Patras
Encyclopedia
Patras is Greece's third largest urban area and the regional capital of West Greece
, located in northern Peloponnese
, 215 kilometers west of Athens
. The city is built at the foothills of Mount Panachaikon, overlooking the Gulf of Patras
.
The Patras Metropolitan Area is a conurbation of 222,460 inhabitants, while its urban area, contained within the Patras municipality, had a population of 202,757 (in 2001). The core settlement has a history spanning four millennia. In the Roman period it had become a cosmopolitan centre of the eastern Mediterranean whilst, according to Christian tradition, it was also the place of Saint Andrew
's martyr
dom.
Dubbed Greece's Gate to the West, Patras is a commercial hub, while its busy port is a nodal point for trade and communication with Italy and the rest of Western Europe
. The city has two public universities
and one Technological Institute, hosting a large student population and rendering Patras a major scientific centre with a field of excellence in technological education. The Rio-Antirio bridge
connects Patras' easternmost suburb of Rio to the town of Antirrio, connecting the Peloponnese peninsula with mainland Greece.
Every year, in February, the city hosts one of Europe's largest and most colourful carnivals; notable features of the Patras Carnival
include its mammoth-sized satirical floats and extravagant balls and parades, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors in a pleasant Mediterranean climate
, with relatively cool yet humid summers and rather mild winters. Patras is also famous for supporting an indigenous cultural scene active mainly in the performing arts and modern urban literature; it was European Capital of Culture
2006.
Patras is located 215 km (134 mi) west of Athens by road, 94 km (58 mi) northeast of Pyrgos
, 7 km (4 mi) south of Rio
, 134 km (83 mi) west of Corinth, 77 kilometers northwest of Kalavryta
, and 144 km (89 mi) northwest of Tripoli
.
A central feature of the urban geography
of Patras is its division in upper and lower sections, connected with stairs. This is the result of an interplay between natural geography and human settlement patterns; the lower section of the city (Kato Poli), which includes the 19th century urban core and the port, is adjacent to the sea and stretches between the estuaries of the rivers of Glafkos and Haradros. It is built on what was originally a bed of river soils and dried-up swamps. The older upper section (Ano Poli) covers the area of the pre-modern settlement, around the Fortress, on what is the last elevation of Mount Panachaikon (1926 m (6,319 ft)) before the Gulf of Patras.
, a small and coastal aquatic ecosystem
of only 30 hectares, located to the north of the city centre. The main features of this wetland are its apparent survival difficulty, being at the heart of a densely populated urban centre that features a relatively arid climate and its admittedly high level of biodiversity, with over 90 species of birds being observed until the early 1990s, according to a study by the Patras Bureau of the Hellenic Ornithological Society.
, now Eliki
.
(1580–1100 BC). Ancient Patras was formed by the unification of three Mycenaean
villages located in modern Aroe; namely Antheia and Mesatis. Mythology has it that after the Dorian invasion, a group of Achaea
from Laconia
led by the eponymous Patreus
established a colony. During antiquity, Patras remained a farming city. It would be in Roman times that it was to become an important port.
After 280 BC and prior to the Roman occupation of Greece, Patras played a significant role in the foundation of the second "Achaean League
" (Achaiki Sympoliteia), along with the cities of Dyme, Triteia and Pharai. Later on, and following the Roman occupation of Greece in 146 BC, Patras played a key role, and Augustus
founded a Roman colony in its area. Moreover, Patras became a Christian centre since the early days of Christianity, and it is the city where St. Andrew was crucified.
times Patras continued to be an important port as well as an industrial centre. One of the most scholarly philosophers and theologians of the time, Arethas of Caesarea
was born at Patrae, at around 860. By the 9th century there are strong signs the city was prosperous: the widow Danielis
from Patras had accumulated immense wealth in land ownership, the carpet and textile industry, and offered critical support in the ascent of Basil I the Macedonian to the Byzantine throne.
In 1204 Patras was conquered by the Fourth Crusade
, and became the seat of the Latin Duchy of Athens
within the Principality of Achaea
. Captured in 1205 by William of Champlitte
and Villehardouin
, the city became a part of the principality of Achaea
, and its archbishop primate of the principality while in 1387 Juan Fernández de Heredia
, grand master of the order of the Knights Hospitaller at Rhodes
, endeavoured to make himself master of Achaea and took Patras by storm. In 1408, Patras became Venetian
, and by the close of the 15th century the city was governed by the archbishop in the name of the pope
. It was nevertheless seized and recaptured once more in 1430, by the Despotate of Morea
and its despot Constantine Palaiologos
, who succeeded in recapturing almost the whole of Morea
, apart from Venetian possessions. The administration of Patras was appointed to George Sphrantzes
, while Constantine was immediately contested by the Ottoman Empire
and later, in 1449, became emperor of the Byzantine empire
.
Patras remained a part of the Despotate of Morea
until 1458, when it was conquered by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
, Mehmet II. Under the Ottomans, it was known as Baliabadra, from the Greek Παλαιά Πάτρα, as opposed to Νέα Πάτρα, the town of Ypati
in Central Greece
. Though Mehmet granted the city special privileges and tax reductions, it never became a major centre of commerce. Venice
and Genoa
attacked and captured it several times during the 15th and 16th centuries, but never re-established their rule effectively except Venetian rule between 1687–1715.
. Patras developed quickly into the second largest urban centre in late 19th century Greece. The city benefited from its role as the main export port for the agricultural produce of the Peloponnese.
In the early 20th century, Patras developed fast and became the first Greek city to introduce public streetlights and electrified tramways. The war effort necessitated by the first World War hampered the city's development and also created uncontrollable urban sprawl
with the influx of refugees from Asia Minor
. During the Second World War, the city was a major target of Italian air raids
; during the period of Axis occupation, a German military command was established and German and Italian troops stationed in the city. After the liberation in October 1944, the city grew fast to recover, but in later years was increasingly overshadowed by the urban pole of Athens
.
The city is divided into the upper and the lower section, connected with roads and broad stairs. The upper section (Ano Poli) is the older and the more picturesque; however, the lower section (Kato Poli) is attractively laid out, according to the 1858 city plan, featuring a variety of squares. The most notable of these are the Psila Alonia and the Georgiou I Square
. A number of exquisite neoclassical buildings are to be found, including the Apollon Theatre
in Georgiou I Square, the Town Hall, the headquarters of the Local Trade Association and the Court of Justice. A replica of the city's emblematic old lighthouse - which was situated at the dock of Saint Nikolaos - rises at the end of Trion Navarhon street, near the temple of Saint Andreas.
In general, much of Patras' coastline is framed by roads and avenues running alongside; these include Dymaion Coast to the south and Iroon Polytechneiou Road to the north. Unfortunately, due to insufficient urban planning as well as institutional weaknesses on behalf of the City Council (mainly due to a lack of proper financial planning), some of the city's coastal areas are not in an ideal condition, with several areas illegally occupied by shops built along the coastline. This is contrary to what the Constitution of Greece
of 2001 declares; that the Greek coastline is a "national treasure", and as such belongs to the Greek people.
Patras and its region is home to various Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine Monuments, including the Roman Odeon, the Fortress of Rio and the Fortress (castle) of Patras. More specifically the main sights of the city are:
buildings and mansions dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the past, years of neglect and the absence of protection enforcement, as well as recent earthquakes had contributed to the destruction of several such examples. Today, however, most surviving neoclassical buildings are under a strict protection status. As a part of the 2006 European Capital of Culture programmme, there was a project for the restoration of the city's architectural heritage.
Patras' center is characterized by a composition of architectural currents and trends. Α representative example, are the façades around the central square of the city (Georgiou I square). The neoclassical Apollo Theatre, a work of Ernst Ziller
is situated next to the modernist
building of the Hall of Literature and Art (Μέγαρο Λόγου και Τέχνης), while the majority of the unattractive multi-storey buildings on the west and south side of the square were constructed in the late '60s and the '70s.
Today's Patra is a relatively new-built city, as its medieval constructions were completely destroyed during the Greek War of Independence
. The oldest surviving buildings (apart from ancient monuments and the castle) are the church of Pantocrator in Ano Poli and a residential building at the corner of Ayiou Nikolaou and Mezonos street, built in 1832. The area on the south of the castle, around the Roman Odeon
and the church of Pantokrator, in the Upper Town (Ano Poli), is the most appealing of the city, as it is the only one in which the height of constructions is limited to two-storey buildings.
Patras is the first city of the modern Greek state to develop a city plan. In January 1829, Stamatis Voulgaris
, a Greek engineer of the French army, presented the plan of the new city of Patras to the Governor Kapodistrias
, who approved it. Voulgaris applied the orthogonal rule in the urban complex of Patras. The plan was divided into two sectors, the upper and the lower city, with a different city block layout; a revision of the proposal in 1858 was that finally realised.
Nowadays, the municipal units of Rio
, Paralia, Messatida
and Vrachnaiika have functionally become a part of the wider urban complex of Patras. Apart from the city center, the main districts of Patras are:
and the capital of the Achaea
regional unit. Since 2011, the city is also the capital of the administrative division, which includes (along with West Greece) the regions of Peloponnese and the Ionian Islands.
The current municipality Patras was formed at the 2011 local government reform by the merger of 5 municipalities situated in the urban area of the city. These former municipalities, which became municipal units, are: (in parenthesis their population, 2001)
In the past, Patras lacked public investment in infrastructure; in recent years, this trend has changed significantly. Several important works have been recently completed to serve Patras as an Olympic city, a European capital of culture and one of the most populous Greek cities.
The city has always been a sea-trade hub due to its strategic position. The port manages more than half of the foreign sea-passenger transportation in Greece, and has excellent car-ferry links with the Ionian islands
and the major Adriatic ports of Italy. Additionally, a new port is under construction in the southern section of the city to accommodate the increased traffic and relieve the city centre from port operations.
A newly constructed, 20 km (12 mi) ring road
(the Bypass of Patras) was first opened in 2002 in order to alleviate heavy traffic throughout the city. A mini ring road (known as the "Mini bypass" of Patras) is now being constructed to alleviate heavy traffic-related problems in the city centre. Two large highways are under construction that will connect the seacoast and the new port with the Bypass of Patras. The first is over the small Diakoniaris river (from Eleftheriou Venizelou street until the Bypass'es exit in Eglykada), while the second consists of two roads, 4 km (2 mi) each, that will run in parallel with the Glafkos river. Another project will lead to an additional entrance to the downtown area by expanding Kanakari street.
The highway connection with Athens and Pyrgos
is to be drastically upgraded. Patras will also be the central hub of the Ionia Odos
highway, intended to bridge western Greece from Kalamata
to Ioannina
. The Rio-Antirio bridge
is located to the north of the city and links Peloponnese
to mainland Greece, and was completed in August 2004.
In 2011, the new harbour (southern port) went into operations. Ferries to Italy now dock there.
A rudimentary single
, narrow gauge railway track crosses the city and connects it to Athens and to Pyrgos-Kalamata, while the central passenger train station lies to the west of the downtown area, between Aghiou Nikolaou Street and Othonos-Amalias Avenue. The main freight station of Aghios Andreas lies further to the south, next to the homonymous church. Finally, the old depot of Aghios Dionysios, consisting of about ten tracks, offers basic turntable and roundhouse facilities; its length is approximately 400 m (1,312.34 ft). A new standard gauge
railway to Korinth and further to Athens
is under construction.
Other heavy infrastructure works include the Peiros-Parapeiros dam (to provide water supply for Patras and surrounding towns) and a "small industries" park that will be constructed next to the Glaykos river and provide an easy connection with the new port.
The city is one of the main Greek internet and GRNET
hubs and is connected with high speed lines to Athens as part of the backbone. A metropolitan optical network will be deployed in the city, with a total length of 48 km (30 mi).
Two major state hospitals operate in the city: the Saint Andreas Hospital is the oldest of the two; named after the city's patron saint. The University Hospital of Rio
is a prominent university hospital, where intern medical students specialize on their major. There exist, in addition, two smaller state hospitals, Karamandanio - children's hospital, and the Center of Chest Diseases of Southwest Greece, and the Greek army operates the 409 army hospital in the city. A large range of private hospitals and clinics operate in parallel.
Numerous art venues and an ultra-modern archaeological museum were constructed for the needs of European Culture Capital designation. The cultural and educational facilities include the Municipal Library, the university libraries, many theatres, the municipal art gallery, the University of Patras
's facilities, the Hellenic Open University and the Technical Institute of Patras. A number of research facilities also are established in the university campus area.
during the late 1980s and 1990s; a number of major productive units shut down in successive order. As a result, a considerable portion of the city's workforce and the city's economic planning in its entirety had to be re-evaluated and restructured by the authorities. The University of Patras contributed by working towards this goal, using its widely respected service and technology sectors. The area still retains some of its traditional winemaking and foodstuff industries as well as a small agricultural sector, and
its industrial area lies approximately 20 km to the south of the downtown area, located between the 16th km of GR-9 and Fares/Phares (pro. FAH-rehs). Major businesses in Patras include:
The city is home to three major educational institutions: the University of Patras
, the Hellenic Open University and the TEI of Patras.
Most Greek Banks have their regional headquarters for Western Greece located in Patras.
Numerous small local companies are involved in the construction sector.
Most of the large retail and super-market chains operate in the city. Patras has also some local but dynamic companies.
In 2010, the new Infocenter of Patras was established, inside the neoclassical building of the former market "Agora Argyri", in Ayiou Andreou street. The building includes a conference hall, along with multi-purpose and exhibitional spaces.
The prefecture of Achaia has approximately 4,800 hotels rooms and in 2006, 286,000 tourists, mainly from Greece, stayed in the area for a total of 634,000 days.
Acciona
has recently completed the largest wind park in Greece, on the Panachaiko
mountain, overlooking the city of Patras. The Public Electric Company, operates a small hydroelectric plant on river Glafkos.
Some of the biggest industries in the city belong to the soft drinks and drinks sector. There are factories from Coca Cola HBC and Athenian Brewery established in area, along with the facilities of the largest local company in soft-drinks production, Loux (ΛΟΥΞ). The city is also home to many leading Greek wineries and distilleries, among them the venerable Achaia Clauss
. In the food sector, Friesland Foods
, through the local subsidiary NoyNoy, operates a new yogurt factory in the city's industrial area. Patras is also home to important fish-farming companies (Andromeda, Nireus). ECOFEED operates in the industrial zone of Patras, the largest fish-feeds factory in the Mediterranean. The city hosts the second largest flour-mills
in Greece, Kepenou-Mills.
