Patmos

"The Jerusalem of the Aegean" is one way of describing Patmos. It was here that Saint John the Thologian was exhiled between 95 and 97 A.D. and was inspird to write the Book of Revelation or Apocalypse.

Later the Emperor Alexios Komninos ordered the monk Christodoulos Letrinos to found a monastery in honour of the Apostle. Thus the Holy Monastery of Patmos was built, the most important landmark on the island.

The majestic fortress-monastery crowns the hill above the port, surrounded by dazzling white, cube-like houses which spill down its flanks. Indespersed among them are miniscule churches and grand sea captains' mansions, separated from each other by narrow lanes, high walls and small squares opening onto breath-catching views over the Aegean.