Description of the attraction
The small Greek island of Patmos is located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea and is part of the Southern Sporades (Dodecanese) archipelago. The island impresses with its beautiful natural landscapes and wildlife. Undoubtedly, the historical and cultural heritage of Patmos is of great interest.
A few kilometers from the main port of the island of Skala is the capital of Patmos - Chora. This city dates back to the 12th century. The chora was built on the slopes of a picturesque hill that is crowned by the magnificent monastery of St. John the Evangelist. Traditional architecture, labyrinths of narrow streets with arched ceilings, snow-white chapels and courtyards entwined with flowers create a unique atmosphere of a beautiful medieval city. The peak of Hora's prosperity fell on the 16-18 centuries. The city has preserved beautiful old mansions, testifying to the wealth of the citizens of the Chora of that era. Today, Chora has many excellent restaurants, taverns and cafes where you can sample excellent Greek cuisine. There is also a good selection of hotels and comfortable apartments in the city.
The monastery of St. John the Evangelist is one of the main attractions not only of Chora, but of the entire island of Patmos. The monastery was founded at the end of the 11th century with the permission of the Byzantine emperor Alexei Komnenos and impresses from the outside with its massive battlements. This grandiose structure is considered the most powerful fortification on the islands of the Aegean Sea. Near the monastery is the famous cave of the Apocalypse, where the Apostle John the Theologian wrote his "Revelation", also known as the "Apocalypse". Also of great interest are such sights as the Monastery of the Annunciation, the churches of St. Phocas and St. Catherine and the house-museum "Patmian".