Patras has several packing and industrial equipment companies. The most important of them are the local Antzoulatos and the multinational
Frigoglass
, a subsidiary of Coca-Cola
, headquartered in the suburbs of Patras.
Ideal is a leading bike producer in Greece, with large export activities.
CBL is headquartered in Patras, while Vianex - owned by Pavlos Giannakopoulos
- has its largest production facilities in the industrial area of the city.
The once omnipresent textile industry
of the city is now almost defunct after the shut-down of the huge factory of Peiraiki-Patraiki
(Πειραϊκή-Πατραϊκή), followed by numerous smaller textile industries. This had an important impact on the city's economy and resulted in high levels of unemployment during the '90's. The remains of the facilities, still cover hundreds of acres in the south side of the city. Nowadays, Patras companies focus in dress production, the most important among them being DUR.
Patras hosts several timber manufacturing companies, and a wood distribution center of Shelman. The largest local company is Abex.
The paper sector is also active including a paper-factory belonging to Georgia-Pacific
(Delica) and two important Greek companies, Elite and El-pack, headquartered in the city.
There has been a significant development in the R&D
sector, during the last years, as a result of the many research institutes and the University impact in the area. The Computer Technology Institute
and the Industrial Systems Institute of Greece are headquartered in Patras. The city is also a host to the FORTH
-ICE-HT (Institute of Chemical Engineering & High Temperature Chemical Processes) and the Institute of Biomedical Technology.
The cultural activity of Patras includes the Patras International Festival (with various artistic activities, mainly in the fields of theatre and music), the Patras Carnival
and the Poetry Symposium.
The city hosts many museums, including the Patras Archaeological Museum, the History and Ethnology Museum, the Folk Art Museum, the Press Museum and the Technology Museum, the latter situated in the campus of Patras University.
Other cultural institutes are: the Visual Arts Workshop, the icon
painting school, the Carnival
Float Workshop, the Municipal Library
, the Municipal Gallery, along with many private art galleries. The architectural heritage of the city is dominated by neo-classicism, but also includes structures from other periods. Patras is also a pilot city of the Council of Europe
and EU Intercultural cities
programme.
was founded in June 1988. The theatre's founding artistic directors were the actors Maya Liberopoulou and Viktor Arditis, and the institution draws its funding from the Municipality of Patras and the Ministry of Culture, having as its main stage the city's landmark, the Apollon Theatre
. Throughout its existence it has mounted critically acclaimed performances ranging from ancient dramaturgy
and modern Greek, to international repertoire. The theatre cooperates with other theatrical groups, such as the Viomichaniki (Industrial) group and the Michani Technis (Art Machine). The, ancient, Roman Odeon
hosts ancient dramas during the summer months, while the Pantheon theater, the Art Factory, the Lithographeion and the Agora theatres provide additional venues. The International Festival of Patras takes place every summer, with a program consisting mostly of plays—both ancient drama and modern theatre—as well as various musical events.
Patras has also a very strong indie rock
scene with critically acclaimed bands such as Raining Pleasure
, Abbie Gale, Serpentine, Doch an Doris and others. The city is also the birthplace of Karagiozis
(shadow theatre) in Greece, with Dimitris Sardounis as founder.
In addition, there are several conservatoires and music schools, including one devoted exclusively to Byzantine
music, several orchestras and choirs. There is a number of dancing schools as well, and there are also plans to set up a dance theatre within the context of the Patras Municipal and Regional Theatre
. The latter hosts a full-time professional theatre group, while there are several amateur groups performing in the city.
(Patrino karnavali) is the largest event of its kind in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe, with a heritage reaching back 160 years. The events begin in January and last until Clean Monday
. The carnival is not a single event but a variety of events that include balls, parades, a children's carnival and artistic projects. Its apogee comes in the last weekend of Carnival with the Saturday evening parade of carnival groups, the extravagant Sunday parade of floats
and groups, and finally the ritual burning of the Carnival King in the mole of Saint Nikolaos street in the harbour of Patras. Its characteristic principles are spontaneity, improvisation, inspiration and volunteerism.
Patras was chosen by the European Commission
to be the European Capital of Culture
for the year 2006. The concept of the event revolved around the main theme of "Bridges" and "Dialogues", taking benefit from the city's rich history and its position as a "Gate to the West", to underline the essence of the productive interaction of culture and civilisations in Europe. The EU Commission found Patras' plans very ambitious and also commented that a successful hosting of the title by a medium sized city would make it possible to redefine the meaning of the term Cultural Capital.
The Selection Panel for 2006 noted in its final report:
The current cultural activity of the city includes the Patras International Festival (various artistic activities, mainly in the field of music), the Patras Carnival and the Poetry Symposium (organized each year for the 25 years by an ad hoc committee at the University of Patras). The Patras 2006 proposal focuses on two central ideas: "bridges" and "dialogues". Cultural managers from Patras and the general public will be involved in developing these ideas. Further, four poles/programmes of cultural attraction will be developed. The first, "A city for Europe", will relate to the architectural heritage, the industrial revolution and similar subjects. "The counterpart cities" programme will be developed in the fields of human and social sciences and in diverse artistic fields. "The three sea battles" will present a cultural programme focusing on peace and understanding. The last theme, "The many homelands", is directly linked to the etymology of the name of the city. This programme will among other things concentrate on art workshops, the transfer of know-how, way of life and entertainment.
During 2006 various cultural events took place within the context of the European Capital of Culture. Among the artists which presented their work in Patras were: Gary Burton
, Maxim Shostakovich
, Ian Anderson
- with Patras Municipal Orchestra, Jean Louis Trintignant, Roberto Benigni
, Eros Ramazzotti
and José Carreras
. With the completion of the Capital of Culture programme, a part of the old factory Ladopoulos was renovated to host exhibitions, a small theatre (named the Art Factory), was built and a number of neoclassical buildings around the city were renovated as part of a plan to preserve the city's architectural heritage and link it to its cultural life. The new Archaeological museum was finally completed in 2009. Its globe-like roof and modern architectural design enhances the town's northern entrance, taking its place among the other city landmarks.
, EA Patras
and NO Patras
are historically the major sports clubs based in the city of Patras, specializing in football, basketball, volleyball and water polo. The city's national stadium, Pampeloponnisiako Stadium, was renovated and expanded in 2004. Since 2009, a new event, the Patras International Circuit Kart takes place every September, turning the city streets into a circuit.
The city has hosted several international sports events, such as the 1995 Basketball Under-21 World Championship
(preliminaries), the 1995 Men's European Volleyball Championship
(preliminaries), the 1997 Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships
, the 2001 World Wrestling Championships, the 2003 European Women Basketball Championship
, the 2003 International Children's Games
, a group stage of the football tournament in the 2004 Olympic Games, the 2007 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships
, the 2008 World Deaf Football Championships.
archbishop
ic. As in the rest of the country, the largest denomination is the Orthodox Church, which represents the majority of the population. There is also a living community of Roman Catholics
.
The most significant church in the city is the church of Saint Andrew
, in the south west of the city center. The construction of the church began in 1908 under the supervision of the architect Anastasios Metaxas
, followed by Georgios Nomikos. It was inaugurated in 1974. It is the largest church in Greece and the second largest Byzantine style church in the Balkans. It holds relics of the apostle Saint Andrew, which were sent there from St. Peter's Basilica, Rome in September, 1964, on the orders of Pope Paul VI.
Other historical churches of the city are: the church of Pantokratoras (1832) in the upper town district, the Metropolis (Cathedral) of Patras (1846) dedicated to Panayia Evangelistria in Mezonos street, the church of Ayios Nikolaos (1885) situated next to the steps of Ayiou Nikolaou street, the church of Pantanassa (1859), the church of Ayios Dimitrios, the Catholic church of Saint Andreas (1937) in Mezonos street, the Protestant (Anglican) church of Saint Andreas (1878) in Karolou Street and the old church of Ayios Andreas (1836–1843) situated next to the new one, in the location of Apostle Andreas' martyrdom. It was built in basilica
style by the architect Lysandros Kaftatzoglou.
the main leader of the anti-venizelist
party in the 1910s, Stylianos Gonatas
a high-ranking officer, politician and one of the leaders of the "1922 Revolution", Andreas Michalakopoulos
, a prominent liberal party cadre, foreign minister and prime minister, and Dimitrios Maximos
a distinguished economist, minister and finally prime minister during the civil war era
. More recent figures include the Papandreou
family, arguably the most influential in post World War II Greece, Panagiotis Kanellopoulos
, the last democratically elected head of government before the establishment of the 1967 junta, and Costis Stephanopoulos
, the former president of the Hellenic Republic.
(A8) motorway, which is also part of the E55
route that crosses the Rio-Antirio Bridge
, dominating the sealine across the Gulf of Corinth
.
and the European Commission
Intercultural cities
programme.
West Greece
West Greece is one of the thirteen regions of Greece. It comprises the western part of continental Greece and the northwestern part of the Peloponnese peninsula.- Administration :...
, located in northern Peloponnese
Peloponnese
The Peloponnese, Peloponnesos or Peloponnesus , is a large peninsula , located in a region of southern Greece, forming the part of the country south of the Gulf of Corinth...
, 215 kilometers west of Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
. The city is built at the foothills of Mount Panachaikon, overlooking the Gulf of Patras
Gulf of Patras
The Gulf of Patras is a branch of the Ionian Sea. On the east, it is closed by the Strait of Rion between capes Rio, Greece and Antirrio, near the Rio-Antirio bridge. On the west, it is bounded by a line from Oxeia island to Cape Araxos...
.
The Patras Metropolitan Area is a conurbation of 222,460 inhabitants, while its urban area, contained within the Patras municipality, had a population of 202,757 (in 2001). The core settlement has a history spanning four millennia. In the Roman period it had become a cosmopolitan centre of the eastern Mediterranean whilst, according to Christian tradition, it was also the place of Saint Andrew
Saint Andrew
Saint Andrew , called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. The name "Andrew" , like other Greek names, appears to have been common among the Jews from the 3rd or 2nd century BC. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him...
's martyr
Martyr
A martyr is somebody who suffers persecution and death for refusing to renounce, or accept, a belief or cause, usually religious.-Meaning:...
dom.
Dubbed Greece's Gate to the West, Patras is a commercial hub, while its busy port is a nodal point for trade and communication with Italy and the rest of Western Europe
Western Europe
Western Europe is a loose term for the collection of countries in the western most region of the European continents, though this definition is context-dependent and carries cultural and political connotations. One definition describes Western Europe as a geographic entity—the region lying in the...
. The city has two public universities
University of Patras
University of Patras is a university established in 1964 in Patras, Greece. Initially housed in the city centre, the university's campus is now located in the adjacent municipality of Rio...
and one Technological Institute, hosting a large student population and rendering Patras a major scientific centre with a field of excellence in technological education. The Rio-Antirio bridge
Rio-Antirio bridge
The Rion-Antirion bridge , officially the Charilaos Trikoupis bridge after the statesman who first envisaged it, is the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridge...
connects Patras' easternmost suburb of Rio to the town of Antirrio, connecting the Peloponnese peninsula with mainland Greece.
Every year, in February, the city hosts one of Europe's largest and most colourful carnivals; notable features of the Patras Carnival
Patras Carnival
The Patras Carnival, Patrino karnavali is the largest event of its kind in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe. It has more than 160 years of history. The events begin on 17 January and last up to Clean Monday. The carnival of Patras is not a single event but a variety of events that includes...
include its mammoth-sized satirical floats and extravagant balls and parades, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors in a pleasant Mediterranean climate
Mediterranean climate
A Mediterranean climate is the climate typical of most of the lands in the Mediterranean Basin, and is a particular variety of subtropical climate...
, with relatively cool yet humid summers and rather mild winters. Patras is also famous for supporting an indigenous cultural scene active mainly in the performing arts and modern urban literature; it was European Capital of Culture
European Capital of Culture
The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by theEuropean Union for a period of one calendar year during which it organises a series of cultural events with a strong European dimension....
2006.
Geography and climate
Pyrgos, Elis
Pyrgos is the capital of the Elis peripheral unit in Greece. It is named after a local tower. The city is located in the western part of the Peloponnese, in the middle of a plain near the Ionian Sea. It is 96 km away from Patras via Greek National Road 9, 320 km from Athens, and...
, 7 km (4 mi) south of Rio
Rio, Greece
Rio is a town and a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Patras, of which it is a municipal unit. The former municipality had a population of around 13,000.- Geography :...
, 134 km (83 mi) west of Corinth, 77 kilometers northwest of Kalavryta
Kalavryta
Kalavryta is a town and a municipality in the eastcentral part of the peripheral unit of Achaea, Greece. It is the southern terminus of the Kalavryta - Diakopto Road and the eastern terminus of the Patras - Kalavryta Road. It is located approx...
, and 144 km (89 mi) northwest of Tripoli
Tripoli, Greece
Tripoli is a city of about 25,000 inhabitants in the central part of the Peloponnese, in Greece. It is the capital of the prefecture of Arcadia and the centre of the municipality of Tripolis, pop...
.
A central feature of the urban geography
Urban geography
Urban geography is the study of areas which have a high concentration of buildings and infrastructure. These are areas where the majority of economic activities are in the secondary sector and tertiary sectors...
of Patras is its division in upper and lower sections, connected with stairs. This is the result of an interplay between natural geography and human settlement patterns; the lower section of the city (Kato Poli), which includes the 19th century urban core and the port, is adjacent to the sea and stretches between the estuaries of the rivers of Glafkos and Haradros. It is built on what was originally a bed of river soils and dried-up swamps. The older upper section (Ano Poli) covers the area of the pre-modern settlement, around the Fortress, on what is the last elevation of Mount Panachaikon (1926 m (6,319 ft)) before the Gulf of Patras.
Hydrology
The largest river in the area is Glafkos flowing to the south of Patras. Glafkos springs in Mount Panachaikon and its water is, since 1925, collected in a small mountainous reservoir-dam near the village of Souli and subsequently pumped in order to provide energy for the country's first hydroelectric plant. The water is also used for the orchards of Eglykas and as drinking water for the city. Other rivers are Haradros, Meilichos and the mountain torrent Diakoniaris.Climate
Patras has a Mediterranean climate. It features the typical mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, with spring and autumn being pleasant transitional seasons. Autumn in Patras however is wetter than spring.Fauna and Flora
Of great importance for the biological diversity of the area and the preservation of its climate is the swamp of AgyiaAgyia
Agyia is a neighborhood of the city of Patras, Greece. It is located about 3.5 km north of downtown Patras. The community forms the mid-northern part of the city of Patras . Most of the street names are named from rivers. The town includes the St. Constantine church and a street is named...
