Patras attractions

Source www.kuku.travel, www.carnivalpatras.gr

Patras is the capital of the Peloponnese, Western Greece and Ionia, the third largest city in the country with a population of 195,000 (as of 2021). The city is located on the north-western tip of the Peloponnese peninsula, on the shores of the Gulf of Patraikos. With an important seaport in the city of Patras, Greece has an active trade with Italy, which is important for the development of the economy and culture of the country.

The first point in the Peloponnese on the way to Olympia from central Greece is the city of Patras, as travelers necessarily pass the Rion-Andirion Bridge. This makes Patras a crowded and lively arrival and departure point, although the city itself, with its ancient history and vibrant modernity, has much to offer in terms of educational information and entertainment.

It should be noted that Patras has a world-renowned university teaching medical, humanities and social sciences, which makes the city's student population the main driving force.

Hence the mass of youth satellites - cafes, bars, nightclubs, etc. In summer, Patras hosts the International Festival of Arts, and in winter (for over 180 years) the main carnival in Greece.

Attractions

The city of Patras is a pleasant town with good hotels and a developed tourist infrastructure. The city is divided into Upper and Lower Town. The main attractions are located in the upper part.

Patras Castle

The historical center of the ancient Upper Town is the well-preserved ancient castle built in the second half of the VI century on the highest point of Panahaika Hill, on the ruins of the ancient acropolis. Until the twentieth century, the structure was used as an administrative center and also for the defense of the city, withstanding numerous sieges.

Today the castle has a small theater and the courtyard has been turned into a public park. The advantageous location of one of the most striking sights in Greece makes it possible to view not only Patras, but also the opposite shores from its viewpoints. The views from the castle are worth the climb up the stairs.

Travelers recommend going to the castle in the morning, wear comfortable shoes and take water with you, because you can not buy it on the spot.

Address: Frouriou 56, Patra 262 25, Greece.

Open from 8:30 to 15:30 in winter time, in summer the castle is open for half an hour longer, not working Tuesday.

Antique Odeon

Another art object of the Upper City is the Odeon. It was built during the heyday of the Roman Empire, the second half of the II century AD. The theater has four rows of seats in the lower part and seven in the upper part. The outer, high wall has five entrances to the scene and to the side buildings. Access to the "backstage" is through two built-in staircases, one on the left side and one on the right. The parterre is paved and separated from the scene by a semicircular parapet.

As a result of wars, battles and earthquakes, the amphitheater was seriously damaged, the structure was "buried" for a long time under other buildings, but in 1889 the Odeon was accidentally discovered during the construction of the dam.

Since the completion of the restoration of the site in 1956, the amphitheater gives a good impression of Roman times. Today, the Odeon accommodates more than 2,000 spectators and provides many city events.

Antique Odeon is located next to the Castle of Patras. Entry is free. Opening hours: 8:30-15:30 a.m. every day except Tuesday.

Cathedral of St. Andrew

It is a large modern cathedral and one of the main attractions of the city of Patras. The cathedral is located near the waterfront, half an hour's drive from the center. Its architecture is truly impressive, as is its interior decoration. The central dome reaches a height of 46 meters. On top of it there is a 5 meters cross, which in turn is surrounded by 12 smaller crosses - they symbolize Jesus and the 12 apostles.

In the cathedral, the relics of St. Andrew are kept under glass in a metal capsule. People constantly come to the church to pray and touch the relics, but there are no crowds of tourists. There is a holy spring here, from which anyone can drink water.

Having learned which saint is the patron saint of the city of Patras, many tourists come here on December 13, when its inhabitants celebrate the City Day, which begins with a procession from the cathedral to the center.

Address: Evmilou 4, Patras 262 22, Greece.

Apollo City Theater

The theater is a historical building, built according to the project of the German architect Ernst Zillertal in 1872. The first performance was the work of Giuseppe Verdi "The Masked Ball", which was given on October 10, 1872 by the Italian troupe. Later famous Italian actors performed in the theater with their shows and performances. From 1910 more popular troupes from Greece began to dominate in Apollo.

The theater has a capacity of 250 people. During the year, in addition to theatrical performances there are also musical shows.

Address: Plateia Georgiou A 17, Patras 26223, Greece.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Patras was opened in 2009. Its collections include finds from the wider area of Patras and Western Achaea, covering a wide chronological range from 3000 B.C. to the 4th century A.D. Through the exhibitions, locals and tourists can trace ethnicity and learn about local history as well as various types of art, from glassware to jewelry and mosaics. Much attention is given here to the social aspect of the life of the inhabitants of the town, in particular the burial tradition.

In most cases, visitors are most impressed by the Romanesque mosaics.

Address: 38-40 Athinon, Patras 264 42, Greece.
Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., except Tuesday.
Cost to visit: 6 euros, for students and children entry is free.

Faros Lighthouse

The beautiful Pharos lighthouse is located opposite the church of St. Andrew.

Also, take a look at the old winery Achaia Clauss, famous all over Greece, where the cellars contain exclusive wines.

For shopping lovers, Patras has a huge number of souvenir shops, antique stores and stores for every taste, which is justified for a port town with booming commerce and reasonable prices.

Patras Carnival

In summer, Patras holds an art festival, the events of which unfold in the ancient Roman theater. In winter, Patras holds the best and most beautiful Greek carnivals. The annual carnival processions usually take place in February and March. They continue for 6 weeks and include musical concerts and theatrical performances. The peak of this holiday is the colorful procession that comes on the last Sunday of the carnival period. The carnival procession starts from Olga Square and ends at King George Square.