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History and Spirituality: A journey into town
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History and Spirituality: A journey into town
Patmos, Dodecanese Islands, Greece
Journeys for Culture Lovers
Meet the Locals
About this experience
Highlights
- Visit the astounding Monastery of St. John and its museum
- Get the unique opportunity to meet one of the monks and ask him all your existential questions
- Feel the metaphysical strength of the aura of the Cave of the Apocalypse
- Stroll through the capital of the island and see its architectural masterpieces
- Visit a traditional Patmian house and hang out with its local owner
Description
Even if you’re not religious, you have heard of St. John’s Book of Revelation. Well, what if we told you that a cave on Patmos is where he received the visions that make up this final book of the New Testament and influenced Orthodoxy and millions of believers worldwide? A UNESCO Heritage site, this cave which was his home during his exile around 95 AD, now also features a shrine, and the rock that he used as a pillow is still there. It is said that the visions came to him through a fissure in the rocks through which he heard the voice of God.
The immense castle-like structure that stands on top of Patmos’s capital town, or the Chora, is the Monastery of St. John. With walls that reach 15 metres into the sky, it was originally erected in the 1100s with the help of a grant by Byzantine Emperor Alexios Komnenos, the largest part of it taking a record of just three years to complete. It too is a UNESCO Heritage site. Both are places where religious pilgrims from all over the world flock to year-round, and definitely not a place to miss, no matter your affiliation. It is here that you will have the rare opportunity to meet one of the Monastery’s monks and engage in conversation, spiritual or not.
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?
Experience Details
What is included
Your English speaking destination angel
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation by air conditioned vehicle
Entrance Fees
Local delicacies
What is not included
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Things you need to know
General Terms and Conditions
General Terms and Conditions
Before proceeding with the final booking, customer has to agree on applicable terms and conditions
Payment terms
Payment terms
For payment terms click here
Deadline for reservations
The latest deadline for submitting your booking request is 7 days before the desired date
Restrictions that might influence the operation
As per terms and conditions (extraordinary cancelations)
This experience is subject to weather conditions, (rain- strong winds)
Prepare for the experience
Know before you go
- To enter the Monastery, it is compulsory for men to wear long pants and for women to wear a long skirt with their shoulders covered
- Good physical condition & sturdy and comfortable shoes are required
- Guests must be without heart, lungs or breathing health problems
Starting time
10:00 am
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection cream, hat and loose fitted clothing
NOT suitable
- Wheelchair users / People with mobility impairments
Meeting point
Your hotel, villa or yacht