Patmos Sites
Kasteli Archaelogical Site
Kasteli was chosen as the ancient capital of Patmos due to its strategic position which is up on a hill overseeing Skala, Chochlaka and Merika bays as well as the islands of Naxos and Ikaria. Visitors can admire the ruins of the ancient town along with the Wall and the Tower remains and the ancient temple of Apollo. Findings have shown the presence of a settlement since the Bronze Age (1600 – 1100 b.C.).
Monastery of Saint John the Theologian
The Monastery was founded in 1088 in honor of John the Evangelist by decision of the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos. The project was carried out by St. Christodoulos the Latrinos.
Saint John the Theologian Monastery is built on the top of Chora town and its Catholic, Cells and Bank have been preserved since the Byzantine period. Priceless collections of relics and other works in the Library and sacristy.
In 1999 it was declared a “World Heritage Monument” by UNESCO
Holy Cave of the Apocalypse
“I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying…” are the words of John the Evangelist after his exile to Patmos in 95 AD by the Emperor Domitianos. Even though he was exiled for preaching the Word of God, John the Evangelist continued his work in Patmos and wrote the Book of Revelation which, according to the Christian tradition, was dictated to him by God himself in the Holy Cave of the Apocalypse. God’s voice came out of three ripped slots on the rock that represent the Holy Trinity. The Cave is one of the most renowned Christian sites and worship places in the world. In 1999 it was declared a “World Heritage Monument” by UNESCO
Baptistery
The Baptistery ruins are located in Skala port, next to the Chapel of Saint John the Theologian. According to Christian tradition it was the place where Patmos residents were being baptized by St John.
Monastery Zoodochos Pigi
Zoodochos Pigi Monastery, which is located in Chora, is a nunnery dedicated to Virgin Mary. It was founded in 1607 by the Abbot of the Monastery of St. John the Theologian and was meant to be an orphans’ and widows’ refugee. In the Monastery, visitors have the opportunity to see the miraculous icon of Panagia Eleousa as well as a sacred vessel museum.
Holly Annunciation Monastery
The Annunciation Monastery was founded in 1937 and is built on a cliff in the southwest of the island. It is the largest nunnery on Patmos and it is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mother. The Monastery replaced an old hermitage which was built in 1613 by the Abbot of the Monastery of St. John in honor of St Luke. Even though new buildings were added in 1937, the wall paintings and icons on the inside of the monastery date back to the 15th century.
The Windmills
The three windmills of the island are located in Chora. Two of them date back to 1588 while the third one was built in 1863. Swiss banker Charles Pictet worked towards the restoration of the windmills by moving into action public and private funders. As a result of that, the windmills are now ready to function again.
The Rock of Kallikatsou
The Rock of Kallikatsou is a volcanic rock formation and according to an urban legend it is a petrified girl cursed by her mother to turn into stone if she swam in the bay waters after the Holly Communion. Findings show the existence of an ancient sanctuary which later on was converted into a hermitage.
Nikolaides Mansion
Nikolaides Mansion is a two-storey building and a classic example of Patmos architecture, which is located in the northeastern part of Chora. Its construction took place in stages over a period of 91 years starting in 1705 and being completed in 1796. Since 1959 the ownership of the mansion has been transferred to the Public sector and it is now being used as an exhibition center.
Simantiri Mansion
Simantiri Mansion was built in 1625 and is located in Chora next to Zoodochos Pigi Monastery. The Mansion is the second oldest building in the town after the Monastery of St John and is currently operating as a folklore museum displaying works such as paintings, furniture and a large collection of icons of the 14th, 15th and 16th century. Tour guide of the Mansion is Mrs Morfoula Simantiri, member of the 8th generation of the Simantiri family.
Stavrakas Mansion
Stavrakas Mansion is located in Chora, next to the entrance of St John Monastery. It was built during the 1870’s and it currently operates as an international cultural and environmental center.