Patmos located on the eastern borderline of the Aegean Sea at 161 nautical miles from the port-city of Piraeus, the island of Patmos covers an area of 34 square kilometers. With a mostly dry climate, the island is regularly visited by north winds, bathing in sunrays for 3000 hours out of a year. In 1981, the Greek Parliament passed a special law which decreed Patmos a Sacred Island.

Administratively, the island constitutes a municipality within the Dodecanese Island group, with its seat at the historic capital of Chora. Built around its namesake harbour, Skala. the largest settlement on the island, concentrates the bulk of the economic and social activity. Campos, a smaller village, was the primary agricultural settlement of the island in the past, while even tinier Grikos is the location of numerous tourist accommodations.

Standing halfway between Chora and Skala. a i7th century structure encloses the Holy Cave and the small grotto where St. John the Divine, Christ's beloved disciple, wrote the Revelations. As St. John himself accounted, he heard the thunderous voice of the Lord dictating His Holy Word to him.

Crowning the hill opposite the harbour of Chora, the fortified monastery of St, John the Theologian towers majestically over the entire island, The main church and numerous small chapels are decorated with considerable Byzantine religious paintings* The convents of Evangelismos, Zoodohos Pigi and the numerous churches scattered throughout the settlement of Chora are well worth a visit. Remains of an early Christian church are found near the beach of Aghios loannis Theologos. while traces of the island's ancient acropolis survive on the hill Kasteli.

In addition to being a site of pilgrimage, Patmos Is also an idea! destination for vacations. Lampi, Campos, the Prairie of Geranos, Agriolivado, Meloy. Grikos. Psili Ammos (Thin Sands) are few of the magnificent beaches waiting to be discovered

RELIGIOUS MUSIC FESTIVAL OF PATMOS
For the 5th consecutive year. from September 3 to 13, 2005. The area surrounding the Holy Cave of the Revelations will host musical groups and renowned artists who will express man's religious sentiment through their music. The Religious Music Festival is under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarch.