The Hora (pop. 670) grew up around the fortress-monastery of St. John in the late 16th c. It lies due south and above the port of Skala, and is connected with it by a narrow avenue of eucalyptus trees.

With its three small squares and dense construction, the village is divided into connecting quarters such as Kritika, Apithia, Allotina and Pezoula. There are many interesting churches of the 15th, 16th and 17th c. to see. The view from the Hora over the the island’s indented coastline is superb.

Under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch, it is a medieval monastic complex surrounded by a fortified polygonal wall, studded with tall towers and crenellated battlements for protection against pirates. A wide stairway leads to the entrance of the monastery and the chapel of Agioi Apostoloi. The main entrance is guarded by two towers and the famous projecting barbette, with an opening in the floor through which boiling oil or molten lead could be poured on adversaries. Today only its outer northern wall has been preserved.

The main church or katholikon was completed later with various additions of different periods and styles. The buildings line the interior of the circuit wall, leaving open spaces or courtyards, between them which supply light and air. The cells, chapels, storerooms and the other areas are linked by a labyrinthine network of corridors, arcades and stairways.

The courtyard, of stonework with arched cloisters, lies at the heart of the monastery, where you will see a large wooden and a small iron simandro or gong (used in place of bells during Ottoman rule). The old font filled with holy water stands on the high stone circular pedestal in its centre. The katholikon is of the Greek cross-in-square type, surmounted by a dome supported on four pillars; its ornate icon screen is early 19th c.

On the road between Skala and Hora, surrounded by the Monydrio dedicated to the Apocalypsis. Go down the few steps to the 18th c. chapel of Agios Artemios. To the rear of it, you’ll come to the entrance to the church of Agia Anna and the holy cave where there is also a chapel dedicated to St. John. You could also visit the Patmian Theological School, today a theological college recognized by the State.

The biggest village in Patmos, Hora’s port, with modern buildings, lots of shops and the centre of nightlife. To walk up to Hora the old cobbled path is more picturesque than the main road, but be sure to have a torch at night.

A small tourist village on a beautiful bay, with an islet at its entrance. Its hotels, rooms and tavernas are all situated on the waterfront.