Monastery of St. John, Pátmos: Address, Phone Number, Monastery of St. John Reviews: 4.5/5
Monastery of St. John
Monastery of St. John
4.5
About
Massive stone monastery completed in the 11th century in honor of St. John the apostle.
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Top ways to experience Monastery of St. John and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
69 within 3 miles

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Attractions
13 within 6 miles

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196 ftArt Galleries

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0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Cave of Apocalypse
536
0.4 miHistoric Sites

Chora Patmos
341
0.9 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

Kapopoulos Fine Arts
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208
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0.9 miArt Galleries

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42
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Agrio Livadi Beach
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
685 reviews
Excellent
454
Very good
186
Average
31
Poor
9
Terrible
5
In-Yong H
London, UK657 contributions
Couples
It really looks more like a fortress than a monastery from below the hill, but inside, you can see some wonderful frescoes and see that it's still very much a functioning monastery. This also means that you're not allowed to take photos in any indoor spaces, including the surprisingly extensive museum they have there. The views you get from the top all they way down the rest of Patmos and the sea are also wonderful. As always, make sure you are dressed modestly. There is a bus that takes you all the way up to Chora from Skala, but it still involves a bit of a walk. If you don't mind a bit more exercise and sweating profusely, you can also walk up from the Cave monastery, which was nice!
Written August 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alex J
Melbourne, Australia2,208 contributions
My wife and I were very happy that our ship, the MV Celestyal Olympia, visited Patmos, on a cruise around the Greek Islands. As practising Catholics, we looked forward to seeing the cave where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation. We took an optional tour (paid tour). The tour took us first to the cave, then to this magnificent monastery on top of the hill. While the cave had a lot religious significance, this monastery was a real sightseeing gem. Wonderful location, great views, and plenty of history. (it is 1000 years old, whereas St. John lived in the cave, in exile, over 1900 years ago). There is a fantastic little museum, where you can see some very interesting church treasures, including the document signed by the Byzantine Emperor Alexis in 1088, establishing this monastery. As we had taken a paid tour, we had an excellent guide, who gave us an enormous amount of information. She also pointed out the best places to get photos. The views are stunning. One caution: your transport cannot take you right up to the entrance, it will need to park a fair way below. So, there is some climbing involved. If it is rainy, the cobblestones will be slippery and dangerous. Not a place to take a stroller!
Written April 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NatMcN
Brussels, Belgium100 contributions
I find this quite moving, that the head monk chose to stay open to tourists despite the threat of the virus to him and his elderly peers. Since they don’t charge admission, it’s not for the revenue. I’m grateful we could visit.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gramps3421
Chappell Hill, TX246 contributions
The essence of the Holy Spirit filled my heart and soul both times that I have visited this sacred site. The museum is a site to behold with a wonderful mixture of relics and icons.
Written June 23, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ronderland
Beirut, Lebanon3,125 contributions
Friends
Visiting patmos without going to this sacred place is meaningless. The church is a jewel by itself and the stunning part of the monastery is the museum rich in icons frescos and many other church items.
Written April 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David R
Cleveland, OH62 contributions
We were followed around the entire time by the priest who was groping his gentiles and trying to lure us into a back room. This is beautiful and holy place however all travelers should beware of this man. I highly recommend visiting however keep a fair distance from this man. It was awkward and uncomfortable and a disgrace ,
Written December 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
OTT12
London323 contributions
Couples
The monastery sits on top of Chora the capital of Patmos island and it is a must visit whether you are religious or not.