, a small and coastal aquatic ecosystem
Aquatic ecosystem
An aquatic ecosystem is an ecosystem in a body of water. Communities of organisms that are dependent on each other and on their environment live in aquatic ecosystems. The two main types of aquatic ecosystems are marine ecosystems and freshwater ecosystems....
of only 30 hectares, located to the north of the city centre. The main features of this wetland are its apparent survival difficulty, being at the heart of a densely populated urban centre that features a relatively arid climate and its admittedly high level of biodiversity, with over 90 species of birds being observed until the early 1990s, according to a study by the Patras Bureau of the Hellenic Ornithological Society.
Seismic activity
Another geophysical characteristic of the region is its high level of seismicity. Small tremors are recorded along the coast of Patras almost constantly. Larger earthquakes hit the area every few years with potentially destructive effects. In 1993, a 5.0 magnitude earthquake caused some damage to several (mostly older) buildings throughout Patras due to the proximity of the epicenter to the city. On June 15, 1995, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit the nearby town of Aigion, causing some structural damage to a few buildings of Patras as well. The Ionian Islands are also frequently hit by even more severe earthquakes, some of which can be felt in the city. In antiquity, the most notable example of destruction caused by an earthquake in the region was the total submergence of the ancient Achaean city of HelikeHelike
Helike was an ancient Greek city that sank at night in the winter of 373 BC. The city was located in Achaea, Northern Peloponnesos, two kilometres from the Corinthian Gulf...
, now Eliki
Eliki
Eliki , is a Greek village in Achaea. Eliki is located about 15 km east of Aigio, about 45 km east of Patras, west of Diakopto and northwest of Kalavryta. Eliki is also in the municipality of Diakopto and had a population of 565 in 2001. Eliki is linked with the road linking with the...
.
History
Antiquity
The first traces of settlement in Patras date as early as in the 3rd millennium BC, in the area of modern Aroe. Patras flourished for the first time during the Post-Helladic or Mycenean periodMycenaean Greece
Mycenaean Greece was a cultural period of Bronze Age Greece taking its name from the archaeological site of Mycenae in northeastern Argolis, in the Peloponnese of southern Greece. Athens, Pylos, Thebes, and Tiryns are also important Mycenaean sites...
(1580–1100 BC). Ancient Patras was formed by the unification of three Mycenaean
Mycenaean Greece
Mycenaean Greece was a cultural period of Bronze Age Greece taking its name from the archaeological site of Mycenae in northeastern Argolis, in the Peloponnese of southern Greece. Athens, Pylos, Thebes, and Tiryns are also important Mycenaean sites...
villages located in modern Aroe; namely Antheia and Mesatis. Mythology has it that after the Dorian invasion, a group of Achaea
Achaeans (tribe)
The Achaeans were one of the four major tribes into which the people of Classical Greece divided themselves. According to the foundation myth formalized by Hesiod, their name comes from Achaeus, the mythical founder of the Achaean tribe, who was supposedly one of the sons of Xuthus, and brother of...
from Laconia
Laconia
Laconia , also known as Lacedaemonia, is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of Peloponnese. It is situated in the southeastern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. Its administrative capital is Sparti...
led by the eponymous Patreus
Patreus
Patreus Patreus Patreus (Ancient Greek: "Πατρεύς", Modern Greek: "Πατρέας" ("Patreas") is a mythical person, founder of the city of Patras, Greece. According to the myth, he was the son of Preugenes and ninth descendant of Lacedaemon, the founder of Sparta. Patreus was the leader of the Achaean who...
established a colony. During antiquity, Patras remained a farming city. It would be in Roman times that it was to become an important port.
After 280 BC and prior to the Roman occupation of Greece, Patras played a significant role in the foundation of the second "Achaean League
Achaean League
The Achaean League was a Hellenistic era confederation of Greek city states on the northern and central Peloponnese, which existed between 280 BC and 146 BC...
" (Achaiki Sympoliteia), along with the cities of Dyme, Triteia and Pharai. Later on, and following the Roman occupation of Greece in 146 BC, Patras played a key role, and Augustus
Augustus
Augustus ;23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14) is considered the first emperor of the Roman Empire, which he ruled alone from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD.The dates of his rule are contemporary dates; Augustus lived under two calendars, the Roman Republican until 45 BC, and the Julian...
founded a Roman colony in its area. Moreover, Patras became a Christian centre since the early days of Christianity, and it is the city where St. Andrew was crucified.
Middle Ages
During ByzantineByzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire was the Eastern Roman Empire during the periods of Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, centred on the capital of Constantinople. Known simply as the Roman Empire or Romania to its inhabitants and neighbours, the Empire was the direct continuation of the Ancient Roman State...
times Patras continued to be an important port as well as an industrial centre. One of the most scholarly philosophers and theologians of the time, Arethas of Caesarea
Arethas of Caesarea
Arethas of Caesarea became Archbishop of Caesarea early in the 10th century, and is reckoned one of the most scholarly theologians of the Greek Orthodox Church.-Life:He was born at Patrae . He was a disciple of Photius...
was born at Patrae, at around 860. By the 9th century there are strong signs the city was prosperous: the widow Danielis
Danielis
Danielis was a widowed Byzantine noblewoman from Patras. According to the written tradition she was an extremely wealthy landowner, owning a significant part of the Peloponnese, as well as a flourishing carpet and textile industry.Danielis became acquainted with the future emperor Basil I the...
from Patras had accumulated immense wealth in land ownership, the carpet and textile industry, and offered critical support in the ascent of Basil I the Macedonian to the Byzantine throne.
In 1204 Patras was conquered by the Fourth Crusade
Fourth Crusade
The Fourth Crusade was originally intended to conquer Muslim-controlled Jerusalem by means of an invasion through Egypt. Instead, in April 1204, the Crusaders of Western Europe invaded and conquered the Christian city of Constantinople, capital of the Eastern Roman Empire...
, and became the seat of the Latin Duchy of Athens
Duchy of Athens
The Duchy of Athens was one of the Crusader States set up in Greece after the conquest of the Byzantine Empire during the Fourth Crusade, encompassing the regions of Attica and Boeotia, and surviving until its conquest by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century....
within the Principality of Achaea
Principality of Achaea
The Principality of Achaea or of the Morea was one of the three vassal states of the Latin Empire which replaced the Byzantine Empire after the capture of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade. It became a vassal of the Kingdom of Thessalonica, along with the Duchy of Athens, until Thessalonica...
. Captured in 1205 by William of Champlitte
William of Champlitte
William I of Champlitte was a French knight who joined the Fourth Crusade and became the first prince of Achaea .- Early years and the Fourth Crusade :...
and Villehardouin
Geoffrey I of Villehardouin
Geoffrey I of Villehardouin was a French knight from the County of Champagne who joined the Fourth Crusade. He participated in the conquest of the Peloponnese and became the second prince of Achaea ....
, the city became a part of the principality of Achaea
Principality of Achaea
The Principality of Achaea or of the Morea was one of the three vassal states of the Latin Empire which replaced the Byzantine Empire after the capture of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade. It became a vassal of the Kingdom of Thessalonica, along with the Duchy of Athens, until Thessalonica...
, and its archbishop primate of the principality while in 1387 Juan Fernández de Heredia
Juan Fernández de Heredia
Juan Fernández de Heredia was the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller from 24 September 1377 to his death. His tenure was occupied by the "affair of Achaea." He was also a great patron of the translation and composition of historiographical works in the Aragonese language and a counsellor to...
, grand master of the order of the Knights Hospitaller at Rhodes
Rhodes
Rhodes is an island in Greece, located in the eastern Aegean Sea. It is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in terms of both land area and population, with a population of 117,007, and also the island group's historical capital. Administratively the island forms a separate municipality within...
, endeavoured to make himself master of Achaea and took Patras by storm. In 1408, Patras became Venetian
Republic of Venice
The Republic of Venice or Venetian Republic was a state originating from the city of Venice in Northeastern Italy. It existed for over a millennium, from the late 7th century until 1797. It was formally known as the Most Serene Republic of Venice and is often referred to as La Serenissima, in...
, and by the close of the 15th century the city was governed by the archbishop in the name of the pope
Pope
The Pope is the Bishop of Rome, a position that makes him the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church . In the Catholic Church, the Pope is regarded as the successor of Saint Peter, the Apostle...
. It was nevertheless seized and recaptured once more in 1430, by the Despotate of Morea
Despotate of Morea
The Despotate of the Morea or Despotate of Mystras was a province of the Byzantine Empire which existed between the mid-14th and mid-15th centuries. Its territory varied in size during its 100 years of existence but eventually grew to take in almost all the southern Greek peninsula, the...
and its despot Constantine Palaiologos
Constantine XI
Constantine XI Palaiologos, latinized as Palaeologus , Kōnstantinos XI Dragasēs Palaiologos; February 8, 1404 – May 29, 1453) was the last reigning Byzantine Emperor from 1449 to his death as member of the Palaiologos dynasty...
, who succeeded in recapturing almost the whole of Morea
Morea
The Morea was the name of the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece during the Middle Ages and the early modern period. It also referred to a Byzantine province in the region, known as the Despotate of Morea.-Origins of the name:...
, apart from Venetian possessions. The administration of Patras was appointed to George Sphrantzes
George Sphrantzes
George Sphrantzes, also Phrantzes or Phrantza was a late Byzantine Greek historian. He was born in Constantinople. At an early age he became secretary to Manuel II Palaiologos; in 1432 protovestiarites; in 1446 prefect of Mistras, and subsequently great logothete...
, while Constantine was immediately contested by the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
and later, in 1449, became emperor of the Byzantine empire
Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire was the Eastern Roman Empire during the periods of Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, centred on the capital of Constantinople. Known simply as the Roman Empire or Romania to its inhabitants and neighbours, the Empire was the direct continuation of the Ancient Roman State...
.
Patras remained a part of the Despotate of Morea
Despotate of Morea
The Despotate of the Morea or Despotate of Mystras was a province of the Byzantine Empire which existed between the mid-14th and mid-15th centuries. Its territory varied in size during its 100 years of existence but eventually grew to take in almost all the southern Greek peninsula, the...
until 1458, when it was conquered by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
, Mehmet II. Under the Ottomans, it was known as Baliabadra, from the Greek Παλαιά Πάτρα, as opposed to Νέα Πάτρα, the town of Ypati
Ypati
Ypati is a village and a former municipality in Phthiotis, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Lamia, of which it is a municipal unit. Its 2002 population was 6,855 for the municipality...
in Central Greece
Central Greece
Continental Greece or Central Greece , colloquially known as Roúmeli , is a geographical region of Greece. Its territory is divided into the administrative regions of Central Greece, Attica, and part of West Greece...
. Though Mehmet granted the city special privileges and tax reductions, it never became a major centre of commerce. Venice
Venice
Venice is a city in northern Italy which is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. It is the capital of the Veneto region...
and Genoa
Genoa
Genoa |Ligurian]] Zena ; Latin and, archaically, English Genua) is a city and an important seaport in northern Italy, the capital of the Province of Genoa and of the region of Liguria....
attacked and captured it several times during the 15th and 16th centuries, but never re-established their rule effectively except Venetian rule between 1687–1715.
Modern Era
Patras was one of the first cities, in which the Greek Revolution began in 1821; but the Turks, confined to the citadel, held out until 1828. The city was liberated on 7 October 1828 by the French expeditionary force in the Peloponnese, under the command of General MaisonNicolas Joseph Maison
Nicolas Joseph Maison, 1er Marquis Maison was a Marshal of France and Minister of War.-French revolution and Napoléon:Maison was born at born in Épinay-sur-Seine, near Paris....
. Patras developed quickly into the second largest urban centre in late 19th century Greece. The city benefited from its role as the main export port for the agricultural produce of the Peloponnese.
In the early 20th century, Patras developed fast and became the first Greek city to introduce public streetlights and electrified tramways. The war effort necessitated by the first World War hampered the city's development and also created uncontrollable urban sprawl
Urban sprawl
Urban sprawl, also known as suburban sprawl, is a multifaceted concept, which includes the spreading outwards of a city and its suburbs to its outskirts to low-density and auto-dependent development on rural land, high segregation of uses Urban sprawl, also known as suburban sprawl, is a...
with the influx of refugees from Asia Minor
Asia Minor
Asia Minor is a geographical location at the westernmost protrusion of Asia, also called Anatolia, and corresponds to the western two thirds of the Asian part of Turkey...
. During the Second World War, the city was a major target of Italian air raids
Airstrike
An air strike is an attack on a specific objective by military aircraft during an offensive mission. Air strikes are commonly delivered from aircraft such as fighters, bombers, ground attack aircraft, attack helicopters, and others...
; during the period of Axis occupation, a German military command was established and German and Italian troops stationed in the city. After the liberation in October 1944, the city grew fast to recover, but in later years was increasingly overshadowed by the urban pole of Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
.
Urban landscape
Georgiou I Square
Georgiou I Square is Patras's central square. The square is named after George I of Greece. The square is 134 km west of Corinth, 216 km west of Athens, 96 km northeast of Pyrgos, 144 km northwest of Tripoli and 77 km northwest of Kalavryta.The square features a fountain in the middle and...
. A number of exquisite neoclassical buildings are to be found, including the Apollon Theatre
Apollon Theatre (Patras)
For the theatre, see the Apollo TheatreThe Apollon Theatre is a theatre located in Patras east of Georgiou I Square, one of Patras' popular squares. It was first completed in 1872 and was planned by the famous German architect Ernst Ziller...
in Georgiou I Square, the Town Hall, the headquarters of the Local Trade Association and the Court of Justice. A replica of the city's emblematic old lighthouse - which was situated at the dock of Saint Nikolaos - rises at the end of Trion Navarhon street, near the temple of Saint Andreas.
In general, much of Patras' coastline is framed by roads and avenues running alongside; these include Dymaion Coast to the south and Iroon Polytechneiou Road to the north. Unfortunately, due to insufficient urban planning as well as institutional weaknesses on behalf of the City Council (mainly due to a lack of proper financial planning), some of the city's coastal areas are not in an ideal condition, with several areas illegally occupied by shops built along the coastline. This is contrary to what the Constitution of Greece
Constitution of Greece
The Constitution of Greece , was created by the Fifth Revisional Parliament of the Hellenes and entered into force in 1975. It has been revised three times since, most significantly in 1986, and also in 2001 and in 2008. The Constitutional history of Greece goes back to the Greek War of...
of 2001 declares; that the Greek coastline is a "national treasure", and as such belongs to the Greek people.
