Attractions & Things to Do in Patras
King George Square
«Vas. Georgiou A»Central square of the city founded in 1829 by the first Greek governor Ioannis Kapodistrias.
Apollon Theatre
Located at the northeast side of the King George Square, it was founded in 1872 based on the designs of the German architect Ernst Ziller.
Patras Carnival
The biggest and oldest carnival festival in Greece with a history of more than 190 years starting in 1829 one year after Patras liberation.
Municipal Library of Patras
Founded in 1908 it's the first Greek municipal library, located in a central neoclassical building, while it hosts approximately 200.000 books.
Roman Odeon of Patras
A currently restored and operating conservatory that hosts theatrical and music events and dates from the Roman era of the city.
Castle of Patras
Well-preserved Byzantine fortification at the area of the ancient acropolis of the city erected by the emperor who founded Agia Sophia.
Turkish Bath (Hammam)
With a continuous function from the first day of its foundation in 1400, it is the oldest surviving traditional Hammam in the Greek territory.
St. Andrew Cathedral
The biggest church in Greece that hosts part of the relics of Saint Andrew which were sent by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome in September 1964.
Patras Lighthouse
City trademark that is practically not in function but was erected in 1999 as a reminder and exact copy of the old lighthouse demolished in 1972.
Port of Patras
A relatively new port with good infrastructure that transformed Patra into a hub serving ferry connections to Italy and the Ionian islands.
Archaeological Museum of Patras
Inaugurated in 2009, it hosts artifacts from the Mycenaean civilization of the Bronze Age (1600-1100 BC) until the Roman period (4th AD).
Mycenaean Cemetery of Voudeni, Liapeika
Mycenaean park including the settlement and the cemetery which were active from 1500 to 1000 BC.
Achaia Clauss Winery
Historical winery of Patras in the Peloponnese founded in 1861 and famous for the sweet fortified red wine named Mavrodaphne.
Museum of Science and Technology - Patras Univ.
Engaging place that promotes informal education, experimentation, collaboration but also fun.
Rio-Antirrio Bridge
«Charilaos Trikoupis»A megastructure and the second connecting point between Peloponnese and the Greek mainland.
Nafpaktos
It's a charming coastal town with a picturesque, fortified port, famous for the Battle of Lepanto (1571) between Europeans and Turks.
Patras Araxos Airport
Serving as a combined civilian and military airport, connects the city of Patras with European destinations during the summer months.
Mesolongi
During the War of Independence, an Ottoman siege led the citizens to a heroic sally out. The relative monument and museum are of high interest.
Questions & Answers about Patras
Why Visit Patras?
- The major event of Patras Carnival is organized and celebrated since 1966.
- Its port is a hub for trade with Italy & the city is called "Gate to the West".
- A vivid city with student community and many entertainment options.
What is Patras, Greece?
The Greek city of Patras is the capital of the prefecture of Achaia and is the largest financial, commercial, and cultural center of the Peloponnese. The population of its greater metropolitan area to exceed 200,000 inhabitants it is the 3rd largest city of Greece. It is called "Gate to the West" mainly because of its port which is a major hub of trade between Greece and Italy. The city displays brilliant performance in the arts, culture, while it is a scientific and technological center as it hosts two universities and a technical institute. The connection of the Peloponnese with Central Greece with the Rio-Antirio bridge (2004) offered a development aura in Patras. However, the city is proud of its famous carnival celebration, which attracts thousands of visitors. Patras can be reached easily by car, ferry, as well as a plane during the summer months through, its modern airport.
Which are the significant facts in the history of Patras?
Archaeological excavations have revealed that Patras is inhabited since the Paleolithic period. The first inhabitants were the Ionians and its first name was Aigialeis. After the descent of the Dorians was named Achaia. For many centuries played a major role in the region and it peaked with the creation of the Achaean League in 280 BC. It played also an important role during the Roman period, while according to the Christian tradition here has been the site of the martyrdom of St. Andrews who is the patron saint and the protector of the city. Historically the city's took part in the Greek Revolution against the Turks and the erection of the revolution flag in 1821 that took place in the nearby monastery of Great Lavra.