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Chora, or Hora, is the Island’s capital, which is built
three kilometres southwest of Skala. It is rooted under
the walls of St. John the Divine’s monastery, much like
a tree’s. Its architecture is heavily influenced by Medieval
design, with whitewashed stone houses and Mediterranean
styled homes.
Hellenic or Greek island settlements usually have a village named Hora, which is usually the main village, having the first settlement and being the oldest developed area on that island. However, Patmos Island’s Hora is regarded by many to be the “Queen of all Horas” not just because of the monastery built on top of the village, but because of the Byzantine residences built on the Island which are both believed to unique in the Island and the strongest in all of the Aegean.
The first house dwellings in Hora date back around 1130 when the monks of the monastery called for the remaining settlers to take shelter close to each other and the monastery walls, thus create an outer wall. This was to prepare themselves when invaders attacked, taking refuge behind the built walls, keeping both the monks and the settlers safe.
Most of the stone houses in Chora, as well as the alleyways, roads, and even the captain’s mansions, date back to the 15th century. Evidently, Hora is one of the most expensive areas in Europe. Aside from stone houses and the monastery, Hora is home to its own shops, various restaurants and taverns, gift shops. Like Skala, the town is connected with the rest of the island via bus and taxis, and a twenty minute stride along the ancient pathway
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