Patmos is an island blessed with unrivaled beauty, an iconic destination worldwide known as the sacred place where St. John the Theologian wrote the Book of Revelations. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, Patmos is home to rich cultural tradition.
One of the emblematic museums of the island is the Simantiri Mansion, built by Smyrnian artisans in 1625. It is a typical Patmian two-storey mansion which now houses a folklore museum. Heavy 250 year old furniture from Odessa are found in its lounge, rare paintings of great artists, heirlooms, Russian icons of the 14th, 15th and 16th century and various other items that are linked with the island’s long history.Ms Morfousa Simantiri, the eighth generation owner, gives unforgettable inspirational tours by describing the displays through their fascinating true story.
Nikolaidis mansion, is a two-storey building with gothic features that travels the visitors from the prehistoric history of the island to its later years. It was built in phases in the 17th and 18th century and following the 1956 earthquake was restored into an exemplary museum. On the ground floor are the food storage facilities and on the first floor are the bedrooms and the parlor. One of the most predominant displays is “ampataros”, a sophisticated wooden construction with an intricate level of craftsmanship that serves both as a storage space and as a room partition. These mansions are worth visiting as they open the door to the rich heritage of Patmos and satisfy the cultural quench of the discerning traveler.