Patras
Patras is located in western Peloponnese, in a distance of 215 km Southwest from Athens. It is the third largest city in Greece with a population of around 250.000 people.
The City of Patras is a very old city. It was founded as a roman colony by the Roman Emperor Augustus in 14 b.c. and played over the years, an important role in the history of the Roman Empire. The port of Patras connects Greece with Italy and is the western passage of Greece in Europe.
In Patras you can combine both mountain and sea, since Patra is a seaside town, built on the roots of a mountain. The city of Patras is also known worldwide for the famous Patras Carnival which is organized in the city every year. The events for the carnival are starting with a very traditional way in 18th of January every year. A town crier goes out to the streets and loudly announces the beginning of carnival celebration. During the Carnival celebrations, Patras becomes a city full of color and fun.
Many different events take place across the city, every day, which include dances, parades, hidden treasure hunt, street theater, exhibitions. The celebrations last for at least 40 days and are completed with the great carnival parades at the last weekend and the burning of Carnival King at the port, in a fantastic ceremony with fireworks. This is an event that everyone must see at least one time in his life.
Sightseeing In Patras
The churche of St. Andrew
Saint Andrew is the Protector of the city of Patras. His old church was built in the period 1836-1843 in the position where Saint Andrew died.
In the front and to the right side of the church, near the altar is, is the marble tomb of Saint Andrews. . You can also visit the New Church of St. Andrew, which is open from 1974 and you will admire the fantastic wall paintings.
The old well of St. Andrew
Next to the church is the old well of St. Andrews. Here was the place, where St. Andrews was preaching. According to tradition he was crucified next to this well.
The Feast of St. Andrew is celebrating every year on November 30th and is a holiday for the city of Patra.
Castle of Patras
The Castle of Patras was built during the second half of the 6th century on the ruins of the ancient Acropolis. Located on a low hill, in the city of Patra, 800 meters approximately from the sea. It was builted in the years of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian after the devastating earthquake in 551 a.d. It was built for the defense of the area and its residents. In the centuries that followed until after the Second World War, the Castle was continuously in use for the defense of the city, but also as an administrative and military center.
Archaeological Museum of Patras
The Archaeological Museum of Patra is located at the southern entrance of the city. The museum includes three large halls, one for the permanent exhibition, a hall that hosts temporary exhibitions and the hall for the reception area. You can also find coffee shop, a very big surrounding area and free parking visitors.
The exhibits are related to the period from 3000 b.c. until 4th century a.d. , and they are from the area of the city of Patra , and from of southern and western Achaia.
The most important of all ancient artifacts, are these from Mycenaean and Roman period, during which Patra city was at its peak of.
Ancient Conservatory of Patra
The Ancient Roman Conservatory of Patra is located to the western side of the city, in the Upper Town.
Over the centuries, many disasters such as earthquakes, wars and conquerors destroyed the conservatory and its buildings were covered with dirt. The Conservatory was rediscovered in 1889, when they were digging area for other constructions.
The work of restoration was completed in 1956, and now the Ancient Roman Conservatory is in its original form. The Conservatory has all the basic parts of a theater, auditorium, orchestra, stage, backstage and in 23 rows of seats, can accommodate 2,300 spectators.
Since the establishment of the International Festival of Patras, the Ancient Conservatory is hosting every summer top Greek and foreign artistic groups.
Achaia Clauss Wine Factory
You must visit this very old Wine Factory. It was founded in 1861 by the German-Bavarian Gustav Clauss. It is most famous for its fortified red wine called Mavrodafni. It is located very near the city of Patra, in Riganokampos area. You can have a daily tour in the factory, and in its cellars you can find the oldest wine that is stored in Greece, since 1873.