Patmos Apocalypse Cave

Location: Chora

The Cave of Apocalypse in Patmos, Greece: The cave of the Apocalypse was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in the year 2006. It is located halfway between the Port of Patmos in Skala and Patmos Town. The place is also known as the Holy Grotto and is an extraordinary example of a traditional pilgrimage center of outstanding architectural interest. The cave is 6.60 m long and 5.50 m wide and has been encased within a sanctuary. Photography is not allowed in the cave of Saint John who made the cave his home during his exile by the Roman Emperor Domitian and as a result, the cave became the center of his revelation, which he dictated to his disciple Prohorus and this led to the creation of the Book of the Apocalypse, or Revelation, the last book of the Bible.

Seven silver lamps have been hung in the cave of which the largest is above the place where St. John slept using a rock as a pillow that still exists in the cave. Presently, a monk and/or spiritual leader sits on the rock and tells the story of the Apocalypse and how the book was written, to the tourists. The cave has a few niches in the stone from where John rested his head and another from his hand, in the shallow cave. Also, a triple fissure can be seen from where Saint John heard the voice of God and which represented the Holy Trinity.

To experience the energy of the miraculous cave, a stirring brochure written by Archimandrite Koutsanellos (Superior of the Cave), the Book of Revelation and many guides are available but the most recommended method is to sit on one of the stools and feel the divine energy of the most mysterious cave in the world. On the 26th of September, the cave celebrates the Panagia of Erimitiriou with the arrival of worshipers who come to honor and celebrate the holy place.