Patras - An interesting, historical & modern city!
The city of Patras is a very interesting place to stay, full of historical sites, but also adapted to modern times. The history of the city dates back to prehistoric times, in the second millennium BC. It is the capital of Achaia, which took its name from the most ancient inhabitants of Greece. The city took its name from Patreas, leader of the Achaeans in the 12th century BC. In the 3rd century BC, the Achaeans organized the famous Achaean League, which was the first organized form of government in Greece. In the 1st century AD, Saint Andrew visited the city. He was martyred in this city and has since become its patron saint. During the Greek Revolution of 1821, the region of Achaia played an important role in the liberation of the Greeks from the Ottoman yoke. During the 19th century, Patras developed into an important commercial and industrial center, becoming the main point of exports to Western Europe.
Patras is located in the northwestern Peloponnese and has a population of 250,000. It is the regional capital of Western Greece and, as a major port, is Greece's gateway to Italy and Western Europe. With over 50 ferry routes to Italy each week, almost all of Greece's trade with the European Union passes through the city. The surrounding area is an important agricultural region of Greece, producing significant quantities of citrus fruits, potatoes and watermelons. The area is famous for its vineyards, while its wines are renowned throughout the world. The renowned wine company Achaia-Claus has its facilities outside the city.
The city offers many opportunities for entertainment and sports. The municipal orchestra and the Soloists of Patras give regular performances at the Municipal Theater, which is also the headquarters of the city's troupe. There are also many amateur theater groups, the most important of which is the Agora Theater, which gives regular performances. The municipal theater, as well as the open-air theater at the Venetian Castle, often host performances by troupes, orchestras and visiting artists. There is also the municipal art gallery and several private galleries in the city, with exhibitions of well-known local and international painters and sculptors.
The city has two football fields and several indoor gyms, which house a large number of teams. The municipal swimming pool is the home of the city's swimming and water polo teams. The Gulf of Patras also provides many opportunities for water sports (windsurfing, swimming, water-skiing), while the marina is home to the Yacht Club of Patras. On the north side of the city, near the Venetian castle, there are many listed buildings from the 19th century. Next to the castle is the Roman Theater, where regular performances are given during the summer months. In the city center there are many shops, a shopping center and cafes. The nightlife of Patras is famous, with a wide variety of clubs, bars and taverns with live music.
The city is famous for its carnival, which takes place every February. The youth of Patras, together with the youth of the University, organize themselves into groups, dress in carnival costumes, dance in the streets, have parties and participate in events and the big carnival parade.
Thousands of people participate in this spectacular festival every year!
The city is centrally located and has easy access to most of the historical sites of the Peloponnese. To the south is Olympia, which is an hour's drive away. The area also includes the ancient temple of Apollo, one of the best preserved in Greece. Just across the street, in Central Greece, is Delphi, the most famous oracle of the ancient world. In the mountains east of Patras is also the town of Kalavryta, which has an excellent ski resort.
