AGIOS IOANNIS ON-THE-ROCK

Turning left at the entrance of Kapsali village, above the picturesque port at an altitude of about 100m, you’ll find the small chapel of Agios Ioannis on-the-rock. The stone stairs lead to the church entrance, where you’ll see the inscription of the monk Ioannikios, who restored the shrine in 1725.The church is built inside a small cave where, according to tradition, Evangelist John came after he left  Rome –where he was persecuted- and began the writing of the Apocalypse, before moving to Patmos. Above the arched entrance is the guest house, with two rooms and a kitchen, originally built 500 years ago. Approximately 5-6 monks once lived here and in a couple of small cells nearby. Going further up the stairs you’ll first meet a small ancient temple that was probably in honor of Evangelist John and soon you’ll see the cave. It seems that during the 17^th century the complex consisted of two churches: Agios Ioannis the Theologian inside the cave and the Baptist further down on the cliff which was ruined due to barbarian invasions and neglection. When restoration took place in the 18^th century the cave was inaugurated under the name of the Baptist, putting aside the worship of the Theologos, which was initially related to the space.