Patmos

Population: 3,047 (2011)

 

ISLAND OVERVIEW

 

The island of Patmos lays in the eastern borderline of the Aegean and is the northernmost island of the Dodecanese.
It has a total area of 34 sq km, and the landscape is mountainous and rocky with some low barren hills and a small plateau. The highest point is Profitis Ilias, 269 metres (883 ft) above sea level.  Its coastline is laced with various gulfs forming picturesque bays and coves and beaches. 

Chora, the capital of Patmos, is the island’s centre of activities and Skala is the main port. Other settlements are Grikou and Kampos. The locals are considered to be the most hospitable of all the Dodecanesians. They are occupied mainly with fishing, farming, livestock breeding and only a few are engaged with tourism.

The island is famous for being the location that the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation in the New Testament and received the visions within it. The island’s main attractions are the “Cave of the Apocalypse” where St. John had his vision of the Apocalypse (Revelation) and the Monastery of Saint John. Thousands of pilgrims come to Patmos every year to visit these two religious monuments.  Due to its spiritual character, the island plays host to many religious festivals and feasts. The churches and communities on Patmos are of the Eastern Orthodox tradition.

The Island of Patmos has regular ferry services, which connect it throughout the islands.

Patmos, Greece

The Island & Its History

 

Patmos, Greece map
click image to view in Google Maps

Modern historians claim that Patmos’ first inhabitants were Kares. During the Roman era, it was the land of exile for Romans who were politically disgraced. The island suffered a long period of desertion until 1088, when it was offered to St. Christodoulos so that he could build St. John’s monastery. After the fall of Constantinople, many Christians sought refuge here. In the 16th century it was occupied by the Venetians. The Turkish occupation began in 1537 and lasted until 1912, when the island came under the command of the Italians. 

Patmos was united with Greece on May 7th 1948, like the rest of the Dodecanese.

On the weekend of September 19th 2008 about 134 refugees were rescued at sea and taken to Patmos for processing and care. They were refused permission to land and sent to the island of Leros instead.

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