Isn't it surprising that,almost 12 years after inscription, this is the first review of this site? It isn't as though getting to Patmos is difficult; it can easily be fitted into a Greek island hopping trip (in my case after Samos and before Mykonos). Accommodation on the island is plentiful too.

The WHS doesn't include the whole island (which has an area of 34km2 and a population of about 3000) just an Old Town, a monastery and a cave. These can easily be seen in one day.

Approaching from the sea the Chora(the old town) is seen occupying the highest parts of the hill rising above the harbour with, at its summit, the monastery of St John, protected by massive walls.

On a warm and sunny day in October 2004 I was pleased to be offered a pillion ride up the winding road to the top of the hill. Many parts of the monastery are closed to the visitor. What can be seen consists of small rooms and the courtyards between them with lots of intriguing passageways. Close by the entrance is the main church; it is small, atmospheric and rather gloomy with many of the frescoes all but obliterated by centuries of candle smoke. The Treasury museum contains the customary plate, silverware etc and is particularly strong on books, manuscripts, codices and the like.

The Old Town is in some ways like a small Arab town with houses showing almost blank walls to the passer-by, though a number of tiny churches are squeezed in amongst the houses.

Part way down the hill is the cave in which John is said to have had his divine revelation and to have dictated his vision to his devoted scribes. The cave has been extended to form a small chapel. A notable feature is a circular recess(nowadays rimmed with a silver collar)in the stone wall of the cave, and in this John is said to have laid his saintly head to sleep.

Patmos has many attractions and this site should be of interest not just to WHS spotters. I look forward to another review.