History and Spirituality: A journey into town

 

Heavily fortified against pirates and other invaders, the walls of this monastery hold plenty of treasures. As you enter the gates, themselves several meters high, you may see a small opening above you which was used to pour hot oil, water, or lead, over the heads of those trying to break in. But don’t worry, it’s no longer in use. See the icons, frescos (including a work attributed to El Greco), roam through the Monastery’s library of over 2,000 tomes and absorb the feeling of spirituality that the place exudes. Come discover the stories behind these marvels of Christianity. The overwhelming beauty of the view from the top of the hill will have you reaching for your camera until its battery dies.

 

We will then descend into the Chora, where the panoramic views may be become of second nature as you are introduced to the elegant, stunning architecture of the island, with standing houses dating as far back as the 1500s to the 1800s. The town was built spilling down from the walls of the Monastery and is full of winding, cobblestone streets, while its architecture was heavily influenced by the monastery that looms above it. When the settlement was first built, large mansions with courtyards were erected, and later, smaller dwellings were built between these large houses, thus creating an asymmetric symmetry by keeping within the same architectural style.

 

Beige limestone, grey granitic rock, clean angles and corners dominate, while ornate windows and doorframes add elegance. As we walk through this outdoor architectural museum, we will arrive at the home of a local Patmian who will guide you through the rooms of her two-story mansion dating back to the 1600s. Originally built by sea merchants, from Odessa, the house now also serves as a folklore museum. In its rooms you will come across heavy, ornate antique furniture, a collection of painting assembled for over generations, old photographs, tools and everyday objects that will immerse you into the history and the local way of life. And of course, the owner has many stories to tell you that you’ll hear nowhere else, for she herself is part of the eighth generation of the same family that has lived in this house. How’s that for history?