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History & Sightseeing
Patras was formed in Mycenaen
times by the merging of three rural colonies. Achaeans came
from the Laconia led from Patreas, after whom the city
was named. Patras contribution to the assembly of the
confederancy of the Achaean League was desicive (280 B.C.) as
its function was based on equality and democracy. Apostle
Andrew preached in Patras, where he was crucified and
buried in 68 A.D. During the Roman domination, Patras became
the leading power in the Peloponnese, reaching its height in
the 2nd century A.D. When Constantinople became the new
capital of the Roman Empire, Patras lost its commercial
importance. After the 9th century, it gained new financial
prosperity, mainly from silk production and procesing. During
the Franks Domination, Patras became a barony with head
quarters, under the Pope's suzerainty. In 1460 the Turks took
over. Patras was amongst the first to turn against the turkish
occupation, gaining final freedom in 1828.
The modern city was built by Kapodistria on its ancient
remains. Today Patras is one of the most attractive Greek
cities, with its wonderful street planning system. It is an
important commercial industrial centre. It's advantegous
position, being within easy reach of famous sights, such as
Olympia, Delphi, Epidaurus, Kalavrita and so on, has made it a
great tourist attraction. On a hill of the mountain Panahaekon
just 800 m. from the coast, built on the ancient acropolis,
stands the imposing Castle,
a dominant structure overlooking the bay, with magnificent
views reaching as far as the mountainious range of Sterea
Hellas, opposite. The Ancient
Theatre can be found on the western fringe of the hill
near Saint George's square (Agios Georgios). A remarkable
monument, second only to the Odeon in Athens (Herodio) to
which it bears structural similarities.
It is used for summer theatrical performances and various
cultural events. King George's square holds the centre of the
city, with the dominent features of the Municipal
Theatre "Apollon on one side, a replica of the Scala Of Milan. It was built in
1827 by the famous architect Chiller. Apart from
theatrical performances it is used for "Bourboulia"
the famous local ball dancing sessions during the Carnival
period. The church of Pantokratora (Good Almighty) is
included in the beautiful sights. The church has been altered
several times. During the turkish domination it was used as a
mosque and was later converted into Saint Markos catholic
church. The most
significant of all the churches, in grandeur, not only in
Patras but the whole of Greece,
is Saint
Andreas Cathedral, the protector Saint of the city.
Next to the imposing new structure stands the old church which
was built in 1936-43 on the same spot Apostle Andrew was
crucified. Other sights worth visiting are Psila Alonia,
an interesting and charming square, indeed. The famous 193
steps staircase, at the top of Saint Nicolas (Agiou
Nikolaou) street, leads to the castle. Germanou street runs
through the old town with attractive old arched houses. At
Boukaouri street you can enjoy a steam bath in the famous Hamam
(turkish baths) the only
ones left operating in Greece and the second in Europe,
after those in Paris.
The annual carnival festivities, with the participation
of thousands of masquerades, the FANTASTIC processions,
floats, dancing and sideshows have become an interesting
attracion. The established International Festival of Patras
presents interesting performers from all over the world.
Within reach are picturesque and interesting suburbs such as
Mintilogli, on one side of the city and Bozaitika on the
other. The remarkable monastery of Girokomeo, up in the
mountain, the oldest in
the Peloponnese and the monastery
of Omplos, built in 14 A.D. are worth visiting. A visit to
the famous wine factory Achaia Clauss, which has been
operating for a century and a half, is of GREAT interest.
Achaia Clauss, situated in a beautiful spot 5 km. northest of
Patras, offers a MAGNIFICENT view of the city and the
Patraikos bay. Rio is the main way of reaching Sterea
Hellas and Epirus. Ferries run on a regular basis accross the
chanel, joining Rio wth Antirio and Aetoloacarnania, giving at
the same time the traveler an excellent opportunity to admire
not only the beautiful beaches but the Castle of Rio and
Antirio, also. Rio's
Castle, which was built by Sultan Vayazit 2nd, in
1499, was named "Kastelli of Moreas" (the little
castle of Peloponnese). It was repaired by the Venetians in
1723 to its present state. Just pass Rio, the old coastal road
runs through beautiful places, rich vegetation and picturesque
villages such as Psathopirgos, built on the seashore of
a small and idylic bay. The Lambiri area is one of the most
beautiful of the Corinthiakos covered by a splendid pine
forest. Logos and Selianitica are coastal villages with reach
vegetation and clear seas.
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