Month: October 2018

Patmos, Greece An Article in Milieu Magazine

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Recently, I picked up the Fall 2018 issue of Milieu Magazine.  This is the 5-year anniversary issue and is simply chock-full of interesting articles!  One, in particular, captured my attention.  It was in the travel section.  Written by Charlotte Di Careaci with photography by Miguel Flores-Vianna, it transported me to the fall of 2015 and our very first visit to the amazing Greek island of Patmos!

Milieu Magazine, Fall 2018, 5th anniversary issue.
Milieu Magazine, Fall 2018, 5th anniversary issue.

Located in the Aegean Sea, Patmos is famous because John of Patmos, who wrote the Bible’s Book of Revelation, did so, here, sometime around 70AD.  The cave where John received the Revelation is located between the capital city of Chora and the port city of Skala.  The Cave of the Apocalypse is open to the public and has made Patmos a destination of pilgrimage.  In 1999, Chora, the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, and the Cave of the Apocalypse were all named UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The port city of Skala as seen from the Aegean Sea.
The port city of Skala as seen from the Aegean Sea.
The road from Skala to Chora. The Cave of the Apocalypse is along this route.
The road from Skala to Chora. The Cave of the Apocalypse is along this route.
The Monastery of Patmos built c. 100AD uphill from the Cave of the Apocalypse.
The Monastery of Patmos built c. 100AD uphill from the Cave of the Apocalypse.

Today, Patmos is a destination paradise for travelers seeking solitude, beautiful beaches, awesome mountain cliffs, amazing monasteries & convents & churches.  Oh yes, the architecture is enchanting!  We have visited the port city of Skala.  Our short visit consisted of strolling the narrow streets, sipping coffee in welcoming outdoor cafes, shopping charming independent boutiques, savoring the seafood, and gazing, in admiration, upon the sites!

Walking the streets of Skala.
Walking the streets of Skala.
Windmills on a hillside above the town.
Windmills on a hillside above the town.
Seafood is the specialty!
Seafood is the specialty!
Wonderful cafes are everywher!
Wonderful cafes are everywhere!
Boutique shopping in Skala.
Boutique shopping in Skala.
One of the more than 300 churches on the island!
One of the more than 300 churches on the island!
The charming port city of Skala.
The charming port city of Skala.

Reading this Milieu article took me back to that most pleasant port -of-call.  We look forward to returning, someday!  Meanwhile, I thank talented people like Ms. Careaci and Mr. Flores-Vianna for awakening the memories that bring the sights, smells, and emotions of travel back to the forefront!