Patras

Patras (Modern Greek: Πάτρα, Greek pronunciation: [ˈpatra], Classical Greek and Katharevousa: Πάτραι (pl.), Greek pronunciation: [pátrai̯], Latin: Patrae (pl.)) 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 foothills of Mount Panachaikon, overlooking the Gulf of Patras.

Patras has a population of 213,984 (in 2011).^[1] The core settlement has a history spanning four millennia; in the Roman period it had become a cosmopolitan center of the eastern Mediterranean whilst, according to Christian tradition, it was also the place of Saint Andrew's martyrdom. According to the results of 2011 census, the metropolitan area has a population of 260,308 and extends over an area of 738.87 km².

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. 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 satirical floats and extravagant balls and parades, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors in a pleasant Mediterranean climate. 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 in 2006.^[2]

Geography and climate

Satellite view of Patras.

A view of Panachaiko mountain.

Patras is 215 km (134 mi) west of Athens by road, 94 km (58 mi) northeast of Pyrgos, 7 kilometres (4 miles) south of Rio, 134 km (83 miles) west of Corinth, 77 km (48 miles) northwest of Kalavryta, and 144 km (89 mi) northwest of Tripoli.

A central feature of the urban geography of Patras is its division into upper and lower sections. 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 (1,926 m (6,319 ft))^[3] before the Gulf of Patras.

Hydrology

The largest river in the area is the 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.^[4] 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.

Climate data for Patras (1955-1997)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	14.5 (58.1)	15.0 (59)	16.8 (62.2)	19.7 (67.5)	24.2 (75.6)	28.0 (82.4)	30.1 (86.2)	30.9 (87.6)	28.2 (82.8)	24.1 (75.4)	19.5 (67.1)	16.1 (61)	22.3 (72.1)
Daily mean °C (°F)	10.3 (50.5)	10.7 (51.3)	12.3 (54.1)	15.0 (59)	19.1 (66.4)	22.7 (72.9)	24.8 (76.6)	25.3 (77.5)	22.7 (72.9)	18.9 (66)	14.9 (58.8)	11.9 (53.4)	17.4 (63.3)
Average low °C (°F)	6.1 (43)	6.4 (43.5)	7.7 (45.9)	10.2 (50.4)	13.9 (57)	17.4 (63.3)	19.4 (66.9)	19.6 (67.3)	17.2 (63)	13.8 (56.8)	10.3 (50.5)	7.6 (45.7)	12.5 (54.5)
Average rainfall mm (inches)	89.1 (3.508)	81.7 (3.217)	63.3 (2.492)	47.8 (1.882)	28.9 (1.138)	7.5 (0.295)	4.6 (0.181)	5.2 (0.205)	28.3 (1.114)	72.2 (2.843)	118.0 (4.646)	116.1 (4.571)	662.7 (26.091)
Average rainy days	12.0	10.6	9.9	8.4	5.3	2.2	1.0	1.0	3.6	7.8	11.0	13.2	86
Source: Hellenic National Meteorological Service^[5]

Ecology

Of great importance for the biological diversity of the area and the preservation of its climate is the swamp of Agyia, a small and coastal aquatic ecosystem of only 30 ha (74 acres), 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.^[6]

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, also causing some structural damage to a few buildings in Patras. 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 Helike, now Eliki.

History

Main article: History of Patras

View of the Roman Odeon

View of the Patras Castle, built during the Byzantine era.

Monument for the Greek War of Independence (1821–1830).

View of King George I Square in the late 19th century.

Antiquity

The first traces of settlement in Patras date to as early as the third millennium BC, in the area of modern Aroe. Patras flourished for the first time in the Post-Helladic or Mycenean period (1580–11). Ancient Patras was formed by the unification of three Mycenaean villages in modern Aroe; namely Antheia (from mythological Antheia) and Mesatis. Mythology has it that after the Dorian invasion, a group of Achaeans from Laconia led by the eponymous Patreus established a colony. In antiquity Patras remained a farming city. It was in Roman times that it became 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. In addition, Patras has been a Christian centre since the early days of Christianity, and it is the city where St. Andrew was crucified.

