Port of Skala, Patmos (photo from Wikipedia)
Links to Port Pages
Patmos, Greece
Another new place for us is the island of Patmos. Wikipedia describes it as -
"Patmos is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea. One of the northernmost islands of the Dodecanese complex) it has a population of 2,998 and an area of 34.05 km2 (13.15 sq mi). The highest point is Profitis Ilias, 269 metres (883 ft) above sea level. The Municipality of Patmos, which includes the offshore islands of Arkoi (pop. 44), Marathos (pop. 5), and several uninhabited islets, has a total population of 3,047 (2011 census) and a combined land area of 45.039 square kilometres (17.390 sq mi). It is part of the Kalymnos regional unit.
Patmos' main communities are Chora (the capital city), and Skala, the only commercial port. Other settlements are Grikou and Kampos. The churches and communities on Patmos are of the Eastern Orthodox tradition. In 1999, the island's historic center Chora, along with the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The monastery was founded by Saint Christodulos. Patmos is also home to the Patmian School, a notable Greek seminary.
Patmos is mentioned in the Bible Book of Revelation. The book's introduction states that its author, John, was on Patmos when he was given (and recorded) a vision from Jesus. Early Christian tradition identified this writer John of Patmos as John the Apostle, though some modern scholars are uncertain. As such, Patmos is a destination for Christian pilgrimage. Visitors can see the cave where John is said to have received his Revelation (the Cave of the Apocalypse), and several monasteries on the island are dedicated to Saint John.
Forbes in a 2009 research has named Patmos as Europe's Most Idyllic Place to live, due to the fact that "Patmos has evolved over the centuries but has not lost its air of quiet tranquility, which is one reason why people that know it return again and again."
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Chora and the Monastery of St John the Theologian (photo from Wikipedia) |
Patmos - Port of Skala (photo from Wikipedia) |
What we plan to do:
St. John’s Patmos & the Monastery -
Indulge your senses with the beauty, history and flavours of Patmos during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion.
Grotto of St. John and Chora Depart the pier for the brief, scenic drive to the Grotto of St. John. This small cave, now converted into a beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, had his revelation and wrote the world-renowned Book of the Apocalypse. During your visit, see the stone orifice St. John is said to have used as a pillow. From here, proceed to the village of Chora, which features simple houses and Byzantine churches.
Monastery of St. John the Theologian Upon arrival, begin the climb on-foot to the Monastery of St. John the Theologian. In the courtyard, see the intricate pebbled floor, decorated arches and the old well in its centre that is fed by the reservoir running beneath it. Through the supporting arches, splendid decorative frescoes can be seen adorning the entrance to the Chapel of Christodoulos, which houses sacred relics. The Old Treasury is now a museum displaying jewelled artefacts and manuscripts dating from 1073.
Simandiris House and Taverna Visit A stop is then made at the 300-year-old home of the Simandiris family to see one of the finest antique collections dating from the Russian Empire up to the Turkish occupation. Your tour concludes with a brief stroll through the old winding streets of Chora, and a visit to a traditional taverna for meze, wine and refreshments accompanied by Greek music and dancing. Following your visit, commence the brief return drive to the pier.
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