Welcome to Patras
Patras is the third largest city of Greece and the regional capital of Western Greece, in the northern Peloponnese, 215 km (134 mi) west of Athens. The city is built at the foot of Mount Panachaikon, overlooking the Gulf of Patras.
In the Roman period, it had become a cosmopolitan center of the eastern Mediterranean whilst, according to the Christian tradition, it was also the place of Saint Andrew’s martyrdom.
Dubbed as Greece’s ‘Gate to the West’, Patras is a commercial hub, while its busy port is a nodal point for trade and communication with Italy and the rest of Western Europe. The city has two public universities and one technological institute, hosting a large student population and rendering Patras an important scientific centre[citation needed] with a field of excellence in technological education. The Rio-Antirio Bridge connects Patras’ easternmost suburb of Rio to the town of Antirrio, connecting the Peloponnese peninsula with mainland Greece.
Every February, the city hosts one of Europe’s largest carnivals. Notable features of the Patras Carnival include its mammoth satirical floats and balls and parades, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors in a Mediterranean climate. Patras is also famous for supporting an indigenous cultural scene active mainly in the performing arts and modern urban literature. It was European Capital of Culture in 2006.
Patras' Hotspots
what to visit see eat drink
Church of Saint Andrew
Church of Saint Andrew
The Cathedral of Saint Andrew (Agios Andreas) is the protector saint of Patra. According to the tradition, Apostle Andrew, the first student of Jesus Christ, was crucified in this town, on a site near the port. In fact, a large church has been built on the exact spot where Apostle Andrew was crucified.
The Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Patra has the largest dome in the Balkans. It was established in 1974 and it has Byzantine architecture, with many arches and bell tower. Opposite this church, there is an older church, also dedicated to Saint Andrew, that was built in 1835 and was designed by the famous architect Lysandros Kaftatzoglou. Right next to it, there is a water spring and it is said that this is where Apostle Andrew left his last breath in 66 A.D.
Roman Odeum of Patras
Roman Odeum of Patras
It is located west of the Acropolis at the Ano Poli (Upper City) and is considered to be older than the Herodotus Odeon in Athens.
It is located west of the Acropolis at the Ano Poli (Upper City) and is considered to be older than the Herodotus Odeon in Athens. Its renovation was completed in 1956 when it acquired its former appearance; it preserves all the basic parts of a theater and has a capacity of 2300 people. It serves as the main venue of the International Festival of Patras.
Apollon Theatre
Apollon Theatre
The Apollon Theatre is a theatre in Patras, Greece. Designed by the famous German architect Ernst Ziller, it was completed in 1872. The Apollon is located east of Georgiou I Square, one of Patras' popular squares. The theatre is a micrograph of the La Scala in Milan and is the oldest existing enclosed theatre of the same era. The Apollon Theatre has been the main stage of the Patras Municipal and Regional Theatre since 1988, and can hold up to 300 people.
Archaeological Museum of Patras
Archaeological Museum of Patras
The Archaeological Museum of Patras opened its doors to the public in 2009. Its permanent exhibition, divided into three major units (Public Life - Private Life - Necropolis), includes finds from the city of Patras and the southern and western regions of Achaia. The exhibits date back to a period spanning from the 4th millennium BC until the 4th century AD. It is worth noting that among the museum’s exhibits visitors can admire remarkable mosaic floors of Roman villas located in Patras adorned with mythological scenes and natural motifs.
Rion – Antirion Bridge
Rion – Antirion Bridge
In 1880 Harilaos Trikoupis became Prime Minister of Greece. Born in Nafplion, he had a vision of joining Messolonghi, his home county (northern coast of the Corinthian Gulf) with Achaia region in the Peloponnese (southern coast). He spoke in the Parliament about the need to bridge the Rion – Antirion straits on March 29, 1889. However, such a project was not technically feasible until the end of the 20th Century. So it took almost a whole century before the Greek State decided to call for tenders for the construction of a fixed link. The invitation to tender in 1991 followed by the tender in December 1993 led on January 3, 1996, to the signing between the Hellenic Republic and GEFYRA of the Concession Agreement for the Design, Construction, Financing, Maintenance and Operation of the Rion – Antirion Bridge.
This agreement was not put into force until the full financing for the project was achieved, by the end of 1997. It took 2 years to close the first privately financed concession project in modern Greece with the EIB master facility agreement signed on July 25, 1997 and financial agreement was achieved on December 17, 1997. On July 19, 1998, Mr. Costas Simitis, Prime Minister of Greece cast the first stone for the Rion – Antirion Bridge, in presence of Mr. Costis Stephanopoulos, President of the Hellenic Republic. Less than seven years later, 4 months ahead of schedule, the Rion – Antirion Bridge was inaugurated by the Minister of Public Works, Mr. George Souflias on August 12, 2004, in the eve of the Opening of the Athens Olympic Games.
