Jean-Baptiste Hilaire (Audunle-le-Tiche 1753-after 1822 Paris)

The fortified monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos, or Saint John the Theologue, was built in 1088 by Saint Christodoulos in the Byzantine architectural style, and can be found at the centre of Chora, a village on the island of Patmos. Chora came to prominence during the 16 Century when wealthy merchants commissioned opulent residences, however the present capriccio view shows the monastery without the surrounding village. In reality, the hill upon which the monastery sits also has three low peaks and is much higher above the sea.