The Gold Book of Patmos | Seite 10

CHORA Chora is a gem inside a bigger one. The capital of the island belongs in the list of World Heritage Sites of UNESCO since 1999. The beautiful vivid town with about the 540 inhabitants, is the second bigger settlement of the island and is built and protected under the walls of the fortified byzantine Monastery of Aghios Ioannis Theologos. What is more impressive is the fact, that has kept the typical architectural features of a medieval settlement with labyrinth al- 10 leys, majestic mansions with tall fences and flat roofs “touching” each other. A settlement with an astonishing white colour, washed by the sun and the ele- ments of nature. Apart from wandering, in the alleys you can find all sorts of styl- ish tourist shops, traditional scenic tav- erns and restaurants, ambient bars and places to stay. The capital is a landmark for the cultural wealth of Patmos -with the Holy Monastery at the center- and a whole monument on its own.