The mysterious Greek island of Patmos is a place of great religious significance. To this day, the white island with its deserted beaches and labyrinthine streets remains as mysterious as ever. CNN has described it as "the beginning of the end of the world."
Lambi Beach is covered with multi-colored pebbles. Photo: John Malathronas
" Sacred Island"
The main highlight of religious activity on Patmos – known as the “sacred island” – is the monastery of St. John, a majestic citadel that towers over the island.
Founded in 1088 by St. Christodoulos - a Greek monk, the monastery still contains original structures dating from the 11th century - parts of the fortifications, kitchen, some cells, water tanks and most importantly the church of St. John.
The monastery's museum and library are also of particular interest. The library – said to be the most important in Greece outside the Greek Orthodox center on Mount Athos – boasts 1,200 manuscripts in parchment or scroll form, including pages from the Gospel of Mark dating back to the 6th century.
"Although the caves and monasteries are the main attractions on Patmos, they are not the only reasons why tourists like to explore the island. A few years ago, we participated in a European conference on religious tourism together with places like Santiago de Compostela in Spain and Lourdes in France. The attraction of the island is not only because of religion but also other factors. In the case of Patmos, it is not only the beaches but the beauty of Chora, our capital," said Panagos Evgenikos, Head of the Patmos Island Council.
Rainbow Beach
A swim at Lambi Beach on the north side of Patmos reveals there’s more to the island. The beach here is littered with tiny pebbles, ranging in colour from avocado orange to sweet potato red to egg yolk yellow – and the combined effect is extraordinary.
Or is it Petra, a sandy land connected to the free-standing rock of Kallikatsou.
Another highlight is the pretty fishing village of Grikos, opposite the small island of Tragonissi, which provides a natural windbreak to a safe sandy beach.
Located in the northern part of the Dodecanese islands of Greece, Patmos has no airport and is not easily accessible, but it still attracts famous visitors from all over the world because of its tranquility. In fact, some have made Patmos their home and are looking for ways to benefit the island and make the most of its existing strengths.
For example, Wi-Fi systems are installed throughout the island so that everyone can surf the Internet for free.
Another Patmos lover was the financier Charles Pictet, who restored three windmills on the hill opposite the monastery. And Josef Zisyadis, a Swiss politician, had more ambitious plans when he began growing grapes on a 20-acre plot near Petra Beach with Dorian Amar, a French winemaker.
“The land is fertile, there is water in the ground but the land is not suitable for growing grapes. There is wind, there is sun but no shade. We have planted taller trees to reduce the temperature and improve the yield – an oak here, a few carob trees there – have been planted for a few years and I will turn this land into paradise,” said Josef Zisyadis.
Christos Patakos, manager of Patmos Aktis, the island’s only five-star hotel, says there is a general feeling, especially among regulars and homeowners on Patmos, that the island needs to be protected from mass tourism. In fact, although the monastery is one of the main attractions here, it does not dominate island life.
The monastery has many influences, but remains separate and apart from everyday life. The island has strict rules, such as no nudity here and bars in Chora are required to close at 3am.
"Yes, the island is mainly focused on beach tourism but we are lucky to also have other wonderful sights such as monasteries and caves. Patmos is a mini Byzantium, like Mount Athos but more upscale. And many also call the island 'Jerusalem of the Aegean'," Christos Patakos emphasized./.
Source
Comment (0)