Monastery of the Apocalypse

Top choice in Dodecanese


Nestled amid the pines halfway to Hora, the Monastery of the Apocalypse focuses on the cave where St John lived as a hermit and received his revelation. Pilgrims and less-than-devout cruise passengers alike stream into the chapel built over the recess to see the rocky pillow where the saint rested his head, the handhold with which he’d haul himself up from his prayers and the stone slab that served as his writing desk.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Dodecanese attractions

1. Holy Monastery of Zoödohos Pigi

0.35 MILES

The Orthodox convent known as the Holy Monastery of Zoödohos Pigi is tucked away in the back alleys of Hora. You can’t go beyond its pretty little…

2. Monastery of St John the Theologian

0.42 MILES

As this immense 11th-century monastery-cum-fortress remains active, only a small portion is open to visitors. The entrance courtyard leads to a…

3. Kampi

18.03 MILES

A short trek from the main village, this charming little bay with turquoise water has a tiny fishing port and a nice pebbly beach. A beach bar and a…

4. Historic & Folklore Museum

19.13 MILES

Housed in an incongruous castellated villa on the seafront, this museum covers several aspects of local history. The upstairs rooms are given over largely…

5. Archaeological Museum

20.3 MILES

A 19th-century building on the edge of Agia Marina, at the start of the climb up to Platanos, holds Leros’ small Archaeological Museum. Well-chosen…

6. Pandeli Castle

20.54 MILES

A steep, stony stepped path zigzags up from Platanos to reach the hilltop ruins of Pandeli Castle. The castle's oldest, innermost sections date back 1000…

7. War Museum

20.83 MILES

Who remembers now that a major WWII battle was fought on this remote little island? After British troops forced the Italians to surrender in September…

8. Fortress of Drakanos

27.53 MILES

This 4th-century-BC fortress sponsored religious rites dedicated to Eilythia, a fertility deity. A 13m-high lookout tower anchors the site, which features…