Inside the Monastery of St John
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Port
Patmos, Greece
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$110
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 2¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
The small island of Pátmos in the Dodecanese is reputed to be where St John the Theologian wrote both his Gospel and the Apocalypse. A monastery dedicated to the 'beloved disciple' was founded there in the late 10th century and it has been a place of pilgrimage and Greek Orthodox learning ever since. The fine monastic complex dominates the island. The old settlement of Chorá, associated with it, contains many religious and secular buildings.
You will walk under the graceful archways of Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, and through corridors paved with small black pebbles like delicate cobblestone streets.
Visit the five chapels -- one of which contains the relics of its founder. Beautiful frescoes covering the chapel walls depict the story of The Voyages & Miracles of St John the Theologian.
The old Treasury is now a museum, housing collection of rare icons, jewelry, chalices, crowns, vestments, and delicate silver sailing ships inlaid with gemstones. There are 13,000 old manuscripts and volumes dating from 1073, which record the monastery's 900-year history. Among these treasures are 33 leaves of the Gospel of St Mark, written in the 6th century in silver lettering on purple vellum.
In the Icon Restoration Chamber, you will see the professionals at work. A monk from the monastery provides in-depth information.
Enjoy unrivaled views of the lovely Bay of Patmos and a scattering of islands beyond, with some free time in Patmos town.
Guests who wish to stay in town to shop or explore on their own are welcome to do so but must return to the ship on their own.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Tour requires considerable walking uphill, up and down steps and over cobblestone streets. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations. Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed.