The Cave of the Apocalypse is located between the villages of Skala and Chora, in a pine forest a short distance from the port of the island of Patmos. It owes its name to the fact that right here the apostle John heard the voice of God from a triple rift formed in the rock, which symbolized the Holy Trinity and had the visions that led him to write the last book of the Bible, the Apocalypse. This mystical place, the center of Christianity together with the monastery of St. John, brought the title of "Jerusalem of the Mediterranean" to the island of Patmos.
Thus the simple words of the Apostle reveal his presence on the island: “I John, your brother and companion in the affliction, in the kingdom and in the constancy of Christ Jesus, I was in the island called Patmos, because of the Word of God and of the testimony of Jesus Christ. " (Revelation 1: 9)
The history of the Cave of the Apocalypse
The Grotto was the first shelter of the disciple John, when in 95 AD the Roman emperor Domitian exiled him to Patmos, because of his Christian preaching. The Evangelist remained on the island until 97 AD. and during his stay in the cave, three crevices formed in the rock from which the voice of God came out. It is plausible that the fourth Gospel of John was also written in this Cave.
Subsequently San Cristodulo, abbot of Bitinia, transformed the island of Patmos into a place of worship, in fact in the 11th century he founded, thanks to the concession of the emperor Alessio Komninos I, the grandiose monastery dedicated to San Giovanni. The Greek Parliament in 1983 declared Patmos a sacred island and in 1999, UNESCO declared the Monastery, the Cave of the Apocalypse and the village of Chora a World Heritage Site.
Even today on the occasion of the major Christian holidays, these sacred places attract many faithful from all over Greece and beyond. Especially during the Easter period, solemn masses and religious rites are celebrated here which are only the same in Jerusalem and which also last all night.
What is the Cave of the Apocalypse like?
It is preceded by a small white monastery called the Apocalypse, built in the 17th century. From here, via a staircase that flanks the monks' cells, you descend into the Grotto, preceded by a chapel that acts as an entrance where you can perceive a strong smell of incense.
The interior of the cave is small, illuminated with simple candles and decorated with paintings and ancient icons. In the penumbra of this cave the suggestion and the strong sacredness that is perceived is undeniable. A place steeped in history and sacredness, which creates awe in the most devoted visitors.
The Grotto of the Apocalypse is a point of reference not only for Patmos, but for Christianity worldwide. Here the possibility is given to every person, believer or not, to admire the place where the Apocalypse was written and to touch the rocks where one of the Evangelists lived.
Outside the Grotto you can rediscover with other eyes the nature that surrounds this Sacred building and meditate in this airy place, admiring the magnificent panorama from the bay of Skala to the infinite blue of the sea.
Opening days and times
9:00 to 11:00 Every Day
Closed on Fridays