The Historic Centre (Chorá) with the Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse on the Island of Pátmos in Greece

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Hellenic Ministry of Culture

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1999
Size of heritage:

Coordinates:
Longitude: 26,550°
Latitude: 37,300°

Summary

The small island of Pátmos in the Dodecanese is reputed to be where St John the Theologian wrote both his Gospel and the Apocalypse. A monastery dedicated to the ‘beloved disciple’ was founded there in the late 10th century and it has been a place of pilgrimage and Greek Orthodox learning ever since. The fine monastic complex dominates the island. The old settlement of Chorá, associated with it, contains many religious and secular buildings.

Location on Map

Show bigger map on Openstreetmap

The Historic Centre (Chorá) with the Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse on the Island of Pátmos

The Historic Centre (Chorá) with the Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the island of Pátmos in Greece. Situated in the Prefecture of Dodecanese, within the Region of the South Aegean, this site holds immense historical and religious significance.

History

Pátmos, a small rocky island in the Aegean Sea, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. However, it gained prominence in the early Christian era when it became a place of exile for the Apostle John. According to tradition, John received a divine revelation in a cave on the island, which later became known as the Cave of the Apocalypse.

In the 11th century, the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos granted the island to the monk Christodoulos, who established the Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian. The monastery became a center of religious and cultural activity, attracting scholars, artists, and pilgrims from all over the Byzantine Empire.

Over the centuries, the monastery and the surrounding Chorá (historic center) developed and expanded, with the construction of churches, chapels, and other buildings. The architectural style of the buildings reflects a blend of Byzantine, medieval, and local influences.

Current State

The Historic Centre (Chorá) with the Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse is exceptionally well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's rich past. The site continues to be an important place of pilgrimage for Christians, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

The Monastery of Saint-John the Theologian, perched on a hill overlooking the Chorá, is the main attraction of the site. Its imposing fortress-like walls, built to protect the monastery from pirate raids, enclose a complex of buildings, including the main church, chapels, a library, and a museum. The monastery's interior is adorned with stunning frescoes, intricate woodwork, and precious religious artifacts.

The Cave of the Apocalypse, located halfway up the hill, is another significant part of the site. It is believed to be the place where John received his divine revelation and wrote the Book of Revelation. The cave is a small, humble space, with a cleft in the rock believed to be the spot where John rested his head. Visitors can explore the cave and see the small chapel built within it.

The Chorá, with its narrow streets, traditional houses, and picturesque squares, is a charming area to wander through. It offers a glimpse into the island's traditional way of life and provides a peaceful atmosphere for visitors to soak in the island's history and spirituality.

Address
Distance: 0,7 mi
Grikos
85500 Patmos
Greece

Time Information

Checkout: - Checkin:
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

PATMOS 2012

Published: June 30, 2012
Length: 51:04 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: aaseogfinn1

Patmos is a pleasant little island. We stayed at the Hotel Patmos Garden in Skala. Over the capital town of Chora enthroned with St. John's Monastery at the top. Halfway up the hill is the...

Exploring winding alleys on Patmos, Greece

Published: January 02, 2010
Length: 00:56 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Gabriel Traveler

"Following My Thumb", 26 adventurous travel stories by Gabriel Morris, on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Following-My-Thumb-Gabriel-Morris/dp/1846948495/ Lots more adventure travel at: ...

Memories of Patmos

Published: August 17, 2013
Length: 28:34 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: ElliV71

A few days spent in Patmos, the Holy Island of the Dodecanese, situated on the south east Aegean Sea. If I was to be asked, I wouldn't have an answer to the question "what's so special about...