Patmos is undoubtedly a sacred place on Earth. This is where God spoke to Saint John the Theologian, who then wrote the Book of Revelation. When you visit the island, you are immediately taken by storm by its devoutness. Although there are many travelers choosing to head to Patmos, the feel is different from other Greek islands. A sense of utter peace and tranquility prevails. And as you head to the Monastery of Saint John in Patmos, this sense only gets more and more intense.
The monastery is visible from all the points on the island. It stands tall all the way up to the highest peak of Patmos. It is indeed fortified complex of buildings, dating back to 1088. On this year, the emperor Alexios Komninos passed on a great responsibility to one of the best soldiers-priests, John Christodoulos. He would have to build the monastery in a way that everyone found protection against pirates and hostile intruders.
Within three years, the building process was over. Of course, the Monastery of Saint John in Patmos has not remained intact. Its use has changed over the years. Over the past few years, monks started residing in the area. It is important to state that the monastery has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Cave of the Apocalypse. The latter is found halfway down. This is where Saint John the Theologian or the Divine listened to the voice of God and recorder the Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation).
It is an extraordinary experience to visit the monastery and Patmos in general. An unspoiled place, filled with beauty and serenity. Where else would you witness the divine presence and appreciate nature like that? A journey to the depths of Christianity, a cherished destination among pilgrims from all over the world!