora. It was built in sections, starting in 1705 and finishing in 1796.
In 1959 the property of the Mansion was transferred to the Greek State following a donation and was converted into an exhibition space after the restoration of the damage suffered during the earthquake of 1956.
The Rock of Kalikatsou
The Rock or Petra of Kalikatsou is a formation of volcanic rocks and according to local legend, it is a marbled daughter cursed by her mother to turn into a stone if she dives into the waters of the bay after the Holy Communion.
Findings prove the presence of an ancient sanctuary on the rock, which was later converted into a hermitage.
The Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi
The Holy Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi is located in Hora, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is a women’s monastery. It was founded in 1607 by the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of John the Theologian and was intended as a shelter for orphans, widows and people with special needs.
Inside the monastery people can visit the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary of Eleousa, the frescoes 16th – 18th century as well as the Museum of sacred vessels that has been operating since 2007.