What is Patras famous for?
Dubbed as 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.
Where is Patra Greece located?
Patra Greece is located on the northern side of Peloponnese. This is the third-largest city in Greece and it has a very busy port, serving ferry itineraries to the Ionian islands and Italy. Patra is a town with a rich history and has many monuments, such as the Medieval Castle, the Roman Odeon and the large church of Saint Andrew.
What is the meaning of the name Patras?
Patras ( Greek: Πάτρα, romanized : Pátra [ˈpatra]; Katharevousa and Ancient Greek: Πάτραι; Latin: Patrae) is Greece 's third-largest city and the regional capital of Western Greece, in the northern Peloponnese, 215 km (134 mi) west of Athens. The city is built at the foot of Mount Panachaikon, overlooking the Gulf of Patras .
What to do in Patra Greece?
The beach promenade is a lovely spot to stroll around and enjoy a coffee with sea view. Patra is famous for hosting the best Carnival in Greece with many events and a large costume parade.
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What is Patras known for?
In case you didn't know, Patras is famous around Greece and beyond for its Carnival, which is one of the largest in Europe. More a series of events than a single celebration, the Carnival festivities start on January 17 until Clean Monday and includes parades, balls, games, and activities for children.
Why is Patras important to Greece?
Patras played a crucial role in the Greek War of Independence against the Ottomans (1821–29). The town was the first seat of the revolution along with the rest of Achaea and Mani. Patras was at the time the biggest and most prosperous town of the Peloponnese.
Is Patras worth visiting?
Visiting here gives a true appreciation for some of the history of Patras. Before visiting, I was blissfully unaware that it was an important city during the Roman / Byzantine era. Some of the displays reflect this time, and the Archaeological museum of Patras had some of the best mosaics I've seen to date.
What is in Patras Greece?
Top Attractions in PatrasEkklisía Tou Agíou Andréa. 507. ... Achaia Clauss Winery. 349. ... Archaeological Museum of Patras. 274. ... Castle of Patras. 171. ... Patras Mycenaean Park -Voundeni. Ancient Ruins • Cemeteries. ... Roman Odeon. Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins. ... Calma water park. Water Parks. ... Dimotiko Theatro Apollon. Theaters.More items...
What nationality is Patras?
Meaning and Origin of: Patras Greek : reduced form of Patrinos, habitational name from the city of Patras in northwestern Peloponnese.
Is Patras nice?
Living in Patras can be really nice especially for students. The city is not really big and life here is quite calm. Patras during the winter is characterised by its bright atmosphere, created by the big number of students that live in the city.
How big is Patra Greece?
48.42 mi²Patras / Area
How do you get to Patras Greece?
Travel to PatraBuses. The central bus stop of Achaia prefecture is located in Patra. ... Car. In order to reach Patra by car from Athens, you need to drive through the National Road Athens-Corinth and after passing by the Corinth Canal you have to follow the direction to Patra. ... Private transfers to Patra. ... Ferries. ... Flights.
Does Patras have a beach?
There are various beaches in Patra you can visit during your stay there. The closest Patra beaches are located on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese and each one of them has its unique features.
How old is Patras Greece?
Founded in the 3rd millennium BC, Patras flourished during the Mycenaean and especially the Roman periods, up until the 9th century AD. From the 13th century, it belonged to the Franks, to the Byzantines, to the Venetians and at other times, to the Turks.
Is Patra an island?
The mountain looks like an island, but it is a headland of mainland Greece, on the opposite shore of the Gulf. Patras is divided into an older, upper city with many restored neoclassical buildings, and a lower, more recently developed city, with winding streets and stairways connecting the two.
How old is Patras Greece?
Founded in the 3rd millennium BC, Patras flourished during the Mycenaean and especially the Roman periods, up until the 9th century AD. From the 13th century, it belonged to the Franks, to the Byzantines, to the Venetians and at other times, to the Turks.
What's the population of Patras Greece?
213,984As of the 2011 census, the city of Patras has a population of 167,446 and the municipal unit has 170,896 inhabitants; the municipality has 213,984 inhabitants....Patras.Patras ΠάτραLowest elevation0 m (0 ft)Population (2011)• Municipality213,984• Urban167,44628 more rows
How big is Patra Greece?
48.42 mi²Patras / Area
How do you get to Patras Greece?
Travel to PatraBuses. The central bus stop of Achaia prefecture is located in Patra. ... Car. In order to reach Patra by car from Athens, you need to drive through the National Road Athens-Corinth and after passing by the Corinth Canal you have to follow the direction to Patra. ... Private transfers to Patra. ... Ferries. ... Flights.
What is the best place to visit in Patras?
Plateia Georgiou (Georges Square) is Patras’ central square, is bordered with cafés and restaurants, and is definitely one of the best area to relax and do some people watching after exploring the city.
Why is Gefyres staffed?
As such, the place is staffed by people who suffered from mental issues to give them a second chance and help them reinsert themselves into society. But besides this noble mission, Gefyres is also an excellent place to attend cultural events, including live music gigs and book readings.
What is Patras famous for?