Agiou Nikolaou Str Stairs
Agiou Nikolaou Str Stairs
The Stairs of Agiou Nikolaou Street are located in Patras and it is one of the most characteristic locations of the city. They are an important attraction and historical monument, but nevertheless the original purpose of their construction remains unchanged to this day.
Built in 1934, during the interwar period, during the mayoralty of Vassilios Roufos, replacing the pre-existing winding earthen uphill located at the site. They are the largest and most impressive stairs with 193 steps (the project started in 1930) and connect the main road, Agios Nikolaos, with a great neighborhood, the Castle, the old Hospital, etc.
Patras Yacht Marina
Patras Yacht Marina
Patras Yacht Marina is a medium size marina situated in the city of Patras and offers immediate access to the Ionian Sea and the Greek coast. In Patras Marina you can find several cafeterias and bars where you can enjoy your drink with a marvelous and relaxing view.
Patras Hammam
Patras Hammam
The most ancient Hammam of Greece is located in Patras. The Hammam of Patras dates back to 1400 and has been operating continuously since then. It is located on Boukaouri Street, in Ano Poli. It was built during the Venetian occupation and was later maintained by the Ottomans.
Trion Navarchon Walkway
Trion Navarchon Walkway
On the west side of the historic centre of Patras, near Agios Andreas, is the Trion Navarchon Street. A mixture of pedestrian street and square. In Trion Navarchon you will find many cafes, restaurants and taverns where you can enjoy traditional Greek food such as the famous Greek souvlaki.
Riga Feraiou pedestrian zone
Riga Feraiou pedestrian zone
The pedestrian street of Riga Feraiou is the most famous street where you can enjoy your coffee and shopping in the centre of Patras. In Riga Feraiou you can find well-known chain stores, local businesses & a variety of restaurants and café-bars.
Stairs of Gerokostopoulou
Stairs of Gerokostopoulou
Another characteristic location for a walk in Patras is the middle of the three staircases that connect the lower and upper parts of Patras. In many places that are still being excavated today, parts of the Roman Stadium-Theatre of the 10th century AD are revealed. You will find many young people along the route. Some are sitting with their friends, others are waiting to watch a show or a live performance in one of the nightclubs. From the pedestrian street of Gerokostopoulou you can see King George Square and in the distance the Patraikos Gulf.
Hephaestus pedestrian walkway
Hephaestus pedestrian walkway
One of the oldest neighborhoods of Patras. Hephaestus Street is located in the centre of Patras, opposite the Roman stadium, the picture at night resembles the Plaka of Athens. You can simply walk next to the Roman Hippodrome or even try Greek food.
Castle of Patras
Castle of Patras
The Castle of Patras was built around the middle of the 6th century, over the ruins of the ancient acropolis, on a low, remote hill of Panachai mountain and 800m from the sea. The castle covers 22,725 m² and consists of a triangular outer wall, reinforced by towers and gates and further protected initially by a moat, and an inner complex in the northeast corner, also protected by a moat. The Castle of Patras is located just a few meters away from the first step at the top of the staircase of Agios Nikolaos Street.
Dasylio Patras
Dasylio Patras
The suburban park of Patras, Dasylion, is less than 2 km from the central point of the city, King George Square. It is located on Eshatovouni, the lowest hill (έσχατος) of Panachaikos. Dasylion, is a natural forest, offering peace and relaxation from the rhythms of the city. It is also a familiar spot for walking or running. It is surrounded by pine trees and offers great views. After your walk, you can enjoy a drink or coffee with a panoramic view of the city.
Psila Alonia
Psila Alonia
One of the largest squares in Greece is Psila Alonia Square. The statue of "Palaion Patron Germanos", the forerunner of the 1821 Revolution, is located on the western side of this square. Many events take place in the square, such as the celebration of Spring, every 1st of May, carnival events etc. The square is located just above the pedestrian street of Trion Navarchon and you can find various cafes, restaurants and well-known bars.
Mycenaean Cemetery
Mycenaean Cemetery
The cemetery is one of the most important sites in the area of the Mycenaean world. It is located in Voudeni, seven kilometres outside Patras. Many of the finds that have come to light, such as vases, clay figurines, bronze artichokes, tools, weapons and jewellery, have been transferred and are on display at the nearby Archaeological Museum of Patras.