Landmarks
- The Roman OdeonOdeon (building)Odeon is the name for several ancient Greek and Roman buildings built for singing exercises, musical shows and poetry competitions. They were generally small in size, especially compared with a full-size ancient Greek theatre....
, the most significant ancient monument, is situated in the upper town and was built around 160 AD, during the reign of either Antoninus PiusAntoninus PiusAntoninus Pius , also known as Antoninus, was Roman Emperor from 138 to 161. He was a member of the Nerva-Antonine dynasty and the Aurelii. He did not possess the sobriquet "Pius" until after his accession to the throne...
or Marcus Aurelius. It has been restored and partially reconstructed and it is used as an open-air theatre for performances and concerts during summer months. - The medieval Patras CastlePatras CastleThe Patras Castle was built around the mid-6th century above the ruins of the ancient acropolis, on a low outlying hill of the Panachaiko Mountain and ca. 800 m from the sea...
, in the location of the ancient acropolis overlooking city, was initially built in the 6th century AD from the ByzantineByzantineByzantine usually refers to the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages.Byzantine may also refer to:* A citizen of the Byzantine Empire, or native Greek during the Middle Ages...
emperor Justinian, having many additions from the period of the Frankish and Venetian rule of the city, as long as from the time of the Despotate of MoreaDespotate of MoreaThe Despotate of the Morea or Despotate of Mystras was a province of the Byzantine Empire which existed between the mid-14th and mid-15th centuries. Its territory varied in size during its 100 years of existence but eventually grew to take in almost all the southern Greek peninsula, the...
and the years of the Ottoman EmpireOttoman EmpireThe Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
. Its current outline dates back to the second Venetian rule of the town (1687–1715). Today, its interior is used as a public garden. - The Roman AmphitheatreAmphitheatreAn amphitheatre is an open-air venue used for entertainment and performances.There are two similar, but distinct, types of structure for which the word "amphitheatre" is used: Ancient Roman amphitheatres were large central performance spaces surrounded by ascending seating, and were commonly used...
, situated near the Roman Odeon, in Ifestou street, is one of the most important and impressive monuments of the city. It is dated in the dues of the 1st century AD, at a period of the biggest development of Roman Patras. Its area has been only partly excavated. - The monumental church of Saint Andrew of PatrasSaint Andrew of PatrasSaint Andrew is a Greek Orthodox basilica in the east side of the city of Patras in Greece. Construction of the church, of Greek Byzantine style, began in 1908 under the supervision of the architect Anastasios Metaxas, followed by Georgios Nomikos. It was inaugurated in 1974...
was founded in 1908 by king George IGeorge I of GreeceGeorge I was King of Greece from 1863 to 1913. Originally a Danish prince, George was only 17 years old when he was elected king by the Greek National Assembly, which had deposed the former king Otto. His nomination was both suggested and supported by the Great Powers...
and was inaugurated in 1974. It is dedicated to Saint AndrewSaint AndrewSaint Andrew , called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. The name "Andrew" , like other Greek names, appears to have been common among the Jews from the 3rd or 2nd century BC. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him...
, the patron of the city and is situated near the seafront, between the areas of the new and the old port. It is the second largest temple of byzantineByzantineByzantine usually refers to the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages.Byzantine may also refer to:* A citizen of the Byzantine Empire, or native Greek during the Middle Ages...
style in the Balkans (after the Cathedral of Saint Sava in Belgrade). The central cupola is 46 metres tall and is the base for a 5-metre gold-plated cross and twelve smaller ones, symbolizing Christ and the twelve apostles. A congregation of at least 5,000 can attend sermon within the church. - The municipal Theatre ApollonApollon Theatre (Patras)For the theatre, see the Apollo TheatreThe Apollon Theatre is a theatre located in Patras east of Georgiou I Square, one of Patras' popular squares. It was first completed in 1872 and was planned by the famous German architect Ernst Ziller...
, built in 1872 after plans by the German architect Ernst ZillerErnst ZillerErnst Moritz Theodor Ziller was a Saxon architect who later became a Greek national, and in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was a major designer of royal and municipal buildings in Athens, Patras and other Greek cities.- Buildings :* Presidential Mansion, Athens* National Theatre of...
. The building is characteristic of the 19th century neoclassical style and is located in the central square of the city. - The Achaia ClaussAchaia ClaussAchaia Clauss is a Greek winery located in Patras in the Peloponnese. It was founded in 1861 by the Bavarian Gustav Clauss. It is most famous for its fortified red wine, Mavrodaphne....
wine industry and tasting center, which is located on the outskirts in Petroto village. It was founded in 1861 by the BavariaBavariaBavaria, formally the Free State of Bavaria is a state of Germany, located in the southeast of Germany. With an area of , it is the largest state by area, forming almost 20% of the total land area of Germany...
n Gustav Clauss and is most famous for its Mavrodaphne. - The Patras Archaeological Museum, which exhibits the history of Patras from the prehistoric era to the late Roman times. The exhibition is divided into three thematic sections which are demonstrated in the big three separate halls of the museum: the Chamber of Private Life, the Hall of Necropolis and the Hall of Public Life.
- The remains of the Roman AqueductAqueductAn aqueduct is a water supply or navigable channel constructed to convey water. In modern engineering, the term is used for any system of pipes, ditches, canals, tunnels, and other structures used for this purpose....
, which connected the acropolis with the springs of Romanos. The aqueduct measured 6.5 km (4.04 mi) from the water cistern to the castle. For the greater part of this distance, the water passed through a man-built underground pipe, over passing valleys and gorges on carefully constructed archways, parts of which remain standing to this day, in the area of AroiAroiAroi is a neighbourhood in the city of Patras, Achaia, Greece. It is build in a hilly area near the ancient acropolis, which is known as the Castle of Aroi....
. - The Roman bridge over the river Milichos, which dates from 114 AD. It is situated in AgyiaAgyiaAgyia is a neighborhood of the city of Patras, Greece. It is located about 3.5 km north of downtown Patras. The community forms the mid-northern part of the city of Patras . Most of the street names are named from rivers. The town includes the St. Constantine church and a street is named...
, in the northernn suburbs of the city, at the junction of Aretha street and the National Road. - The Turkish baths' building (16th century), in Boukaouri street, which still retains its initial use. It is one of the few Turkish baths surviving in Europe.
Parks and Squares
- Georgiou I SquareGeorgiou I SquareGeorgiou I Square is Patras's central square. The square is named after George I of Greece. The square is 134 km west of Corinth, 216 km west of Athens, 96 km northeast of Pyrgos, 144 km northwest of Tripoli and 77 km northwest of Kalavryta.The square features a fountain in the middle and...
, the central square and the heart of the city. Its was named after king George IGeorge I of GreeceGeorge I was King of Greece from 1863 to 1913. Originally a Danish prince, George was only 17 years old when he was elected king by the Greek National Assembly, which had deposed the former king Otto. His nomination was both suggested and supported by the Great Powers...
. The square's fountains were installed in 1875 at a cost of 70,000 drachmas each, a huge amount for the finances of Greece and Patra at the time. It was and continues to be the center of political and cultural happenings, the venue that hosts all significant activities, political gatherings, rallies, cultural events and most importantly, the square were Carnival-related events take place. - Ethnikis Antistaseos Square (Olga's Square). It is know by the name of queen Olga, wife of king George I. It was planted with trees and called "The queen's garden". Today the square is officially called Ethnikis Antistaseos, but its old name (Olga's Square) is the one that is still in use by the citizens of Patras.
- Trion Symmahon Square. It bears the name of the Three Allied Powers who fought for the liberation of Greece. These forces were England, France and Russia. The square features a flower clock and links the Ayiou Nikolaou pedestrian way with the seaside front and the dock of Ayios Nikolaos.
- Psilalonia Square ( or formally Πλατεία Υψηλών Αλωνίων) is one of Patras's most popular squares. It is located 1.5 km from downtown Patras, next to the city's main north-south street, Gounari Street. It features a fountain, many sidewalks, palm trees and playgrounds. A bronze statue of Germanos of PatrasGermanos of PatrasGermanos was an Orthodox Metropolitan of Patras.Germanos was born in Dimitsana, northwestern Arcadia, Peloponnese...
stands on the northern end, while a memorial plaque to people executed during the Axis occupation of Greece stands on the south-western corner. It is surrounded by several shops, restaurants and cafes and many modernistModern architectureModern architecture is generally characterized by simplification of form and creation of ornament from the structure and theme of the building. It is a term applied to an overarching movement, with its exact definition and scope varying widely...
buildings. It was completed in the mid to late-19th century, when trees were added, along with neoclassical buildings. After World War II and the Greek Civil WarGreek Civil WarThe Greek Civil War was fought from 1946 to 1949 between the Greek governmental army, backed by the United Kingdom and United States, and the Democratic Army of Greece , the military branch of the Greek Communist Party , backed by Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Albania...
however, and through the 1960s and 1970s, most neoclassical buildings were replaced by eight-story residential buildings. In the west end, a 15 m (49.21 ft) tall cliff overlooks the Trion Navarchon pedestrian street, and offers a wide vista across the western Gulf of PatrasGulf of PatrasThe Gulf of Patras is a branch of the Ionian Sea. On the east, it is closed by the Strait of Rion between capes Rio, Greece and Antirrio, near the Rio-Antirio bridge. On the west, it is bounded by a line from Oxeia island to Cape Araxos...
, including the mountains of AitoloakarnaniaAetolia-AcarnaniaAetolia-Acarnania is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of West Greece. It is located in the western part of Greece; the regional unit is a combination of the geographic regions Aetolia and Acarnania. Its capital is Missolonghi for historical reasons, with its biggest...
. - The Spinney of Patras , is situated in a pine-tree-covered hill, which is dubbed "the Gulf of PatrasGulf of PatrasThe Gulf of Patras is a branch of the Ionian Sea. On the east, it is closed by the Strait of Rion between capes Rio, Greece and Antirrio, near the Rio-Antirio bridge. On the west, it is bounded by a line from Oxeia island to Cape Araxos...
' veranda" due to the panoramic view it offers. The spinney is ideal for recreational walks and jogging, with its specially formed paths and the shade offered by the tall trees. The pine trees that cover the spinney were planted in March 1916 by students of Patras' Primary Schools under the supervision of Austrian forest specialist Steggel.
Architecture
The city is endowed with a number of neoclassicalNeoclassicism
Neoclassicism is the name given to Western movements in the decorative and visual arts, literature, theatre, music, and architecture that draw inspiration from the "classical" art and culture of Ancient Greece or Ancient Rome...
buildings and mansions dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the past, years of neglect and the absence of protection enforcement, as well as recent earthquakes had contributed to the destruction of several such examples. Today, however, most surviving neoclassical buildings are under a strict protection status. As a part of the 2006 European Capital of Culture programmme, there was a project for the restoration of the city's architectural heritage.
Patras' center is characterized by a composition of architectural currents and trends. Α representative example, are the façades around the central square of the city (Georgiou I square). The neoclassical Apollo Theatre, a work of Ernst Ziller
Ernst Ziller
Ernst Moritz Theodor Ziller was a Saxon architect who later became a Greek national, and in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was a major designer of royal and municipal buildings in Athens, Patras and other Greek cities.- Buildings :* Presidential Mansion, Athens* National Theatre of...
is situated next to the modernist
Modernism
Modernism, in its broadest definition, is modern thought, character, or practice. More specifically, the term describes the modernist movement, its set of cultural tendencies and array of associated cultural movements, originally arising from wide-scale and far-reaching changes to Western society...
building of the Hall of Literature and Art (Μέγαρο Λόγου και Τέχνης), while the majority of the unattractive multi-storey buildings on the west and south side of the square were constructed in the late '60s and the '70s.
Today's Patra is a relatively new-built city, as its medieval constructions were completely destroyed during the Greek War of Independence
Greek War of Independence
The Greek War of Independence, also known as the Greek Revolution was a successful war of independence waged by the Greek revolutionaries between...
. The oldest surviving buildings (apart from ancient monuments and the castle) are the church of Pantocrator in Ano Poli and a residential building at the corner of Ayiou Nikolaou and Mezonos street, built in 1832. The area on the south of the castle, around the Roman Odeon
Odeon (building)
Odeon is the name for several ancient Greek and Roman buildings built for singing exercises, musical shows and poetry competitions. They were generally small in size, especially compared with a full-size ancient Greek theatre....
and the church of Pantokrator, in the Upper Town (Ano Poli), is the most appealing of the city, as it is the only one in which the height of constructions is limited to two-storey buildings.
City plan
Stamatis Voulgaris
Stamatis Voulgaris was the first urban planner of modern Greece. He was born in Lefkimmi in the island of Corfu.An interesting incident led him to his decision to become an urban planner. During the Russian-Turkish siege , the San Giacomo theater of Corfu was in peril of fire when a cannon ball...
, a Greek engineer of the French army, presented the plan of the new city of Patras to the Governor Kapodistrias
Ioannis Kapodistrias
Count Ioannis Antonios Kapodistrias |Academy of Athens]] Critical Observations about the 6th-Grade History Textbook"): "3.2.7. Σελ. 40: Δεν αναφέρεται ότι ο Καποδίστριας ήταν Κερκυραίος ευγενής." "...δύο ιστορικούς της Aκαδημίας κ.κ...
, who approved it. Voulgaris applied the orthogonal rule in the urban complex of Patras. The plan was divided into two sectors, the upper and the lower city, with a different city block layout; a revision of the proposal in 1858 was that finally realised.
Districts and neighbourhoods
Nowadays, the municipal units of Rio
Rio, Greece
Rio is a town and a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Patras, of which it is a municipal unit. The former municipality had a population of around 13,000.- Geography :...
, Paralia, Messatida
Messatida
Messatida is a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Patras, of which it is a municipal unit. The seat of the municipality was in Ovrya. It includes the communities of Kríni, southern Demenika, Saravali, and parts...
and Vrachnaiika have functionally become a part of the wider urban complex of Patras. Apart from the city center, the main districts of Patras are:
Patras municipal unit:
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Rio municipal unit:
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Paralia:
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Messatida:
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Vrachneika:
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Government
Patras is the regional capital of West GreeceWest Greece
West Greece is one of the thirteen regions of Greece. It comprises the western part of continental Greece and the northwestern part of the Peloponnese peninsula.- Administration :...
and the capital of the Achaea
Achaea
Achaea is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of West Greece. It is situated in the northwestern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. The capital is Patras. The population exceeds 300,000 since 2001.-Geography:...
regional unit. Since 2011, the city is also the capital of the administrative division, which includes (along with West Greece) the regions of Peloponnese and the Ionian Islands.
