MONASTERY OF ST. JOHN THE THEOLOGIAN

Overlooking Chora and Skala, the main monastery of Patmos is a veritable fortress, impressive in its majesty and austerity. Founded in 1088 by St. Christodule, it remains today a major Christian pilgrimage site. As you enter the courtyard, note the ^17th-century wall paintings in the superb exonarthex on the left, depicting The Miracles and Travels of Saint John, stories written by his disciple Prochoros. To the right of the main church, the Chapel of the Virgin is decorated with ^12th-century wall paintings, discovered in 1956 when an earthquake cracked the walls. One of the five surrounding chapels contains the remains of the founder Christodoulos. Most of the monastery's treasures were bequeathed to it by Catherine of Russia. The library is impressive, with 13,000 rare manuscripts. The museum contains fabulous treasures: icons, illuminated manuscripts, silverware, chasubles, jewelry... Today, only around 30 monks live here. Don't miss a look at the old refectory (often closed, unfortunately), with its two long marble-covered masonry tables and superb ^13th-century frescoes. The monastery was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, along with the Grotto of the Apocalypse. Important to know: you must be properly dressed for the visit. Shorts and short skirts are not allowed.