Carnival of Patras
Carnival of Patras
Patras is the great host of the Greek Carnival. In the city centre, the biggest Carnival in Greece takes place with dances, parades, the Hidden Treasure game, the Bourboulias, exhibitions, artistic activities, concerts, etc. It culminates on the last weekend (about 40 days before Orthodox Easter) with the night parade - on Saturday evening and Sunday at noon - of crews and floats. The curtain falls with the spectacular burning of the King Carnival's float at the Closing Ceremony, on the pier of the Mole of St. Nicholas. The events of the Patras Carnival are organized by the Public Enterprise of the Municipality of Patras - Carnival of Patras.
The creation of the floats takes place in the carnival workshop. It is a time-consuming process as it takes place for months. The chariots are created by volunteers and are handmade. You can see the process here!
Municipal Library
Municipal Library
In the centre of Patras, very close to the Town Hall, you can visit the Municipal Library. The library counts 200,000 scientific and literary books, as well as 853 journal titles, complete editions of government regulations (from 1830) and more. In a special section of the Library, valuable documents and books signed by great personalities (e.g. Kostis Palamas, Yannis Ritsos, Mussolini, etc.) are kept. The Library has a lending section of literary books and a lending section of children's books on the ground floor.
Lighthouse
Lighthouse
If you like to walk on small streets among the grass, with a view of the sea, Faros is the ideal choice. Close to the church of Agios Andreas, a short distance from the South Park, there is one of the most famous tourist spots, Faros. You can relax with your friends and let the tranquillity of the landscape carry you away. The sunset over the rocks and the sea is breathtaking and at night, the lighthouse gets a special illumination, making it one of the best options for evening walks.
Art in progress
Art in progress
In 2011, Art in Progress was created. It focuses on the planning, development and implementation of artistic, cultural, environmental and educational events with the main goal of bringing contemporary Greek and international artistic creation to the citizens of Patras, as well as creating the appropriate conditions for the cultural progress of the city.
The wonderful graffiti that you will surely encounter in the city are some of the results of Art in Progress. If you want to see them all, do ARTWALK!
Achaia Clauss
Achaia Clauss
Ahaia Klaus was founded in 1861 and is the oldest winery in Greece. It is located on the hill of the same name, just eight kilometres southeast of the centre of Patras. It was founded by the Bavarian Gustav Klaus, who came to Patras in 1854 to work for a German raisin exporting company. During one of his travels, he got to know the area and was impressed by its stunning scenery. He initially bought a vineyard of just 15 acres and eventually built the Castle Winery, which is still standing today.
The sweet red wine that Gustav Clauss first produced in 1873 in his vineyard was named 'Mavrodaphne' in honour of his Greek sweetheart with beautiful black eyes, Daphne, who died at a young age. Gustav Clauss is considered to be the founder and the originator of the institution of wine tourism in Greece, following the visit of Princess Sissy of Austria-Hungary in 1885. It was for her sake that he even named Kellari "Imperial".
Notio Parko
Notio Parko
Notio Parko is located very close to the centre of Patras. A new reconstructed location where people of all ages can take a walk, run or even train near the sea. The South Park gives many options, as there is fitness equipment, wooden tables among trees and alleys designed for cyclists or even an off-road simulation for mountain bike and BMX enthusiasts.
Greek Flavors @ Patras
Mavrodaphne
Mavrodaphne
The sweet red wine produced by Gustav Klaus in 1873 was named "Mavrodaphne" in honour of Daphne, his Greek sweetheart with the beautiful black eyes, who died at a young age. Mavrodaphne is an almost black, opaque wine with a dark brown mirror and a purple-brown iridescent color. It presents aromas and flavors of caramel, chocolate, coffee, raisin and plum.
Loukoumi
Loukoumi
Loukoumi has been an integral part of Greek tradition for years. This unique sweet combines pure, natural ingredients giving it a special aroma and a characteristic velvety texture. In Patras, loukoumi has its own special history. Since 1850, in the Patras area, loukoumi workshops have flourished and have deservedly earned their place as a local sweet. Patras became the link between loukoumi and the western world, as a 19th century English traveller, passing through Patras, brought it back home and from there to the rest of the world.
Tentura
Tentura
According to tradition, the origins of Tentura date back to the 15th century. Tentura is the traditional liqueur of Patras, which has a particularly sweet and pleasant taste (but also a fairly significant alcohol content) and is made by flavouring or extracting various types of spirits, such as rum or brandy or alcoholic drinks accompanied by various herbs, the main ingredients being cinnamon and cloves. Tendura is almost black in colour and has a very sweet taste. It can be drunk neat or with ice as an aperitif and even as an after-dinner digestive due to its ingredients.