Municipality
- MessatidaMessatidaMessatida is a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Patras, of which it is a municipal unit. The seat of the municipality was in Ovrya. It includes the communities of Kríni, southern Demenika, Saravali, and parts...
(12,246) - ParaliaParalia, AchaeaParalia is a town and a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Patras, of which it is a municipal unit. It is a suburb of Patras, about 6 km south of the city centre. The municipal population is between 6,000...
(9,153) - Patras (171,616)
- RioRio, GreeceRio is a town and a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Patras, of which it is a municipal unit. The former municipality had a population of around 13,000.- Geography :...
(12,674) - Vrachnaiika (4,805)
Demographics
| Historical Population | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Patras | Urban Area |
||
| 1853 | 15,854 | 19,499 | ||
| 1861 | 18,342 | 23,020 | ||
| 1870 | 16,641 | 26,190 | ||
| 1879 | 25,494 | 34,227 | ||
| 1889 | 33,529 | 44,970 | ||
| 1896 | 37,985 | 51,932 | ||
| 1907 | 37,728 | - | ||
| 1920 | 52,174 | - | ||
| 1928 | 61,278 | - | ||
| 1951 | 87,570 | 94,192 | ||
| 1961 | 96,100 | 103,985 | ||
| 1971 | 112,228 | 120,847 | ||
| 1981 | 142,163 | 154,596 | ||
| 1991 | 161,782 | 190,463 | ||
| 2001 | 171,616 | 210,494 | ||
| 2007 (est.) | 180,000 | 230,000 | ||
Consulates
The city hosts consulates from several European countries (the only exception is the Lebanon consulate)| British Honorary Vice Consulate Consulate of Austria Diplomatic missions of Austria This is a list of diplomatic missions of Austria, excluding honorary consulates.-Europe:** Tirana ** Brussels ** Sarajevo ** Sofia ** Zagreb ** Prague ** Copenhagen... Consulate of France Consulate of Belgium Diplomatic missions of Belgium This is a list of diplomatic missions of Belgium, excluding honorary consulates. Belgium is unique in having three networks of representation — one for the Belgian state, another for Dutch-speaking community of Flanders and Brussels, and a third one for the French-language Community of... Consulate of Germany Diplomatic missions of Germany This is a list of diplomatic missions of Germany. Historically, the German state of Prussia and several smaller German states, had sent emissaries abroad prior to the establishment of the North German Confederation, the precursor to the modern State of Germany.In 1874 Germany had only four... Consulate of Sweden Diplomatic missions of Sweden This is a list of diplomatic missions of Sweden. Sweden has a moderately sized diplomatic network of 78 embassies and 13 consulates general, supplemented by honorary consulates, cultural centres and trade missions that are operated separately. Of note Sweden was the first Western country to have... |
Consulate of Switzerland Honorary Consulate of Estonia Estonian diplomatic missions This is a list of diplomatic missions of Estonia. Estonia established a foreign ministry on 12 April 1990 while the country was slowly becoming independent from the Soviet Union, with the symbols and instruments of sovereignty were progressively being reintroduced. The events in August later that... Honorary Consulate of Finland Finnish diplomatic missions This is a list of diplomatic missions of Finland. Finland's foreign affairs ministry was established shortly after its independence in 1917. To encourage its international recognition and promote its frontier, trade and maritime interests, Finland had commissioned twelve missions abroad by the end... Honorary Consulate of Italy Diplomatic missions of Italy This is a list of diplomatic missions of Italy, excluding honorary consulates. Italy has a large global network of diplomatic missions. It is the only country in the world to have an embassy on its own territory - the Italian embassy to the Holy See is in Rome.... Honorary Consulate of Lebanon Diplomatic missions of Lebanon This is a list of diplomatic missions of Lebanon, excluding honorary consulates.-Europe:** Vienna ** Brussels ** Sofia ** Nicosia ** Prague ** Paris ** Marseille... |
Honorary Consulate of Poland Diplomatic missions of Poland This is a list of diplomatic missions of Poland, excluding honorary consulates. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reduced the number of Polish diplomatic missions in September 2008... Honorary Consulate of Netherlands Diplomatic missions of the Netherlands This is a list of diplomatic missions of the Netherlands, excluding honorary consulates.-Europe:** Tirana ** Vienna ** Baku ** Brussels ** Antwerp ** Ghent... Royal Danish Consulate Royal Norwegian Honorary Consulate |
Infrastructure
In the past, Patras lacked public investment in infrastructure; in recent years, this trend has changed significantly. Several important works have been recently completed to serve Patras as an Olympic city, a European capital of culture and one of the most populous Greek cities.
The city has always been a sea-trade hub due to its strategic position. The port manages more than half of the foreign sea-passenger transportation in Greece, and has excellent car-ferry links with the Ionian islands
Ionian Islands
The Ionian Islands are a group of islands in Greece. They are traditionally called the Heptanese, i.e...
and the major Adriatic ports of Italy. Additionally, a new port is under construction in the southern section of the city to accommodate the increased traffic and relieve the city centre from port operations.
A newly constructed, 20 km (12 mi) ring road
Greek National Road 9
Greek National Road 9 is the second-longest national highway of Greece. It runs through the western Peloponnese, from Patras to Pylos. Its length is around .This highway travels near:*Bypasses:*Patras and Area, since 2002*Vrachneika*Alissos*Kato Achaia...
(the Bypass of Patras) was first opened in 2002 in order to alleviate heavy traffic throughout the city. A mini ring road (known as the "Mini bypass" of Patras) is now being constructed to alleviate heavy traffic-related problems in the city centre. Two large highways are under construction that will connect the seacoast and the new port with the Bypass of Patras. The first is over the small Diakoniaris river (from Eleftheriou Venizelou street until the Bypass'es exit in Eglykada), while the second consists of two roads, 4 km (2 mi) each, that will run in parallel with the Glafkos river. Another project will lead to an additional entrance to the downtown area by expanding Kanakari street.
The highway connection with Athens and Pyrgos
Pyrgos, Elis
Pyrgos is the capital of the Elis peripheral unit in Greece. It is named after a local tower. The city is located in the western part of the Peloponnese, in the middle of a plain near the Ionian Sea. It is 96 km away from Patras via Greek National Road 9, 320 km from Athens, and...
is to be drastically upgraded. Patras will also be the central hub of the Ionia Odos
Ionia Odos
The Ionia Odos , sometimes called Ionian Highway in English, is a motorway, currently under construction, running through the western part of Greece. The total length will be 196 km from Rio to Ioannina. It is part of the E55 on its full length, along with the non-motorway part of Kakavia -...
highway, intended to bridge western Greece from Kalamata
Kalamata
Kalamata is the second-largest city of the Peloponnese in southern Greece. The capital and chief port of the Messenia prefecture, it lies along the Nedon River at the head of the Messenian Gulf...
to Ioannina
Ioannina
Ioannina , often called Jannena within Greece, is the largest city of Epirus, north-western Greece, with a population of 70,203 . It lies at an elevation of approximately 500 meters above sea level, on the western shore of lake Pamvotis . It is located within the Ioannina municipality, and is the...
. The Rio-Antirio bridge
Rio-Antirio bridge
The Rion-Antirion bridge , officially the Charilaos Trikoupis bridge after the statesman who first envisaged it, is the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridge...
is located to the north of the city and links Peloponnese
Peloponnese
The Peloponnese, Peloponnesos or Peloponnesus , is a large peninsula , located in a region of southern Greece, forming the part of the country south of the Gulf of Corinth...
to mainland Greece, and was completed in August 2004.
In 2011, the new harbour (southern port) went into operations. Ferries to Italy now dock there.
A rudimentary single
Single track (rail)
A single track railway is where trains in both directions share the same track. Single track is normally used on lesser used rail lines, often branch lines, where the traffic density is not high enough to justify the cost of building double tracks....
, narrow gauge railway track crosses the city and connects it to Athens and to Pyrgos-Kalamata, while the central passenger train station lies to the west of the downtown area, between Aghiou Nikolaou Street and Othonos-Amalias Avenue. The main freight station of Aghios Andreas lies further to the south, next to the homonymous church. Finally, the old depot of Aghios Dionysios, consisting of about ten tracks, offers basic turntable and roundhouse facilities; its length is approximately 400 m (1,312.34 ft). A new standard gauge
Standard gauge
The standard gauge is a widely-used track gauge . Approximately 60% of the world's existing railway lines are built to this gauge...
railway to Korinth and further to Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
is under construction.
Other heavy infrastructure works include the Peiros-Parapeiros dam (to provide water supply for Patras and surrounding towns) and a "small industries" park that will be constructed next to the Glaykos river and provide an easy connection with the new port.
The city is one of the main Greek internet and GRNET
GRNET
The Greek Research and Technology Network or GRNET is the national research and education network of Greece. GRNET develops and provides advanced services of national and international internet access to the Research, Academic and Education communities of Greece, with its gigabit GRNET2 network...
hubs and is connected with high speed lines to Athens as part of the backbone. A metropolitan optical network will be deployed in the city, with a total length of 48 km (30 mi).
Two major state hospitals operate in the city: the Saint Andreas Hospital is the oldest of the two; named after the city's patron saint. The University Hospital of Rio
Rio, Greece
Rio is a town and a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Patras, of which it is a municipal unit. The former municipality had a population of around 13,000.- Geography :...
is a prominent university hospital, where intern medical students specialize on their major. There exist, in addition, two smaller state hospitals, Karamandanio - children's hospital, and the Center of Chest Diseases of Southwest Greece, and the Greek army operates the 409 army hospital in the city. A large range of private hospitals and clinics operate in parallel.
Numerous art venues and an ultra-modern archaeological museum were constructed for the needs of European Culture Capital designation. The cultural and educational facilities include the Municipal Library, the university libraries, many theatres, the municipal art gallery, the University of Patras
University of Patras
University of Patras is a university established in 1964 in Patras, Greece. Initially housed in the city centre, the university's campus is now located in the adjacent municipality of Rio...
's facilities, the Hellenic Open University and the Technical Institute of Patras. A number of research facilities also are established in the university campus area.
Economy
The economy of the city largely depends on a thriving service sector. Its main economic activities include retailing, logistics, financial and the public sector services. Patras suffered a severe problem of deindustrializationDeindustrialization
Deindustrialization is a process of social and economic change caused by the removal or reduction of industrial capacity or activity in a country or region, especially heavy industry or manufacturing industry. It is an opposite of industrialization.- Multiple interpretations :There are multiple...
during the late 1980s and 1990s; a number of major productive units shut down in successive order. As a result, a considerable portion of the city's workforce and the city's economic planning in its entirety had to be re-evaluated and restructured by the authorities. The University of Patras contributed by working towards this goal, using its widely respected service and technology sectors. The area still retains some of its traditional winemaking and foodstuff industries as well as a small agricultural sector, and
its industrial area lies approximately 20 km to the south of the downtown area, located between the 16th km of GR-9 and Fares/Phares (pro. FAH-rehs). Major businesses in Patras include:
- Tertiary education
University of Patras
University of Patras is a university established in 1964 in Patras, Greece. Initially housed in the city centre, the university's campus is now located in the adjacent municipality of Rio...
, the Hellenic Open University and the TEI of Patras.
- Banking
Most Greek Banks have their regional headquarters for Western Greece located in Patras.
- Construction and real estate
Numerous small local companies are involved in the construction sector.
- Retailing
Most of the large retail and super-market chains operate in the city. Patras has also some local but dynamic companies.
- Tourism
In 2010, the new Infocenter of Patras was established, inside the neoclassical building of the former market "Agora Argyri", in Ayiou Andreou street. The building includes a conference hall, along with multi-purpose and exhibitional spaces.
The prefecture of Achaia has approximately 4,800 hotels rooms and in 2006, 286,000 tourists, mainly from Greece, stayed in the area for a total of 634,000 days.
- Manufacturing
- Titan Cement CompanyTitan CementTitan Cement Company S.A. is a large cement producing company, based in the Ano Patissia suburb of Athens, Greece. In 2009, it was ranked 8th in the entire world for the award of "Top Company For Leaders" receiving global distinction regarding the development of human capital and leadership...
operates a large cement factory, with a private port, in PsathopyrgosPsathopyrgosPsathopyrgos is a tourist village located in the municipal unit of Rio in the northern part of Achaea. It is the northernmost community in the Peloponnese. Psathopyrgos is located southeast of Cape Drepano, a trapezoidal cape facing the northwest and is the northernmost point in the Peloponnese...
, a suburb of Patras.
- Titan Cement Company
- Energy
Acciona
Acciona
Acciona, S.A., is a Spanish conglomerate group dedicated to civil engineering, construction and infrastructure.The company was founded in 1997 through the merger of Entrecanales y Tavora and Cubiertas y MZOV. The company's headquarters is in Alcobendas, Community of Madrid, Spain. The company's U.S...
has recently completed the largest wind park in Greece, on the Panachaiko
Panachaiko
The Panachaikon or Panachaiko , also known as Vodias in medieval times and until the early 20th century, is a mountain range that spans about 20 km in length from north to south , and 15 to 20 km from east to west...
mountain, overlooking the city of Patras. The Public Electric Company, operates a small hydroelectric plant on river Glafkos.
- Foodstuff
Achaia Clauss
Achaia Clauss is a Greek winery located in Patras in the Peloponnese. It was founded in 1861 by the Bavarian Gustav Clauss. It is most famous for its fortified red wine, Mavrodaphne....
. In the food sector, Friesland Foods
Friesland Foods
Royal Friesland Foods is a Netherlands-based multinational cooperative that develops, produces and sells branded dairy products and fruit-based drinks. Royal Friesland Foods has a strong presence in Western Europe, Central Europe, West Africa and Southeast Asia.In 2008, Friesland Foods merged with...
, through the local subsidiary NoyNoy, operates a new yogurt factory in the city's industrial area. Patras is also home to important fish-farming companies (Andromeda, Nireus). ECOFEED operates in the industrial zone of Patras, the largest fish-feeds factory in the Mediterranean. The city hosts the second largest flour-mills
Gristmill
The terms gristmill or grist mill can refer either to a building in which grain is ground into flour, or to the grinding mechanism itself.- Early history :...
in Greece, Kepenou-Mills.
- Machinery
Patras has several packing and industrial equipment companies. The most important of them are the local Antzoulatos and the multinational
Multinational corporation
A multi national corporation or enterprise , is a corporation or an enterprise that manages production or delivers services in more than one country. It can also be referred to as an international corporation...
