Biblical city
Patmos
Patmos, Greece · Aegean Sea
A small rocky island in the Aegean used by Rome for banishment, Patmos is where John received the Revelation (Revelation 1:9). The traditional cave of the Apocalypse and the monastery of Saint John crown the island.
History in Scripture
John was on Patmos "because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus" when he received the Revelation and was told to write to the seven churches (Revelation 1:9).
The ancient city
A small rocky Aegean island used by Rome as a place of relegation, Patmos lay within reach of the Asian coast and its harbours, a short sail from Miletus and Ephesus.
The site today
The Cave of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of St John the Theologian on Patmos form a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of continuing pilgrimage.
Key passages
Sources & notes
Description summarizes standard historical and archaeological reference works. Imagery is added separately and is labeled by type.