One of the northernmost islands of theDodecanese complex,[3] Patmos has a population of 3,283 (2021) and an area of 34.05 km2 (13.15 sq mi). The highest point is Profitis Ilias, 269 metres (883 ft)above sea level. Themunicipality of Patmos, which includes the offshore islands ofArkoi (pop. 44),Marathos (pop. 5), and several uninhabited islets, has a total population of 3,047 (2011 census)[4] and a combined land area of 45.039 square kilometres (17.390 sq mi).[5] It is part of theKalymnos regional unit.
In 1999, the island's historic center Chora, along with theMonastery of Saint John the Theologian and theCave of the Apocalypse, were declaredWorld Heritage Sites byUNESCO because of their significance in Christianity and the preservation of ancient religious ceremonies that occur on the island.[6] The monastery was founded by Christodoulos Latrinos.[7] Patmos is also home to the Patmian School, a notable Greekseminary.
According to alegend inGreek mythology, the island's original name was "Letois", after the goddess and huntress of deer,Artemis, daughter ofLeto. It was believed that Patmos came into existence thanks to her divine intervention.
Artemis frequently paid visits toCaria, the mainland across the shore from Patmos, where she had a shrine onMount Latmus. There she met the moon goddessSelene, who cast her light on the ocean, revealing the sunken island of Patmos.[citation needed]
Selene was always trying to get Artemis to bring the sunken island to the surface and hence to life. Selene finally convinced Artemis, who then gained her brotherApollo's help to persuadeZeus to allow the island to rise from the sea.[citation needed]
Zeus agreed, and the island emerged from the water. The sun dried up the land and brought life to it. Gradually, inhabitants from the surrounding areas, including Mount Latmos, settled on the island and named it "Letois" in honour of Artemis.[8]
John the Apostle on Patmos, a 17th-century painting byJacopo Vignali.
Patmos is seldom mentioned by ancient writers. Therefore, very little is known about the earliest inhabitants. In theClassical period, the Patmians prefer to identify themselves asDorians descending from the families ofArgos,Sparta andEpidaurus, further mingling with people ofIonian ancestry.[citation needed]
During the 3rd century BC, in theHellenistic period, the settlement of Patmos acquired the form of anacropolis with an improved defence through a fortification wall and towers.[9]
Patmos is mentioned in theBook of Revelation, the last book of theChristianBible. The book's introduction states that its author,John, was on Patmos when he was given (and recorded) a vision fromJesus. Early Christian tradition identified this writerJohn of Patmos asJohn the Apostle.[10] For this reason, Patmos is a destination for Christianpilgrimage. Visitors can see the cave where John is said to have received his Revelation (theCave of the Apocalypse), and severalmonasteries on the island are dedicated to Saint John.
Early Christian life on Patmos, however, barely survived Muslim raids from the 7th to the 9th century.[citation needed] During this period, the Grand Basilica was destroyed. In 1088, theByzantine EmperorAlexios I Komnenos gave Christodoulos Latrinos the complete authority over the island of Patmos, as well as the permission to build a monastery on the island. The construction of the monastery started in 1101.[9][11]
The island was controlled by theOttoman Empire for many years, but it enjoyed certain privileges, mostly related to tax-free trade by the monastery as certified by Ottoman imperial documents held in the Library.[citation needed] Ottoman rule in Patmos ("Batnaz" in Ottoman Turkish) was interrupted by initially Venetian occupation duringCandian War between 1659 and 1669, thenRussian occupation duringOrlov Revolt between 1770 and 1774 and finally during theGreek War of Independence.
In 1945, the Germans left and the island of Patmos remained autonomous until 1948, when, together with the rest of the Dodecanese Islands, it joined the independent Greece.[11]
In September 2008, the municipality of Patmos refused landing to a group of undocumented refugees fromAfghanistan andIraq when they were taken there for processing and care after a sea rescue. The administration refused them permission to land. Eventually they were sent to the island ofLeros where they were processed and given humanitarian aid.[13][14]
Forbes magazine, in 2009, named Patmos "Europe's most idyllic place to live", writing that "Patmos has evolved over the centuries but has not lost its air of quiet tranquility, which is one reason why people that know it return again and again".[15]
Patmos is situated off the west coast of Turkey and the continent of Asia. It is one of the northernmost islands of the Dodecanese complex. It is further west than its nearby neighboring islands.
It has an area of 34.05 km2 (13.15 sq mi). The highest point is Profitis Ilias, 269 metres (883 feet)above sea level.
Patmos' main communities are Chora (the capital city) and Skala, the only commercial port. Other settlements are Grikou and Kampos.
Patmos's economy is largely reliant on tourism during the summer months with Christianpilgrims frequently visiting due to the island's connection with the apostle John and the writing of the Book of Revelation.[16]
The Monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse are among the sites most often visited by pilgrims.[17] However, the beaches and quiet natural beauty have also led to an increase in tourists.
Investors from SMERemediumCap (SMERC) have recently committed 20 million euro to build a luxury hotel situated on the Greek island of Patmos. The aim of this project is to enhance the tourism appeal of the island. This investment is the largest ever made on the island and highlights the commitment of SMERC to promote Patmos as a world-class tourist destination.[18]
As one of the quietest Greek Islands, the island's natural beauty and UNESCO World Heritage monuments, combined with its intense spirituality, have a profound impact on visitors and leave them deeply moved.[19]
For emergencies, Patmos has a medical centre, with several medical doctors on the premises. When residents require hospitalization beyond first aid, they are airlifted out of the island by helicopter (in emergencies) to nearby hospitals or, if the weather permits, they are transported by ferry.[20]
Tom Stone: The Summer of My Greek Taverna: A Memoir, Simon & Schuster, New York NY 2003,ISBN0-7432-4771-X (Stone brings readers into the tiny Greek island world of Patmos.)
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