Frigoglass
Frigoglass
Frigoglass is a manufacturer in commercial refrigeration and West Africa's leading glass producer.Frigoglass has operations in 19 countries across 5 continents including production hubs in Romania, Russia, Greece, U.S.A., Turkey, India, China, Indonesia, South Africa and Nigeria, sales offices in...
, a subsidiary of Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink sold in stores, restaurants, and vending machines in more than 200 countries. It is produced by The Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta, Georgia, and is often referred to simply as Coke...
, headquartered in the suburbs of Patras.
Ideal is a leading bike producer in Greece, with large export activities.
- Pharmaceutical
CBL is headquartered in Patras, while Vianex - owned by Pavlos Giannakopoulos
Pavlos Giannakopoulos
Pavlos Giannakopoulos is a Greek businessman.Along with his brother Thanassis Giannakopoulos, he's the co-owner of pharmaceutical corporation Vianex, which was originally founded in 1924 by their father Dimitrios Giannakopoulos as a small local import and distribution firm...
- has its largest production facilities in the industrial area of the city.
- Textiles
The once omnipresent textile industry
Textile industry
The textile industry is primarily concerned with the production of yarn, and cloth and the subsequent design or manufacture of clothing and their distribution. The raw material may be natural, or synthetic using products of the chemical industry....
of the city is now almost defunct after the shut-down of the huge factory of Peiraiki-Patraiki
Peiraiki-Patraiki
Peiraiki-Patraiki was one of Greece's largest industrial groups in the 20th century. The firm was Greece's largest textile producer, and its annual production was said to be able to cover the Hellenic coastline twice over.-Early years:...
(Πειραϊκή-Πατραϊκή), followed by numerous smaller textile industries. This had an important impact on the city's economy and resulted in high levels of unemployment during the '90's. The remains of the facilities, still cover hundreds of acres in the south side of the city. Nowadays, Patras companies focus in dress production, the most important among them being DUR.
- Timber and paper
Patras hosts several timber manufacturing companies, and a wood distribution center of Shelman. The largest local company is Abex.
The paper sector is also active including a paper-factory belonging to Georgia-Pacific
Georgia-Pacific
Georgia-Pacific LLC is an American pulp and paper company based in Atlanta, Georgia, and is one of the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of tissue, pulp, paper, packaging, building products and related chemicals. As of Fall 2010, the company employed more than 40,000 people at more...
(Delica) and two important Greek companies, Elite and El-pack, headquartered in the city.
- Research
- Atmel CorporationAtmelAtmel Corporation is a manufacturer of semiconductors, founded in 1984. Its focus is on system-level solutions built around flash microcontrollers...
has an important R&D facility in Patras with more than 200 employees - Bytemobile has its European Development Center in Patras.
- IntracomIntracomIntracom is a Greek group of companies, specialising in computer and defence system software development, as well as development and manufacture of telecommunications and defence equipment and electronics. Its founder and CEO is Socrates Kokkalis.- Overview :...
facilities in Patras house the offices of Telecommunications Software Development, Terminal Equipment Design, Development Programmes, and Support Services divisions. Expansion plans have recently been completed. - CBL Patras, a global manufacturer of specialty chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients, is a startup from a professor of the University of PatrasUniversity of PatrasUniversity of Patras is a university established in 1964 in Patras, Greece. Initially housed in the city centre, the university's campus is now located in the adjacent municipality of Rio...
- Patras Science ParkPatras Science ParkThe Patras Science Park is a science park located in Patras, Greece near the University of Patras and the University Hospital of Rio. The site is the home for many high technology companies in Western Greece....
is an incubator for many small but upcoming technology companies.
- Atmel Corporation
There has been a significant development in the R&D
Research and development
The phrase research and development , according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, refers to "creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of...
sector, during the last years, as a result of the many research institutes and the University impact in the area. The Computer Technology Institute
Research Academic Computer Technology Institute
The Research Academic Computer Technology Institute - RACTI is a research institute in Greece under supervision of the Hellenic Ministry of Education. RACTI is also known as Computer Technology Institute...
and the Industrial Systems Institute of Greece are headquartered in Patras. The city is also a host to the FORTH
Foundation for Research & Technology - Hellas
The Foundation for Research & Technology - Hellas is a research center in Greece, supervised by the Ministry for Education through its . It consists of seven research institutes, which are located in various cities of Greece: Heraklion, Rethymno, Patras and Ioannina...
-ICE-HT (Institute of Chemical Engineering & High Temperature Chemical Processes) and the Institute of Biomedical Technology.
Culture
The cultural activity of Patras includes the Patras International Festival (with various artistic activities, mainly in the fields of theatre and music), the Patras Carnival
Patras Carnival
The Patras Carnival, Patrino karnavali is the largest event of its kind in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe. It has more than 160 years of history. The events begin on 17 January and last up to Clean Monday. The carnival of Patras is not a single event but a variety of events that includes...
and the Poetry Symposium.
The city hosts many museums, including the Patras Archaeological Museum, the History and Ethnology Museum, the Folk Art Museum, the Press Museum and the Technology Museum, the latter situated in the campus of Patras University.
Other cultural institutes are: the Visual Arts Workshop, the icon
Icon
An icon is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, from Eastern Christianity and in certain Eastern Catholic churches...
painting school, the Carnival
Carnival
Carnaval is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February. Carnaval typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party...
Float Workshop, the Municipal Library
Library
In a traditional sense, a library is a large collection of books, and can refer to the place in which the collection is housed. Today, the term can refer to any collection, including digital sources, resources, and services...
, the Municipal Gallery, along with many private art galleries. The architectural heritage of the city is dominated by neo-classicism, but also includes structures from other periods. Patras is also a pilot city of the Council of Europe
Council of Europe
The Council of Europe is an international organisation promoting co-operation between all countries of Europe in the areas of legal standards, human rights, democratic development, the rule of law and cultural co-operation...
and EU Intercultural cities
Intercultural cities
The Intercultural City programme is a joint project of the Council of Europe and the European Commission. It aims at stimulating new ideas and practice in relation to the integration of migrants and minorities....
programme.
Theatrical tradition and music
The Patras Municipal and Regional TheatrePatras Municipal and Regional Theatre
Τhe Patras Municipal and Regional Theatre is located in Patras, Greece was founded in June 1988 as Patras Municipal Theatre and is the largest theatre organisation in southwest Greece. Its main stage is the landmark Apollon Theatre.-History:...
was founded in June 1988. The theatre's founding artistic directors were the actors Maya Liberopoulou and Viktor Arditis, and the institution draws its funding from the Municipality of Patras and the Ministry of Culture, having as its main stage the city's landmark, the Apollon Theatre
Apollon Theatre (Patras)
For the theatre, see the Apollo TheatreThe Apollon Theatre is a theatre located in Patras east of Georgiou I Square, one of Patras' popular squares. It was first completed in 1872 and was planned by the famous German architect Ernst Ziller...
. Throughout its existence it has mounted critically acclaimed performances ranging from ancient dramaturgy
Dramaturgy
Dramaturgy is the art of dramatic composition and the representation of the main elements of drama on the stage. Dramaturgy is a distinct practice separate from play writing and directing, although a single individual may perform any combination of the three. Some dramatists combine writing and...
and modern Greek, to international repertoire. The theatre cooperates with other theatrical groups, such as the Viomichaniki (Industrial) group and the Michani Technis (Art Machine). The, ancient, Roman Odeon
Odeon (building)
Odeon is the name for several ancient Greek and Roman buildings built for singing exercises, musical shows and poetry competitions. They were generally small in size, especially compared with a full-size ancient Greek theatre....
hosts ancient dramas during the summer months, while the Pantheon theater, the Art Factory, the Lithographeion and the Agora theatres provide additional venues. The International Festival of Patras takes place every summer, with a program consisting mostly of plays—both ancient drama and modern theatre—as well as various musical events.
Patras has also a very strong indie rock
Indie rock
Indie rock is a genre of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom and the United States in the 1980s. Indie rock is extremely diverse, with sub-genres that include lo-fi, post-rock, math rock, indie pop, dream pop, noise rock, space rock, sadcore, riot grrrl and emo, among others...
scene with critically acclaimed bands such as Raining Pleasure
Raining Pleasure
Raining Pleasure is an Indie / Rock band originating from Patras, Greece, often credited with spearheading the newest wave of Greek bands with English lyrics. The band was formed in September 1990 under the name "Rest in Peace". A year after their formation the band started appearing live locally....
, Abbie Gale, Serpentine, Doch an Doris and others. The city is also the birthplace of Karagiozis
Karagiozis
Karagiozis or Karaghiozis is a shadow puppet and fictional character of Greek and Turkish folklore...
(shadow theatre) in Greece, with Dimitris Sardounis as founder.
In addition, there are several conservatoires and music schools, including one devoted exclusively to Byzantine
Byzantine
Byzantine usually refers to the Roman Empire during the Middle Ages.Byzantine may also refer to:* A citizen of the Byzantine Empire, or native Greek during the Middle Ages...
music, several orchestras and choirs. There is a number of dancing schools as well, and there are also plans to set up a dance theatre within the context of the Patras Municipal and Regional Theatre
Patras Municipal and Regional Theatre
Τhe Patras Municipal and Regional Theatre is located in Patras, Greece was founded in June 1988 as Patras Municipal Theatre and is the largest theatre organisation in southwest Greece. Its main stage is the landmark Apollon Theatre.-History:...
. The latter hosts a full-time professional theatre group, while there are several amateur groups performing in the city.
Entertainment and performing arts
The Patras CarnivalPatras Carnival
The Patras Carnival, Patrino karnavali is the largest event of its kind in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe. It has more than 160 years of history. The events begin on 17 January and last up to Clean Monday. The carnival of Patras is not a single event but a variety of events that includes...
(Patrino karnavali) is the largest event of its kind in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe, with a heritage reaching back 160 years. The events begin in January and last until Clean Monday
Clean Monday
Clean Monday , also known as Pure Monday, Ash Monday, Monday of Lent or Green Monday, is the first day of the Eastern Orthodox Christian and Eastern Catholic Great Lent...
. The carnival is not a single event but a variety of events that include balls, parades, a children's carnival and artistic projects. Its apogee comes in the last weekend of Carnival with the Saturday evening parade of carnival groups, the extravagant Sunday parade of floats
Float (parade)
A float is a decorated platform, either built on a vehicle or towed behind one, which is a component of many festive parades, such as those of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Carnival of Viareggio, the Maltese Carnival, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Key West Fantasy Fest parade, the...
and groups, and finally the ritual burning of the Carnival King in the mole of Saint Nikolaos street in the harbour of Patras. Its characteristic principles are spontaneity, improvisation, inspiration and volunteerism.
European Capital of Culture 2006
European Commission
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union's treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union....
to be the European Capital of Culture
European Capital of Culture
The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by theEuropean Union for a period of one calendar year during which it organises a series of cultural events with a strong European dimension....
for the year 2006. The concept of the event revolved around the main theme of "Bridges" and "Dialogues", taking benefit from the city's rich history and its position as a "Gate to the West", to underline the essence of the productive interaction of culture and civilisations in Europe. The EU Commission found Patras' plans very ambitious and also commented that a successful hosting of the title by a medium sized city would make it possible to redefine the meaning of the term Cultural Capital.
The Selection Panel for 2006 noted in its final report:
The current cultural activity of the city includes the Patras International Festival (various artistic activities, mainly in the field of music), the Patras Carnival and the Poetry Symposium (organized each year for the 25 years by an ad hoc committee at the University of Patras). The Patras 2006 proposal focuses on two central ideas: "bridges" and "dialogues". Cultural managers from Patras and the general public will be involved in developing these ideas. Further, four poles/programmes of cultural attraction will be developed. The first, "A city for Europe", will relate to the architectural heritage, the industrial revolution and similar subjects. "The counterpart cities" programme will be developed in the fields of human and social sciences and in diverse artistic fields. "The three sea battles" will present a cultural programme focusing on peace and understanding. The last theme, "The many homelands", is directly linked to the etymology of the name of the city. This programme will among other things concentrate on art workshops, the transfer of know-how, way of life and entertainment.
During 2006 various cultural events took place within the context of the European Capital of Culture. Among the artists which presented their work in Patras were: Gary Burton
Gary Burton
Gary Burton is an American jazz vibraphonist.A true original on the vibraphone, Burton developed a pianistic style of four-mallet technique as an alternative to the usual two-mallets. This approach caused Burton to be heralded as an innovator and his sound and technique are widely imitated...
, Maxim Shostakovich
Maxim Shostakovich
Maxim Dmitrievich Shostakovich is a Russian conductor and pianist. He was the second child of Dmitri Shostakovich and Nina Varzar.Since 1975, he has conducted and popularised many of his father's lesser-known works....
, Ian Anderson
Ian Anderson
Ian Anderson may refer to:* In music:**Ian Anderson , head of the rock band Jethro Tull**Ian A. Anderson , folk musician and editor of Roots magazine**Ian M...
- with Patras Municipal Orchestra, Jean Louis Trintignant, Roberto Benigni
Roberto Benigni
Roberto Remigio Benigni, Cavaliere di Gran Croce OMRI is an Italian actor, comedian, screenwriter and director of film, theatre and television.- Early years :...
, Eros Ramazzotti
Eros Ramazzotti
Eros Luciano Walter Ramazzotti , known simply as Eros Ramazzotti, is an Italian singer and songwriter. Ramazzotti is enormously popular in Italy, and is well known in most non-English-speaking European countries and in the Spanish-speaking world, as he has released most of his albums in both...
and José Carreras
José Carreras
Josep Maria Carreras i Coll , better known as José Carreras , is a Spanish Catalan tenor particularly known for his performances in the operas of Verdi and Puccini...
. With the completion of the Capital of Culture programme, a part of the old factory Ladopoulos was renovated to host exhibitions, a small theatre (named the Art Factory), was built and a number of neoclassical buildings around the city were renovated as part of a plan to preserve the city's architectural heritage and link it to its cultural life. The new Archaeological museum was finally completed in 2009. Its globe-like roof and modern architectural design enhances the town's northern entrance, taking its place among the other city landmarks.
Sports
Patras has many sports facilities and important teams in almost all major Greek leagues. Panachaiki Gymnastiki Enosi, Apollon PatrasApollon Patras
A.S. Apollon Patras is a sporting club that includes basketball, football, volleyball and ping pong.-History:...