Dedicated to St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation is perhaps one of the most important monasteries in the Christian religion and also a very important Byzantine building and architecture.
You can take a bus or taxi to get to the top or even walk if you are fit and have the time.
As with all religious sights dress sensibly.
The entrance fee is modest and it also includes entrance into the museum which contains some of the most important artefacts and scriptures of the Eastern Church.
The Byzantine frescos are simply superb.
After the visit enjoy the view over the island and don't forget to have a walk around the picturesque streets of Chora.
You must not miss the monastery, it's a hugely moving experience.
Dedicated to St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation is perhaps one of the most important monasteries in the Christian religion and also a very important Byzantine building and architecture.
You can take a bus or taxi to get to the top or even walk if you are fit and have the time.
As with all religious sights dress sensibly.
The entrance fee is modest and it also includes entrance into the museum which contains some of the most important artefacts and scriptures of the Eastern Church.
The Byzantine frescos are simply superb.
After the visit enjoy the view over the island and don't forget to have a walk around the picturesque streets of Chora.
You must not miss the monastery, it's a hugely moving experience.
Written August 31, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dragon789wv
Agoura Hills, CA5,592 contributions
Couples
My wife and I were here on a Globus tour, and this was part of a 3-day cruise by Celestyal Cruise Olympia and tour is by the cruise ship, which included a trip to the Grotto (whoopeee!).
By the time we got to the Monastery, it was almost 7pm, and don't forget that DST kicked in a week earlier, so ... yeah, we got a lot of terrific shots on the outside! I am amazed at how a cruise ship DARES to charge people to visit the island 'attractions'.
To be honest, if I had known what the island's 2 attractions were, combined with the late hour of arrival to see the Grotto first (arrived there around 6:15pm) ,,, I would probably have skipped the whole tour from the cruise ship ... not worth the price.
However ...
If I were to break up the Monastery and the Museum, the Monastery would be a 3 and the Museum would be a 5.
I don't remember if they allowed photography inside the Monastery, but I think it was NO photography.
To us, the Museum -- Alert - no photography allowed! -- was most interesting. It had many items that were ... very intricate, very well done, and some were so small that you have to really look to see how well done and intricate the work really was. THAT to many of us on the tour was the highlight of the Monastery Shame we were not allowed photography so we could walk away with memories to show others - and have good memories.
By the time we got to the Monastery, it was almost 7pm, and don't forget that DST kicked in a week earlier, so ... yeah, we got a lot of terrific shots on the outside! I am amazed at how a cruise ship DARES to charge people to visit the island 'attractions'.
To be honest, if I had known what the island's 2 attractions were, combined with the late hour of arrival to see the Grotto first (arrived there around 6:15pm) ,,, I would probably have skipped the whole tour from the cruise ship ... not worth the price.
However ...
If I were to break up the Monastery and the Museum, the Monastery would be a 3 and the Museum would be a 5.
I don't remember if they allowed photography inside the Monastery, but I think it was NO photography.
To us, the Museum -- Alert - no photography allowed! -- was most interesting. It had many items that were ... very intricate, very well done, and some were so small that you have to really look to see how well done and intricate the work really was. THAT to many of us on the tour was the highlight of the Monastery Shame we were not allowed photography so we could walk away with memories to show others - and have good memories.
Written December 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nemesis🇬🇷
Athens, Greece6,456 contributions
Couples
Has amazing view and totally worth a visit. Very peaceful place, offers the ultimate spiritual tranquility. Also church has a great architecture
Written June 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aussiebooklover
Mundingburra, Australia92 contributions
Friends
Got the hire car and set off for the monastery and holy cave of St John. The road was very steep amd narrow. Went to the cave first and into the chapel inside it. Couldn't take pictures but bought postcards. Very large comfortable cave with a fairly small building over it. Amazing to think that this where St John dictated the book of Revelations. Great views of Patmos from here.
