Patmos

Patmos is a small Greek island in the Dodecanese archipelago noted for its religious significance in Christian tradition. It is associated with the Apostle John and has important monastic and pilgrimage sites dating to the medieval period.

The island’s primary religious attractions are the fortified Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, founded in the late 11th century, and the Cave of the Apocalypse, traditionally cited as the place where John received the visions of Revelation. Narrow streets, traditional architecture and small beaches offer additional visitor experiences.

Patmos became an important monastic centre in the Byzantine period; the monastery and related ecclesiastical structures were established to house monks, relics and religious manuscripts. The island has retained a strong religious and cultural identity through centuries of Greek and Ottoman rule.

Patmos lies in the Aegean Sea among the Dodecanese islands, off the coast of western Turkey; the main settlement is Chora and the island is reached by ferry from nearby islands and the Greek mainland.

• Pilgrimage & access: The monastery and cave are central pilgrimage sites; visits are commonly combined with a walk through Chora, Patmos' main town, which hosts narrow streets and chapels.

What to See #

• Monastery of Saint John the Theologian: Monastery of Saint John the Theologian - a fortified monastery founded in the late 11th century that dominates the island's skyline and contains religious art and a library.
• Cave of the Apocalypse: Cave of the Apocalypse - a small cave near Chora where tradition holds that John received the visions recorded as the Book of Revelation; an inner chamber and chapel are open to visitors.