UNESCO world Heritage for Patmos:
The island was granted world heritage status by Unesco in 1998. As the official statement read: “There are few places in the world where religious ceremonies that date back to early Christian times are still practiced unchanged. The monastery the Cave of the Apocalypse and the medieval town constitute an exceptional example of a traditional Greek Orthodox pilgrimage center of outstanding architectural interest.”
The Mill-house, a few words....:
The Millhouse stands as one the tallest buildings of the Byzantine settlement of Chora, second only to the 11th century Monastery which dominates the village.The first official record where the house is mentioned is a contract dated to 1785; it is there where it is mentioned as 'the mill-house”. Since that time, the house changed many hands. In 1930 it was finally bought by a family of Greek refugees from Smyrna. In 1997 a large scale restoration was initiated. The house took its definitive form in 2004, as a property sleeping 6 people, and is now one of the most distinguished stone properties of Chora. The lemon tree terrace, adjacent to the large traditional kitchen with the wooden beamed roof, has a large table and in-built benches with cushions, where you can dine alfresco. The top terrace of the house offers a 360 degree breathtaking view of the village of Chora and the Aegean islands. From this rooftop terrace you can almost touch the walls of the Monastery of St. John!
How to come, some tips!:
'By ferry'.......Patmos can be reached daily by ferry from Athens' port, Piraeus. Try to travel with the Blue Star ferries which depart from Piraeus every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 19.00. These are large and modern ferries. Check up to date timetables through any travel agent, on the web, or you can call Blue Star Lines. The journey takes from 7 to 10 hours. Ferries are large with comfortable sleeping cabins. The return to Piraeus is normally overnight. 'By air'.......An alternative route to Patmos is by air to the Dodecanese islands of Samos or Kos (international charter airports), or Leros, linked by a 1 1/2 hour hydrofoil ride to Patmos Call for schedules.