, EA Patras
EA Patras
EA Patras is a Greek omnisports club founded in 1927 and based in Patras. It is mostly known for its volleyball and boxing sections, which compete at the highest level in Greece...
and NO Patras
NO Patras
NO Patras is a water polo club participating in the First Divion of the Greek Championship . It was founded on April 19 1929 in Patras, Western Greece and immediately become one of the protagonists of Greek water polo, dominating the 30's and 40's by winning 8 championships.During the next decades...
are historically the major sports clubs based in the city of Patras, specializing in football, basketball, volleyball and water polo. The city's national stadium, Pampeloponnisiako Stadium, was renovated and expanded in 2004. Since 2009, a new event, the Patras International Circuit Kart takes place every September, turning the city streets into a circuit.
The city has hosted several international sports events, such as the 1995 Basketball Under-21 World Championship
FIBA Under-21 World Championship
The FIBA Under-21 World Championship was a men's under-21-only basketball competition organized by FIBA. It was formerly the FIBA 22 & Under World Championship before FIBA lowered the age limit to 21 years in December 1998, and had its name changed to World Championship for Young Men. The...
(preliminaries), the 1995 Men's European Volleyball Championship
1995 Men's European Volleyball Championship
The 1995 Men's European Volleyball Championship was the nineteenth edition of the event, organized by Europe's governing volleyball body, the Confédération Européenne de Volleyball...
(preliminaries), the 1997 Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships
Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships
The Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships are the European championships for the sport of rhythmic gymnastics. They were first held in 1978. Prior to 2006, they were called the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships. The competition is organised by the European Union of...
, the 2001 World Wrestling Championships, the 2003 European Women Basketball Championship
EuroBasket 2003 Women
The 2003 European Women Basketball Championship, commonly called EuroBasket Women 2003, was the 29th regional championship held by FIBA Europe. The competition was held in Greece and took place from September 19 to September 28, 2003. Russia won the gold medal and Czech Republic the silver medal...
, the 2003 International Children's Games
International Children's Games
The International Children's Games is an International Olympic Committee-sanctioned event held every year where children from cities around the world and between the ages of 12 and 15 participate in a variety of sports.-History:...
, a group stage of the football tournament in the 2004 Olympic Games, the 2007 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships
2007 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships
The XXVIII World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships were held in Patras, Greece, September 19 - 23 2007 at the National Sports Centre.- Medals table :-Team:-Individual:-All-Around:-Rope:-Hoop:-Clubs:-Ribbon:-All-Around:-5 Ropes Final:...
, the 2008 World Deaf Football Championships.
| Club | Leagues | Venue | Location | Capacity | Established |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panachaiki Panachaiki Panachaiki, known officially as Panachaiki GE , the Pan-Achaean Athletic Union, is a Greek multisport club based in the city of Patras, Greece.- History :... |
Second Division Beta Ethniki Football League, former Beta Ethniki, is the second highest professional football league in Greece.-History:In its first years, the system of conduct was very intriguing. It began in 1954 as regional championship, separated in two groups, North and South. Then, the participating teams were the... - football Football (soccer) Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball... |
Kostas Davourlis Stadium Kostas Davourlis Stadium Kostas Davourlis Stadium is a stadium in Patras, Greece. It is the home of Panachaiki GE. Work on the grounds started in 1935. Originally called Panachaiki Stadium, it has been officially renamed Kostas Davourlis in 1992 after the great footballplayer who died the same year.-History:It was... |
Agyia Agyia Agyia is a neighborhood of the city of Patras, Greece. It is located about 3.5 km north of downtown Patras. The community forms the mid-northern part of the city of Patras . Most of the street names are named from rivers. The town includes the St. Constantine church and a street is named... |
11,321 | 1891 |
| Thyella | Regional Championship - football Football (soccer) Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball... |
Fotis Aravantinos Stadium | Glafkos | 3,000 | 1930 |
| Apollon Patras BC Apollon Patras BC Apollon Patras BC, named after the Greek God Apollo, is a Greek professional basketball club that is located in Patras, Greece. The club was founded in the year 1926. Apollon Patras BC is the basketball club of the Greek sports athletic union AS Apollon Patras... |
A2 Ethniki A2 Ethniki The HEBA A2 or commonly called, the Greek A2 League, is the second division of the highest professional basketball competition among pro clubs in Greece. It is operated by the Hellenic Basketball Clubs Association . The league has 16 teams... - basketball Basketball Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules... |
Apollon Patras Indoor Hall Apollon Patras Indoor Hall Apollon Indoor Hall, also known as Perivola Indoor Hall is an indoor sport arena in Patras, Greece. The hall opened in 1992 with a seating capacity of 3,500 people. It is known for its unique roof construction, made entirely out of wood... |
Perivola Perivola Perivola may refer to:*Perivola, Patras, a neighborhood in southeastern Patras*Perivola A.O., a football club in Patras... |
3,500 | 1926 |
| Olympiada Patras Olympiada Patras Olympiada Patras BC, or AEP Olympias Patras BC, is a Greek professional basketball club that is located in Patras, Greece.- History :The basketball team participated in the Greek A2 League from 1977 until 1981. The club competed in the Greek A1 League in the 2006-07 season and the 2007-08 season... |
B Ethniki - basketball Basketball Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules... |
Olympiada Indoor Hall | Taraboura Taraboura Taraboura , also with a u accented is a neighbourhood in the city of Patras. It is named after one of the Albanians in which he lived and had his house in his area. Until 1990, it had a tall for the entrance and exit for carriage wheels and vehicles in Patras . Residential housing arrived in... |
2,500 | 1961 |
| EA Patras EA Patras EA Patras is a Greek omnisports club founded in 1927 and based in Patras. It is mostly known for its volleyball and boxing sections, which compete at the highest level in Greece... |
A1 Ethniki - volleyball Volleyball Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.The complete rules are extensive... |
EAP Indoor Hall | Agios Dionysios Agios Dionyssios, Patras Agios Dionyssos, also Agios Dionyssios, Agios Dionisios, Agios Dionissios and Ayios Dionissios is a neighbourhood in the city of Patras... |
2,200 | 1927 |
| NO Patras NO Patras NO Patras is a water polo club participating in the First Divion of the Greek Championship . It was founded on April 19 1929 in Patras, Western Greece and immediately become one of the protagonists of Greek water polo, dominating the 30's and 40's by winning 8 championships.During the next decades... |
A1 Ethniki A1 Ethniki Water Polo The A1 Ethniki , often referred to as the Greek Water Polo League, is the highest professional water polo league in Greece. It is run by the Hellenic Swimming Federation... - water polo Water polo Water polo is a team water sport. The playing team consists of six field players and one goalkeeper. The winner of the game is the team that scores more goals. Game play involves swimming, treading water , players passing the ball while being defended by opponents, and scoring by throwing into a... |
NOP Aquatic Centre | Akti Dymeon | 3,000 | 1929 |
| NE Patras | A2 Ethniki - water polo Water polo Water polo is a team water sport. The playing team consists of six field players and one goalkeeper. The winner of the game is the team that scores more goals. Game play involves swimming, treading water , players passing the ball while being defended by opponents, and scoring by throwing into a... |
Antonis Pepanos Aquatic Centre | Koukouli | 4,000 | 2006 |
| Ormi Patras | A1 Women's - handball Team handball Handball is a team sport in which two teams of seven players each pass a ball to throw it into the goal of the other team... |
Dimitris Tofalos Arena Pampelloponisiako Dimitris Tofalos Arena is an indoor sport arena in the city of Patras, Greece. It opened in 1995 with a capacity of 4,150 people. The arena is named after the great wrestling champion of the early 20th century, Dimitrios Tofalos.-Events hosted:*Basketball:... |
Bozaitika | 4,150 | 2003 |
Religion
The city is the seat of a Greek OrthodoxChurch of Greece
The Church of Greece , part of the wider Greek Orthodox Church, is one of the autocephalous churches which make up the communion of Orthodox Christianity...
archbishop
Archbishop
An archbishop is a bishop of higher rank, but not of higher sacramental order above that of the three orders of deacon, priest , and bishop...
ic. As in the rest of the country, the largest denomination is the Orthodox Church, which represents the majority of the population. There is also a living community of Roman Catholics
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
.
The most significant church in the city is the church of Saint Andrew
Saint Andrew of Patras
Saint Andrew is a Greek Orthodox basilica in the east side of the city of Patras in Greece. Construction of the church, of Greek Byzantine style, began in 1908 under the supervision of the architect Anastasios Metaxas, followed by Georgios Nomikos. It was inaugurated in 1974...
, in the south west of the city center. The construction of the church began in 1908 under the supervision of the architect Anastasios Metaxas
Anastasios Metaxas
Anastasios Metaxas was a Greek architect and shooter.Metaxas is best known for being the architect chosen by George Averoff to restore the Panathinaiko Stadium for the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens, the birth of the modern Olympic movement, while the design was from Ernst Ziller. He also competed...
, followed by Georgios Nomikos. It was inaugurated in 1974. It is the largest church in Greece and the second largest Byzantine style church in the Balkans. It holds relics of the apostle Saint Andrew, which were sent there from St. Peter's Basilica, Rome in September, 1964, on the orders of Pope Paul VI.
Other historical churches of the city are: the church of Pantokratoras (1832) in the upper town district, the Metropolis (Cathedral) of Patras (1846) dedicated to Panayia Evangelistria in Mezonos street, the church of Ayios Nikolaos (1885) situated next to the steps of Ayiou Nikolaou street, the church of Pantanassa (1859), the church of Ayios Dimitrios, the Catholic church of Saint Andreas (1937) in Mezonos street, the Protestant (Anglican) church of Saint Andreas (1878) in Karolou Street and the old church of Ayios Andreas (1836–1843) situated next to the new one, in the location of Apostle Andreas' martyrdom. It was built in basilica
Basilica
The Latin word basilica , was originally used to describe a Roman public building, usually located in the forum of a Roman town. Public basilicas began to appear in Hellenistic cities in the 2nd century BC.The term was also applied to buildings used for religious purposes...
style by the architect Lysandros Kaftatzoglou.
Famous Citizens
The city boasts an impressive number of politicians in the national political arena as its natives, greater than any other Greek city; significant personalities shaping the character of Greece were and are associated with Patras. Its famous natives include the prime ministers Dimitrios GounarisDimitrios Gounaris
Dimitrios Gounaris was the Prime Minister of Greece from March 10, 1915 to August 23, 1915 and April 8, 1921 to May 16, 1922...
the main leader of the anti-venizelist
Venizelism
Venizelism was one of the major political movements in Greece from the 1900s until the mid 1970s.- Ideology :Named after Eleftherios Venizelos, the key characteristics of Venizelism were:*Opposition to Monarchy...
party in the 1910s, Stylianos Gonatas
Stylianos Gonatas
Stylianos Gonatas was a Greek military officer and Venizelist politician and Prime Minister of Greece between 1922 and 1924.- Early life and military career :...
a high-ranking officer, politician and one of the leaders of the "1922 Revolution", Andreas Michalakopoulos
Andreas Michalakopoulos
Andreas Michalakopoulos was an important liberal politician in the inter-war period who served as Prime Minister of Greece from 7 October 1924 to 26 June 1925....
, a prominent liberal party cadre, foreign minister and prime minister, and Dimitrios Maximos
Dimitrios Maximos
Dimitrios E. Maximos was a Greek banker and politician. He briefly served as Prime Minister of Greece after World War II.Maximos was born in 1873 in Patras. He began his career in banking. Between 1933 and 1935, he became Foreign Minister of the government of Panagis Tsaldaris. He was Prime...
a distinguished economist, minister and finally prime minister during the civil war era
Greek Civil War
The Greek Civil War was fought from 1946 to 1949 between the Greek governmental army, backed by the United Kingdom and United States, and the Democratic Army of Greece , the military branch of the Greek Communist Party , backed by Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Albania...
. More recent figures include the Papandreou
Papandreou
Papandreou is a Greek surname and may refer to:Family members of a political dynasty that gave rise to three Prime Ministers of Greece:* Georgios Papandreou , former Prime Minister of Greece...
family, arguably the most influential in post World War II Greece, Panagiotis Kanellopoulos
Panagiotis Kanellopoulos
Panagiotis Kanellopoulos or Panayotis Kanellopoulos was a distinguished Greek politician and Prime Minister of Greece. He was the Prime Minister of Greece deposed by the Greek military junta of 1967-1974....
, the last democratically elected head of government before the establishment of the 1967 junta, and Costis Stephanopoulos
Costis Stephanopoulos
Konstantinos Stephanopoulos was the sixth President of the Third Hellenic Republic.Stephanopoulos was born in Patras. After attending the Saint Andrew school of Patras, he studied law at Athens University...
, the former president of the Hellenic Republic.
Politics Related
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Sports Related
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Culture Related
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Transportation
- Public transport within the city of Patras is served by buses. There are two transport lines to and from the University of PatrasUniversity of PatrasUniversity of Patras is a university established in 1964 in Patras, Greece. Initially housed in the city centre, the university's campus is now located in the adjacent municipality of Rio...
, and some nearby lines to the city suburbs, like SaravaliSaravaliSaravali is a community located 6 km SE of the centre and a suburb of Patras, Greece, north of Ovrya, northeast of Mintilogi and 9 km W of the Iera Moni Omplou/Omplos Monastery. Saravali is in the northern part of the municipal unit of Messatida...
, ZarouchleikaZarouchleikaZarouchleika or Zarouhleika , older forms: Zarouchlaiika and Zarouhlaiika and Proastion also with an accented is a neighbourhood in the northern part of the city of Patras, 4 km direct and 5 km via road from the downtown core...
, Paralia etc.
- Commuter rail services have recently been established by ProastiakosProastiakosProastiakós , is the name used for the suburban services of TrainOSE, servicing Greece's three largest cities: Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras; providing them with modern commuter rail links, towards their suburbs and also towards other cities and towns located around them.The service, operated by...
, with one line currently connecting Patras and RioRio, GreeceRio is a town and a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Patras, of which it is a municipal unit. The former municipality had a population of around 13,000.- Geography :...
.
- Regional rail links are provided by the Hellenic Railways Organisation, which is established in Patras. The city is connected by train to Athens and Piraeus as well as to Pyrgos and Kalamata.
- Regional bus links are provided by KTEL, connecting the city to almost the entire Greek territory and to places inside the province of AchaeaAchaeaAchaea is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of West Greece. It is situated in the northwestern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. The capital is Patras. The population exceeds 300,000 since 2001.-Geography:...
.
- Sea transport is serviced at the Port of Patras, which is connected by a number of daily routes to the Ionian islands Kerkyra, Kefallonia and ZakynthosZakynthosZakynthos , also Zante, the other form often used in English and in Italian , is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is the third largest of the Ionian Islands. It is also a separate regional unit of the Ionian Islands region, and the only municipality of the regional unit. It covers an area of ...
