Description of Patmos

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Patmos is the place where spirituality has taken shape. The island is famous for being the place where Saint John the Theologian wrote the Apocalypse and a place of pilgrimage for both Orthodox and Catholic Christians, declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Patmos is also a popular destination for holidays and hotels offer accommodation facilities well above the average.

Geography of Patmos

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Patmos spans an area of 34 sq. km. with a total population of 3.044 residents. The islands closer to Patmos are Ikaria and Fourni on the north, Lipsi and Leros on the east.

History of Patmos

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Although the island has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, it is rarely mentioned by the ancient writers. The island of Patmos became famous as the exile of Saint John where he received the vision of Apocalypse and wrote his Book of Revelations in a cave in 95 AD. In 1088 the Byzantine Emperor Alexis I Komninos gave permission to Reverend Christodoulos to build a monastery to commemorate St John. Later on, Patmos as part of the Duchy of Naxos became a semi-autonomous monastic state with great economic growth. Because of its power, Patmos gained privileges even when under the Ottoman Rule. In 1912, Italians occupied the island until 1943, when Nazi Germans took over the island. In 1948, Patmos with the rest of the Dodecanese Islands joined the independent Greece.

Sightseeing on Patmos

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The cave where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelations is a must-see while the imposing fortified monastery of Saint John the Theologian along with the cave has been declared as a World Heritage Site because of its importance for the world of Christians. The unseen but intense feeling of spirit is by far the most important element of the island’s beauty.

Local Products of Patmos

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Fresh fish and seafood can be found everywhere along with local dairy products and the local cheese-pie. Try also the local sweets called “pouggia” with almonds, walnuts and syrup. You can find hand made embroideries and fabrics.

Getting to Patmos

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By air from Athens International Airport or by ferry or catamaran boats departing from either Piraeus Port or Rafina Port in Athens.

Best time to visit Patmos

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From April till September. The Holy Island or the Jerusalem of Aegean as Patmos is usually called is the place to be for Easter with deep religious and spiritual celebrations.

    

Useful Phone Numbers on Patmos

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Police: +30 22470 31303
Port Authorities of Patmos: +30 22470 31231
Health Care Centre: +30 22470 31211