Then drove even further up this steep road to the top where the monastery is. It's a beautiful building, all white washed walls, brilliant bougainvillea, and little courtyards. Took lots of photos, the view was even better here. The museum in the monastery has some very ancient books with beautiful decorations and pictures.
There are lots of shops on the steep narrow road that leads between old buildings from the car park to the monastery . We browsed in a few, and when we came down, stopped for lunch at a cafe overlooking the view, which was lovely. Had nice omelettes and a salad.
Then drove even further up this steep road to the top where the monastery is. It's a beautiful building, all white washed walls, brilliant bougainvillea, and little courtyards. Took lots of photos, the view was even better here. The museum in the monastery has some very ancient books with beautiful decorations and pictures.
There are lots of shops on the steep narrow road that leads between old buildings from the car park to the monastery . We browsed in a few, and when we came down, stopped for lunch at a cafe overlooking the view, which was lovely. Had nice omelettes and a salad.
Written November 19, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1vakantie2014
Groningen Province, The Netherlands7 contributions
Kun je met een scooter naar boven.
Janelise W
Rolante, RS111 contributions
I would like to visit the Cave and the Monastery in October, we will arrive in the late afternoon.
You can refer me companies or someone who makes the excursions and or transfers there. Thank you
andrew c
Poole, UK43 contributions
How much is entry to the monastery and also are taxis freely available to take you to chora and back to skala. Also is it walkable from skala ?
AlanD411
Samos, Greece254 contributions
Entry costs approx 10 euros. Can’t remember! Plenty of taxis from Skala. 7 euros each way. Can take local bus. Ticket costs 1.80 euro.
Vanessa S
1 contribution
Hi, me and some older group of people will visit Patmos in few days.Our cruise ship docking at 5.45 too and I am wondering if the Grotto snd Monastery will be open? I know that we van visit the Monastery by bus but May we visit The Cave by bus too?
brendan c
35 contributions
Yes to both questions I have just arrived home from Patmos and both The cave of revelations and The monastery of St John are open till sunset and are a must see!
Stephanie H
5 contributions
Hi Alan,
If we are planning a tour - cruise ship docks at 5:45. Is that enough time to visit the monastery in your opinion? Thank you for your time. God bless!
Alex C
Essex, UK82 contributions
That depends on how long you are staying on Patmos and at what time of year you are traveling (and you do mean 5:45 p.m. don't you?)
If you are there in the summer and you make your way up the hill as soon as you dock, then yes, you will have plenty of time to visit the cave and the monastery (although you might want to consider grabbing a taxi, or a bus if there's one there - although the walk is fabulous and so rewarding, it is time consuming, and that might work against you.)
You will love Patmos, it's a very special place.
deba1152
Wall Township, NJ13 contributions
What time does St John's Monastery and Grotto close on November 6,2018? We are on a cruise and will only be in Patmis from 5:45-9:30 pm. Thank you
marijansesvete
Zagreb, Croatia1,684 contributions
I'm not sure...
Hello ...
where was this man ? in the monastery ? or in the cave of apocalypse ?
do you have a photo of him?
kind regards
marijansesvete
Zagreb, Croatia1,684 contributions
Which man?
451connie
Hollywood, Florida3 contributions
I would like to know the time of close the Monastery; the Cruise arrive at 6:00PM
Thank You.
Consuelo Urban
451connie
Hollywood, Florida3 contributions
Hi, Consuelo. What would you like to know about this attraction?
I would like to know the time to close the monastery.
The cruise arrive at 18:00 time 6:00PM ; it is enough time to see the cave and monastery?
Thank You.
Consuelo Urban
wmccfp
Stuart, FL311 contributions
Not really especially if you have to take a tender from the ship to shore.
Frequently Asked Questions about Monastery of St. John
- We recommend booking Monastery of St. John tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Monastery of St. John tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Monastery of St. John:
- (0.05 mi) Chora villa 1 with unique sea view
- (0.08 mi) chora mansion 18th century patmos eot 1323 heart of chora
- (0.16 mi) Eleni Houses
- (0.67 mi) Le Balcon
- (0.81 mi) The Petra
- Restaurants near Monastery of St. John:
- (0.00 mi) Jimmy's Balcony
- (0.01 mi) Giagkos Pantheon Patmos
- (0.05 mi) Loza Restaurant
- (0.06 mi) Benetos
- (0.06 mi) Stoa Theo's Bar