Patmos art & history tour (30-40 pax)

Our main destination is the old village of Chora, the island’s capital,
which stands high on the hilltop looking down over the port of Skala. From here
we will have the oppor-

tunity to photograph the breathtaking panoramic view, learn a little about
the islands historical background and discover the stunning architecture of
houses dating from the fifteen to eighteen hundreds.

After a short walk through the winding cobbled streets we arrive at the
House of Simandiris. Here we will have the unique experience of seeing the
interior of a tradi- tional Patmian house along with antique furniture,
embroidery and paintings collected over 8 generations of the Simandiris family
members. Just around the corner is the tiny Convent of Zoodochos Pigi built in
1607. On one side of the cobbled courtyard is the chapel, where we discover an
array of recently restored 17th century frescoes, the timeless art of the icon
along with a beautifully carved icon wall. On the other side is a small gift
shop where one can purchase handicrafts made by the nuns.

We will continue by foot through a labyrinth of atmospheric lanes winding
their way past the foot of the Monastery of St. John to the Mansion of
Nikolaidis. This historical homestead has recently been restored under the
supervision of the Greek Ministry of Culture to protect Byzantine Antiquities.
After the fifteen hundreds Patmos enjoyed an influx of wealthy ship owners and
merchants who built large luxurious houses displaying their powerful class and
allowing them protection against numerous pirate attacks.

The Nikolaidis Mansion, built in the seventeen hundreds, is a wonderful
example of these grand houses – an excellent exhibition showing not only the
islanders way of life but also a varied collection of local archeological
finds. On the ground floor we find storerooms for foodstuffs, a cooking area
with its original oven, water tanks for the collection of rainwater and its own
private chapel named after St. Nickolas.

Three staircases lead to the 2nd floor where we find verandas, the formal
reception room and the sleeping area, along with a magnificent ambataros (a
separating wooden partition), decorated with traditional folk painting. The
ambataros is a grand status symbol of that time.

Before returning to the port of Skala we conclude our tour with
refreshments in a beautiful environment with a spectacular view. A bit of
shopping in Chora is also an option!

Ideal departing time: 08:30 -09:30 

Tour schedule (organized)

09:00 – Depart to Chora

09:10 – Architectural walk to Simandiris

09:40 – Visit of Simandiris house 

10:10 – Visit of Zoodohos Pigi  Museum

10:40 – Walk of Mansion of Nikolaidis

11:00 – Visit of mansion of Nikolaidis

11:50 – Refreshments & Shopping

12:30 – End of tour and transfer back to hotel.

Dress code: Shoulders and knees covered.