Middle Ages

In the Byzantine era 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 1205 the city was captured by William of Champlitte and Villehardouin, and became a part of the principality of Achaea. It became the seat of the Barony of Patras, and its Latin archbishop primate of the principality. In 1408, Patras became Venetian, until it was recaptured in 1430 by the Despotate of Morea and its despot Constantine Palaiologos, who thus succeeded in recovering for the Byzantine Empire the whole of the Morea, apart from Venetian possessions. The administration of Patras was given to George Sphrantzes, while Constantine was immediately contested by the Ottoman Empire and later, in 1449, became emperor of the Byzantine empire.^[7]

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 ("Old Patras"), 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 in the 15th and 16th centuries, but never re-established their rule effectively, except for a period of Venetian rule in 1687–1715.^[8]

Modern era

Patras was one of the first cities in which the Greek Revolution began in 1821;^[9] 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 Maison. The new city was planned under the supervision of Stamatis Voulgaris after Ioannis Kapodistrias order.

Patras developed quickly into the second largest urban centre in late 19th century Greece.^[10] The city benefited from its role as the main export port for the agricultural produce of the Peloponnese.^[11] Patras was also a gateway for emigration to the USA (most notably following the “raisin crisis” of 1920 which devastated the local economy).

In the early 20th century, Patras developed fast and became the first Greek city to introduce public streetlights and electrified tramways.^[12] The war effort necessitated by the first World War hampered the city's development and also created uncontrollable urban sprawl after the influx of displaced persons from Asia Minor after the 1922 population exchange between Greece and Turkey. In the Second World War the city was a major target of Italian air raids. In the Axis occupation period, 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.

Urban landscape

Patras' western seafront.

Ipsila Alonia Square.

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 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 notable 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 Patras Lighthouse, the city's emblematic old lighthouse - which was at the dock of Ayios 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. Because of 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 the Constitution of Greece of 2001, declaring the Greek coastline a "national treasure".

Main sights

Saint Andrew Church, patron saint of the city.

The entrance of the new Archaeological Museum of Patras.

Georgiou I Square in Patras.

Trion symmachon Square with the old hotel Metropolis in the background.

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.^[13] More specifically, the main sights of the city are:

The Roman Odeon, the most significant ancient monument, is in the upper town and was built around 160 AD, in the reign of either Antoninus Pius or Marcus Aurelius. It has been restored and partially reconstructed, and is used as an open-air theatre for performances and concerts in the summer.
The medieval Patras Castle, in the ancient acropolis overlooking the city, was initially built in the 6th century AD by the Byzantine emperor Justinian, having many additions from the period of the Frankish and Venetian rule of the city, up to as far as the time of the Despotate of Morea and later the Ottoman Empire. 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 Amphitheatre, near the Roman Odeon, in Ifestou street, dating from the 1st century AD, at a period of the biggest development of Roman Patras. Its area has been only partially excavated.^[14]
The church of Saint Andrew of Patras was founded in 1908 by King George I and was inaugurated in 1974. It is dedicated to Saint Andrew, the patron of the city and is near the seafront, between the areas of the new and the old port.^[15] It is the second largest temple of byzantine style in the Balkans (after the Cathedral of Saint Sava in Belgrade). The central cupola is 46 m (151 ft) tall and is the base for a 5 m (16 ft) gold-plated cross and twelve smaller ones, symbolizing Christ and the twelve apostles. A congregation of at least 5,000 can attend a sermon within the church.^[16]
The municipal Theatre Apollon, built in 1872 to plans by the German architect Ernst Ziller. The building is characteristic of the 19th century neoclassical style and is in the central square of the city.
The Achaia Clauss wine industry and tasting center, which is on the outskirts in Petroto village. It was founded in 1861 by the Bavarian Gustav Clauss and is most famous for its Mavrodaphne.
The Patras Archaeological Museum exhibits the history of Patras from the prehistoric era to the late Roman period. The exhibition is divided into three thematic sections demonstrated in the three large separate halls of the museum: the Chamber of Private Life, the Hall of Necropolis and the Hall of Public Life.
The Roman aqueduct^[17] that led from the springs of Romanos to the acropolis. 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 an underground channel, passing over valleys and gorges on carefully constructed archways, parts of which still stand, in the area of Aroi.^[18]

