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Patmos
Patmos, situated
between Leros and Ikaria is a mountainious island with rocky soil
and an abundance of small coves. "The
Jerusalem of the Aegean" is one way of describing Patmos or
Patnos, as it
was referred to in one 5th century inscription. It was here that
St. John the Theologian was exiled between 95 and 97 A.D. and was
inspired to write the Book of Revelation or Apocalypse. Later the
emperor Alexios Komninos ordered the monk Christodoulos Letrinosto
to found a monastery in honour of the Apostle. Thus the holy monastery
of Patmos was build, the most important landmark
on the island. In
September 1995 it was celbrated the anniversary of the 1900 years
from the date that the Book of Revelation was written.
The majestic
fortress-monastery crowns the hille above the port, surrounded
by dazzling white, cubelike houses which spill down its flanks.
Interspersed among them are minuscule churches and grand sea captains'
mansions, seperated from each other by narrow lanes, high walls
and small squares opening onto breath-catching views over the Aegean.
The construction of teh monastery began in the 11th century. It
is circumscribed by massive grey stone walls with battlements that
protected the main church and another five chapels. It's extraordinary
treasury contains Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, sacred vessels,
9th century embroideries and other pricelles objects, while its
library houses parchment documents, patriarchal seals, illuminated
manuscripts and rare old books. In the chapel dedicated to Our
Lady frescoes can be seen which date to 1210-1220.
Ships
arriving at Patmos dock in the ilsland's harbour, Skala, a
lively place with its white houses, flowered courtyards, fish
tavernas, hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops. North of Skala
is the village of KAmbos, set among trees and greenery, and
near it is what many consider to be the island's finest beach.
Patmos's indented coastline conceals a host of lovely beaches.
Among the favourites are Grigos, Kallikatsou, Psili Ammos and
Diakofti.
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Chora, Patmos.
Sight to the island of Lipsi.
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Chora.
Patmos |
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Lambi-beach at
Patmos.
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Skala, Patmos |
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John the
Theologian.
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Chora,
Kloostermuseum, |
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Chora, at the
roof of monastery castle
of John
the Theologian.
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Chora |
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Near by Lefkes
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harbour
of Skala. |
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Patmos.
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Church in
Chora. |
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