Patras

City in West Greece

If you are in Greece in February, visit Patras for its popular carnival. This city also hosts an Odeum from Roman times which is still operational.

The port and a part of the city of Patras while the boat is approaching.
photo: Erik Drost / CC BY 2.0
What To Do?
How To Go?
Where To Stay?

Patras Attractions

An image showing the Rio-Antirrio Bridge dwarfing anything else around.
photo: szandras / CC BY-SA 3.0

Rio-Antirrio Bridge

A megastructure and the second connecting point between Peloponnese and the Greek mainland that would inspires awe to any passersby.

The front side and the main entrance of St. Andrew Cathedral of Patras.
photo: Public Domain
hidden gem

Saint Andrew Cathedral

The biggest church in Greece hosts Saint Andrew's relics which were stolen by Crusaders. The Catholic Church gave them back in 1964.

An image showing the fountain of King George Square in the city of Patras.
photo: Fallacia83

King George Square

The central square of the city was founded in 1829 by the first Greek governor, Ioannis Kapodistrias, and has two fountains.

A photo showing the stone-built Lighthouse of Patras.
photo: Xocolatl

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.

The interior of the Roman Odeon of Patras restored and lined with white marble.
photo: Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, DE / CC BY-SA 2.0
hidden gem

Roman Odeon of Patras

A restored and operational conservatory that hosts theatrical and music events and dates from the Roman times.

An overview of the remains of the Patras castle with the view of the city and the sea in the background.
photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 3.0

Castle of Patras

This well-preserved Byzantine fortification was built on top of the ancient Acropolis by Emperor Justinian. Enjoy the magnificent view.

Remains of the Mycenaean Cemetery at the archaeological site of Voudeni of Liapeika Patras.
photo: Καραίσκος Τάσος / CC BY-SA 4.0

Mycenaean Cemetery of Voudeni

Mycenaean park including the settlement and the cemetery which were active from 1500 to 1000 BC.

Patras Things to Do

A tower and other facilities of the Achaia Clauss Winery of Patras in the Peloponnese.
photo: Conudrum
hidden gem

Achaia Clauss Winery

Historical winery of Patras in the Peloponnese founded in 1861 and famous for the sweet fortified red wine named Mavrodaphne.

The front side and the main entrance of the Apollon Theatre of Patras.
photo: Conudrum / CC BY-SA 2.5

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.

A photo of the interior of the Turkish Bath (Hammam) of Patras.
photo: Χαμάμ Πατρών

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.

People surrounded by bookshelves are reading on tables of a room of the Municipal Library of Patras.
photo: Θεοδωρος

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.

A colorful carnival parade marches in a central street of Patras.
photo: Gontzi at the English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0

Patras Carnival

The biggest and oldest carnival festival in Greece with a history of more than 190 years has it all: loud music, costumes, and lots of alcohol.

Patras Museums

Patras Day Trips

A picture showing wooden bridges, boats and fishermen houses in the Mesolongi Lagoon.
photo: ΧαράΧα / CC BY-SA 4.0

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.

Small boats anchored at the small fortified port of Nafpaktos.
photo: Dimitris Karagiorgos

Nafpaktos

It's a charming coastal town with a picturesque, fortified port, famous for the Battle of Lepanto (1571) between Europeans and Turks.

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.

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