In case you didn’t know, Patras is famous around Greece and beyond for its Carnival, which is one of the largest in Europe. More a series of events than a single celebration, the Carnival festivities start on January 17 until Clean Monday and includes parades, balls, games, and activities for children.
Why was the Odeon destroyed?
Connected to the Roman Agora, the Odeon was destroyed due to earthquakes and wars and was forgotten for a while until it was rediscovered in 1889. However, it was only in 1956 that after many years of excavations, the Odeon regained its original shape. Today, it is used for concerts, theatrical performances, and other events.
What is the port of Patras?
Add to Plan. Patras, Greece’s third largest city, is probably mostly known for its port, which connects the country to Italy. But there is so much more to Patras than its harbor.
When was the Turkish Baths of Patras founded?
If you’re not in a sightseeing mood, no problem! If you find yourself in Patras on a rainy day or simply don’t feel like playing the tourist, head straight to the Turkish Baths of Patras, an establishment that was first founded in the 15 th century.
Is Patras a good place to live?
Thanks to its strong student concentration, Patras is definitely an excellent place when it comes to nightlife. So why not take advantage of it and spend a night out with locals? Want to see what the fuzz is all about? Head to pedestrian Riga Fereou street. Lined with shops, cafés, and bars, it is definitely one of the top place to sample the local vibe. Our favorite hangout is Bocas Bar, where beer and wine are the specialty.
Where is Kostis Palamas' house?
Several spots around Patras honour the famous Greek poet Kostis Palamas. His house is the most interesting one. It is the house where Palamas was born. When he moved to Athens it became the place where Serao family (from Italy) lived and where the Italian writer Matilde Serao was born.
What is the name of the city that never sleeps?
Patras is one of the Greek cities that never sleeps. Follow its rhythm. Spend your morning walking around the city’s squares: Georgiou, Olgas or “Ypsila Alonia” (meaning high raisin plateau), and admire the city’s beautifully restored neoclassical buildings. Visit the city’s museums: the Archaeological museum of Patras, the Folk Art Museum, or the Museum of History and Ethnology.
What to do when you feel tired in Patras?
Discover Patras shopping area, and shop your heart out! When you feel tired, enjoy a fine meal, and relax at a lounge café. Then, when night sets in, observe how the streets of the city are transformed into venues of fun. Patras nightlife awakens!
How long is the journey from Athens to Patras?
From Athens via Olympia Road to Patras, the journey is 2.5 hours. From Thessaloniki via Egnatia Odos to Patras the journey takes 5 hours.
How many steps are there in the Old City?
There, 192 steps await to lead you to the Old City. A romantic stroll around its cobbled streets will reveal grand colourful neoclassic mansions, reminders of the city’s glorious past. Visit the city’s Medieval Castle, built in the second half of the 6th century A.D. on the ruins of the ancient Acropolis.
Where is the Roman Odeum?
West of the Acropolis, in the “Ano Poli” (upper city), you will find Patras Roman Odeum, which was actually built earlier than the Athens Odeum (Herodion 160 AD). The geographer Pausanias, who visited Patras in 170 AD, wrote: “It has the most beautiful decoration I have ever seen, excluding of course that of Athens".
Where is the Wall of Dymaeans?
Don’t miss a visit to the “Wall of Dymaeans”, the unique fortified Mycenaean acropolis in Western Greece. Discover a lesser-known, yet major archaeological site, just 35 km southwest of Patras. Feel free to wander through the ancient fort, built according to myth by Heracles, and admire its imposing towers and monumental gates!
Where is Patra?
Patra is the third-largest city in Greece, located in western Greece, in the northern Peloponnese, overlooking the Gulf of Patras. It is 215 kilometers west of Athens. Its famous Rio – Antirio bridge connects the Peloponnese peninsula to the rest of mainland Greece.
How to get to Patra
There are many ways to get to Patra once you arrive at Athens’ airport.
Visit the Archaeological Museum
Inaugurated in 2009 and looking like a post-modern flying saucer on the outside, the Patras Archaeological Museum is must-see. It has been praised for the way it displays its artifacts, organized in three categories, in three big rooms: Private Life, Public Life, Necropolis.
Visit the Roman Odeon
The Roman Odeon is a fully reconstructed, functional amphitheater in Patras’ upper town dating from the 1 st century AD.
Visit the Cathedral of Agios Andreas
The Cathedral of Agios Andreas is the largest church in Greece and the third largest one in the Balkans. It’s worth a visit not only for its size but also its beautiful turn-of-the-century interpretation of a Byzantine basilica. There are stunning mosaics to admire and frescoes all over the walls of great artistry.
Visit the Castle
The Castle of Patra sits at the top of the city and was built around 500 AD on top of the ancient ruins of the acropolis of Patra.
Visit Achaia Clauss Winery
Achaia Clauss is one of the oldest and most famous wineries in Greece. Founded in 1861, it makes the best mavrodaphne in Greece, a uniquely flavoured, sweet, red wine. The old part of the winery is open to tourists, with demonstrations of how the wine would be made in those times.
