Visit Patmos Monastery and Chora
Patmos Monastery – how to get there
Patmos monastery is easy to reach because it is located only 4 km out of Skala. First of all; the easiest way to reach the Monastery is to take a taxi from your gulet to up to Chora. On the way downhill you just follow the path to the Cave of Apocalypse and then back to Skala. Trekking downhill will give you the opportunity to admire the wild nature along one of the old walking paths (monopatia). Monopatia were used to be the island’s main transportation routes. They are significant pieces of history because they offer substantial insights into the way people used to live.
You can also decide to rent a scooter or a car and maybe visit other parts of the islands. If you choose to drive, parking will not be a problem. But do have in mind that no driving or riding is allowed in Hora old town itself.
Also, the bus service runs regularly from Skala to Chora (where you enter Patmos Monastery). Check the timetables at the port for details. If you are coming to Patmos with a group, we can organise a private excursion. Patmos guides tour takes about 3 hours. It will certainly be interesting to discover the history of this island.
OPENING HOURS FOR PATMOS MONASTERY
DAILY FROM 08:00-13:00 AND 14:00-16:00 ON SUNDAYS, TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
Information about the Monastery of Patmos
Patmos island is reputed to be where Saint John the Theologian wrote both his Gospel and the Apocalypse around 95 AD. A monastery dedicated to the ‘beloved disciple’ was founded there in 1088. For this reason has been a place of pilgrimage and Greek Orthodox learning ever since.
The monastery of St John the Theologian is a unique creation with integrating religious values within a fortified enclosure. The monastery has evolved in response to changing political and economic circumstances for over 900 years. It has the external appearance of a polygonal castle, with towers and crenulations. It is also home to a remarkable collection of manuscripts, icons, and liturgical artwork and objects.
Midway along the road that winds steeply up from Skala to Chora is located the Cave of the Apocalypse. Because according to tradition St John dictated the Book of Revelation and his Gospel to his disciple Prochoros. This holy place attracted many small churches, chapels, and monastic cells, creating an impressive architectural ensemble.
Chora town
Take time to walk the small narrow streets of Chora. No cars allowed, therefore everyone can enjoying the beautiful view of Patmos from high above. Chora is a maze of white-painted alleyways and steps, with vibrant bougainvillaea cascading over walls. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants with idyllic settings to rest a while.
The town of Chora is one of the few settlements in Greece that have evolved uninterruptedly since the 12th century. There are few other places in the world where religious ceremonies date back to the early Christian times are still being practised unchanged.
The old settlement of Chora contains many religious and secular buildings. Furthermore is one of the best preserved and oldest of the Aegean area. Paradoxically, perhaps, Patmos thrived as a trading centre under Ottoman occupation, reflected by fine merchants’ houses. Dating mostly from the 17th centuries, they contain essential mural paintings, icons, and other church furnishings. The elements are unique in several ways, therefore considered both as an ensemble and individually.
Chora as a fairy tale with beautiful narrow streets in which you can be lost but also found. We recommend to anyone who loves the past and travel through time.
Check out Unesco website for more pieces of information about the listing