, to the port of IgoumenitsaIgoumenitsaIgoumenitsa , is a coastal city in northwestern Greece. It is the capital of the regional unit Thesprotia. Its original ancient name used to be Titani....
and to the Italian cities AnconaAnconaAncona is a city and a seaport in the Marche region, in central Italy, with a population of 101,909 . Ancona is the capital of the province of Ancona and of the region....
, BariBariBari is the capital city of the province of Bari and of the Apulia region, on the Adriatic Sea, in Italy. It is the second most important economic centre of mainland Southern Italy after Naples, and is well known as a port and university city, as well as the city of Saint Nicholas...
, BrindisiBrindisiBrindisi is a city in the Apulia region of Italy, the capital of the province of Brindisi, off the coast of the Adriatic Sea.Historically, the city has played an important role in commerce and culture, due to its position on the Italian Peninsula and its natural port on the Adriatic Sea. The city...
, TriesteTriesteTrieste is a city and seaport in northeastern Italy. It is situated towards the end of a narrow strip of land lying between the Adriatic Sea and Italy's border with Slovenia, which lies almost immediately south and east of the city...
and VeniceVeniceVenice is a city in northern Italy which is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. It is the capital of the Veneto region...
. Seaplanes also operate.
- Seasonal air transport is provided at Araxos airportAraxosAraxos , Latin form: Araxus is a village located in the municipal unit of Larissos in the northwestern part of Achaea, Greece. It is located on a road connecting south to Lappa and east to Lakkopetra and Kato Achaia and also a road to Kalogria and Metochi...
, located about 40 km from the city. Although a military airport, used as an air base by the Hellenic Air ForceHellenic Air ForceThe Hellenic Air Force, abbreviated to HAF is the air force of Greece. The mission of the Hellenic Air Force is to guard and protect Greek airspace, provide air assistance and support to the Hellenic Army and the Hellenic Navy, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid in Greece and around the...
(used by the 116 Combat Wing), it operates as a civilian airport too, mainly in the summer, to service charter flights.
Roads
Patras is bypassed by the Olympia OdosOlympia Odos
Olympia Odos is a planned major motorway, currently under construction. The motorway will run from Athens all the way down to Tsakona, spanning a total of . Part of the motorway will run parallel to and replace Greek National Road 8A, while parts of it will be upgraded to modern motorway standards...
(A8) motorway, which is also part of the E55
European route E55
European route E 55 is a E-route. It passes through the following cities:Helsingborg … Helsingør – Copenhagen – Køge – Vordingborg – Nykøbing Falster – Gedser … Rostock – Berlin – Lübbenau – Dresden – Teplice – Prague – Tábor – Linz – Salzburg – Villach – Tarvisio – Udine – Palmanova – Mestre...
route that crosses the Rio-Antirio Bridge
Rio-Antirio bridge
The Rion-Antirion bridge , officially the Charilaos Trikoupis bridge after the statesman who first envisaged it, is the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridge...
, dominating the sealine across the Gulf of Corinth
Gulf of Corinth
The Gulf of Corinth or the Corinthian Gulf is a deep inlet of the Ionian Sea separating the Peloponnese from western mainland Greece...
.
- GR-5Greek National Road 5Greek National Road 5 is a highway in Western Greece. It runs from 2 km south of Rio at GR-8/GR-9 , or at the beginning of the Patras By-Pass in the south up to the city centre of Ioannina. It is now connected with a new bridge, the Rio-Antirio bridge and for 5 km is a joint with GR-48...
/E55European route E55European route E 55 is a E-route. It passes through the following cities:Helsingborg … Helsingør – Copenhagen – Køge – Vordingborg – Nykøbing Falster – Gedser … Rostock – Berlin – Lübbenau – Dresden – Teplice – Prague – Tábor – Linz – Salzburg – Villach – Tarvisio – Udine – Palmanova – Mestre... - GR-8Greek National Road 8The National Road 8 in Greece is a single carriageway with at-grade intersections in the Attica and Peloponnese regions. It links the cities of Patras, Corinth and Athens. Until the 1960s when the National Road 8A, a toll road, replaced it as a major route, it was the only road linking Athens and...
/E55European route E55European route E 55 is a E-route. It passes through the following cities:Helsingborg … Helsingør – Copenhagen – Køge – Vordingborg – Nykøbing Falster – Gedser … Rostock – Berlin – Lübbenau – Dresden – Teplice – Prague – Tábor – Linz – Salzburg – Villach – Tarvisio – Udine – Palmanova – Mestre...
and E65European route E65European route E 65 is a north-south Class-A European route that begins in Malmö, Sweden and ends in Chaniá, Greece. The road is about in length.-Itinerary:* Sweden** E 65: Malmö – Ystad* Baltic sea, ferry Ystad-Świnoujście* Poland...
(partly Panepistimiou Street) - GR-8AGreek National Road 8AGreek National Road 8A is a toll road running from Kifissou avenue, in Athens up to the northeast of Patras. It is a highway from Kifissou avenue up to Corinth, for about 85 km and the rest is an undivided highway with just one lane per direction. The total length is 215 km, but for the...
- GR-9Greek National Road 9Greek National Road 9 is the second-longest national highway of Greece. It runs through the western Peloponnese, from Patras to Pylos. Its length is around .This highway travels near:*Bypasses:*Patras and Area, since 2002*Vrachneika*Alissos*Kato Achaia...
/E55European route E55European route E 55 is a E-route. It passes through the following cities:Helsingborg … Helsingør – Copenhagen – Køge – Vordingborg – Nykøbing Falster – Gedser … Rostock – Berlin – Lübbenau – Dresden – Teplice – Prague – Tábor – Linz – Salzburg – Villach – Tarvisio – Udine – Palmanova – Mestre...
(partly Akti Dymaion) - GR-33Greek National Road 33Greek National Road 33 is a highway that runs from Patras, originally at Dimitris Gounaris Street, now begins at the beltway, and had a branch ending at Olympia, and ends near Vytina, and Levídi, and some think it still ends at Ellinikon near Andritsaina and Megalopolis...
(partly Kalavryton, Georgiou Papandreou Street and Akrotiriou) - Bypass of Patras
Maps
International relations
Patras is a pilot city of the Council of EuropeCouncil of Europe
The Council of Europe is an international organisation promoting co-operation between all countries of Europe in the areas of legal standards, human rights, democratic development, the rule of law and cultural co-operation...
and the European Commission
European Commission
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union's treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union....
Intercultural cities
Intercultural cities
The Intercultural City programme is a joint project of the Council of Europe and the European Commission. It aims at stimulating new ideas and practice in relation to the integration of migrants and minorities....
programme.
Twin towns — Sister cities
Patras is twinned with:| Aleksinac Aleksinac Aleksinac is a town which is a center of Aleksinac Municipality, located in the Nišava District of Serbia. According to 2011 census, the town has a population of 16,420 inhabitants, while the municipality has 51,462.-Name:... , Serbia Famagusta Famagusta Famagusta is a city on the east coast of Cyprus and is capital of the Famagusta District. It is located east of Nicosia, and possesses the deepest harbour of the island.-Name:... , Cyprus Ancona Ancona Ancona is a city and a seaport in the Marche region, in central Italy, with a population of 101,909 . Ancona is the capital of the province of Ancona and of the region.... , Italy Bari Bari Bari is the capital city of the province of Bari and of the Apulia region, on the Adriatic Sea, in Italy. It is the second most important economic centre of mainland Southern Italy after Naples, and is well known as a port and university city, as well as the city of Saint Nicholas... , Italy Banja Luka Banja Luka -History:The name "Banja Luka" was first mentioned in a document dated February 6, 1494, but Banja Luka's history dates back to ancient times. There is a substantial evidence of the Roman presence in the region during the first few centuries A.D., including an old fort "Kastel" in the centre of... , Bosnia and Herzegovina Byblos Byblos Byblos is the Greek name of the Phoenician city Gebal . It is a Mediterranean city in the Mount Lebanon Governorate of present-day Lebanon under the current Arabic name of Jubayl and was also referred to as Gibelet during the Crusades... , Lebanon Bydgoszcz, Poland |
Canterbury, New South Wales Canterbury, New South Wales -Commercial area:Canterbury has a mixture of residential, commercial and industrial developments. Commercial developments are mostly situated on Canterbury Road and surrounding streets... , Australia Chişinău Chisinau Chișinău is the capital and largest municipality of Moldova. It is also its main industrial and commercial centre and is located in the middle of the country, on the river Bîc... , Moldova Craiova Craiova Craiova , Romania's 6th largest city and capital of Dolj County, is situated near the east bank of the river Jiu in central Oltenia. It is a longstanding political center, and is located at approximately equal distances from the Southern Carpathians and the River Danube . Craiova is the chief... , Romania Debrecen Debrecen Debrecen , is the second largest city in Hungary after Budapest. Debrecen is the regional centre of the Northern Great Plain region and the seat of Hajdú-Bihar county.- Name :... , Hungary Focşani Focsani Focşani is the capital city of Vrancea County in Romania on the shores the Milcov river, in the historical region of Moldavia. It has a population of 101,854.-Geography:... , Romania Gjirokastër Gjirokastër Gjirokastër is a city in southern Albania with a population of 43,000. Lying in the historical region of Epirus, it is the capital of both the Gjirokastër District and the larger Gjirokastër County... , Albania Kharkiv Kharkiv Kharkiv or Kharkov is the second-largest city in Ukraine.The city was founded in 1654 and was a major centre of Ukrainian culture in the Russian Empire. Kharkiv became the first city in Ukraine where the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic was proclaimed in December 1917 and Soviet government was... , Ukraine Limassol Limassol Limassol is the second-largest city in Cyprus, with a population of 228,000 . It is the largest city in geographical size, and the biggest municipality on the island. The city is located on Akrotiri Bay, on the island's southern coast and it is the capital of Limassol District.Limassol is the... , Cyprus |
Ohrid Ohrid Ohrid is a city on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid in the Republic of Macedonia. It has about 42,000 inhabitants, making it the seventh largest city in the country. The city is the seat of Ohrid Municipality. Ohrid is notable for having once had 365 churches, one for each day of the year and has... , Macedonia Republic of Macedonia Macedonia , officially the Republic of Macedonia , is a country located in the central Balkan peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is one of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia, from which it declared independence in 1991... Reggio Calabria Reggio Calabria Reggio di Calabria , commonly known as Reggio Calabria or Reggio, is the biggest city and the most populated comune of Calabria, southern Italy, and is the capital of the Province of Reggio Calabria and seat of the Council of Calabrian government.Reggio is located on the "toe" of the Italian... , Italy Saint-Étienne Saint-Étienne Saint-Étienne is a city in eastern central France. It is located in the Massif Central, southwest of Lyon in the Rhône-Alpes region, along the trunk road that connects Toulouse with Lyon... , France Savannah, Georgia Savannah, Georgia Savannah is the largest city and the county seat of Chatham County, in the U.S. state of Georgia. Established in 1733, the city of Savannah was the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia. Today Savannah is an industrial center and an important... , USA Split Split (city) Split is a Mediterranean city on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea, centered around the ancient Roman Palace of the Emperor Diocletian and its wide port bay. With a population of 178,192 citizens, and a metropolitan area numbering up to 467,899, Split is by far the largest Dalmatian city and... , Croatia Vilnius Vilnius Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and its largest city, with a population of 560,190 as of 2010. It is the seat of the Vilnius city municipality and of the Vilnius district municipality. It is also the capital of Vilnius County... , Lithuania Wuxi Wuxi Wuxi is an old city in Jiangsu province, People's Republic of China. Split in half by Lake Tai, Wuxi borders Changzhou to the west and Suzhou to the east. The northern half looks across to Taizhou across the Yangtze River, while the southern half also borders the province of Zhejiang to the south... , People's Republic of China People's Republic of China China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres... |
See also
Patras was recently selected as main motif for a high value euro collectors' coins; the €10 Greek Patras 2006 commemorative coin, minted in 2006. This coin commemorates the event that signalled a new enlightened course for Patras and serves as a reminder of the fact that culture can stimulate the economy and promote development; when Patras was appointed as European Capital of Culture. On the obverse the logo for Patras 2006 around the words "European Capital of Culture" can be seen.- Saint Andrew of PatrasSaint Andrew of PatrasSaint Andrew is a Greek Orthodox basilica in the east side of the city of Patras in Greece. Construction of the church, of Greek Byzantine style, began in 1908 under the supervision of the architect Anastasios Metaxas, followed by Georgios Nomikos. It was inaugurated in 1974...
- Apollon Theatre (Patras)Apollon Theatre (Patras)For the theatre, see the Apollo TheatreThe Apollon Theatre is a theatre located in Patras east of Georgiou I Square, one of Patras' popular squares. It was first completed in 1872 and was planned by the famous German architect Ernst Ziller...
- Archaeological Museum of Patras
- Cities in Greece
- Communities of Achaia
- KalavrytaKalavrytaKalavryta is a town and a municipality in the eastcentral part of the peripheral unit of Achaea, Greece. It is the southern terminus of the Kalavryta - Diakopto Road and the eastern terminus of the Patras - Kalavryta Road. It is located approx...
- PanachaikoPanachaikoThe Panachaikon or Panachaiko , also known as Vodias in medieval times and until the early 20th century, is a mountain range that spans about 20 km in length from north to south , and 15 to 20 km from east to west...
- Patras wireless metropolitan networkPatras wireless metropolitan networkPatras Wireless Metropolitan Network is a free , open wifi network community of individuals who all share the same hobby; building and managing wireless networks. Currently PWMN is the dominant wireless network community in Patras, Greece...
- Rio-Antirio bridgeRio-Antirio bridgeThe Rion-Antirion bridge , officially the Charilaos Trikoupis bridge after the statesman who first envisaged it, is the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridge...
- Rio, GreeceRio, GreeceRio is a town and a former municipality in Achaea, West Greece, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Patras, of which it is a municipal unit. The former municipality had a population of around 13,000.- Geography :...
- Intercultural citiesIntercultural citiesThe Intercultural City programme is a joint project of the Council of Europe and the European Commission. It aims at stimulating new ideas and practice in relation to the integration of migrants and minorities....
External links
- The official website of the city
- Official website of Patras Info-center
- official website of the Carnival of Patras
- Info on Patras in english
- Web TV for Patra's Carnival
- Patras Εntertainment City Guide SecretPatras
- Business Patra City Guide
- Patras City Guide Patrino
- Video about Patras Carnival from Travel Channel
- Video about Patras European Capital of Culture 2006
- Search properties in Patras and other parts of Cyprus
- Patras The Official website of the Greek National Tourism Organisation