Roman Aqueduct of Patras(3)

The Roman bridge over the river Milichos, which dates from 114 AD. It is in Agyia, in the northern suburbs of the city, at the junction of Aretha street and the National Road.
The Turkish baths building (16th century), in Boukaouri street, still retain their initial use, and are one of the few Turkish baths surviving in Europe.
The Patras Lighthouse, a reconstructed "Faros" (Lighthouse), which is the symbol of the city. The lighthouse is situated at the seaside front between the old and the new port, at the end of Trion Navarhon street.
The Agiou Nokolaou Stairs, Gerokostopoulou Stairs, Patreos Stairs and Trion Navarchon Stairs, outdoor grand staircases all over the centre of the city dividing the upper town from downtown.

Parks and squares

Georgiou I Square, the central square and the heart of the city. It was named after king George I. 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 life in the city, hosting all significant activities, political gatherings, rallies, cultural events and, most importantly for some, its carnival.
Ethnikis Antistaseos Square (Olga's Square) is known by the name of queen Olga, wife of king George I, and was planted with trees bearing the name "The queen's garden". Today the square is officially known as Ethnikis Antistaseos, but its old name (Olga's Square) is the one in most regular use.
Trion Symmahon Square bears the name of the three Allied Powers who fought for the liberation of Greece; Britain, 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 (Greek: Ψηλαλώνια or formally Πλατεία Υψηλών Αλωνίων) is one of Patras's most popular squares. It is 1.5 km (0.93 mi) 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 Patras stands on the northern end, while a memorial plaque to people executed in the Axis occupation of Greece stands on the south-western corner. It is surrounded by several shops, restaurants and cafes and a number of modernist 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 War however, and through the 1960s and 1970s, most neoclassical buildings were replaced by eight-storey 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 Patras, including the mountains of Aitoloakarnania.
The Spinney of Patras (Greek: Δασύλλιο), is in a pine-tree-covered hill, which is dubbed "the Gulf of Patras' veranda" because of 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 the Austrian forest specialist Steggel.

Architecture

Kolokotroni street in central Patras.

View of Georgiou I square.

The city is endowed with a number of neoclassical 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 programme, 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 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 1960s and 1970s.

Today's Patra is a relatively newly built city, as its medieval buildings were completely destroyed in 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 (Oikia Tzini) 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, because of its status as the only area where construction height is limited to two-storey buildings.^[19]

City plan

The first city plan of Patras, 1829.

Patras city districts.

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 lower city, with a different city block layout. A revision of the proposal in 1858 was the one finally realised.

Districts and neighbourhoods

Main article: List of neighbourhoods in Patras

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:

Patras municipal unit:

Agyia (north)
Agia Sofia (north)
Anthoupoli (north)
Aroi (east)
Begoulaki (south)
Bozaitika (north)
Eglykada (east)
Gouva (north)
Ities (south)

Koukouli (east)
Neo Souli (east)
Perivola (east)
Prosfygika (east)
Psarofai (east)
Tabachana (east)
Zarouchleika (south)
Zavlani (north)

Rio municipal unit:

Paralia:

Messatida:

Vrachneika:

Government

Administrative region of Western Greece.

Patras is the regional capital of Western Greece and the capital of the Achaea regional unit. Since 2011, the city is also the capital of the administrative division, which includes (along with Western Greece) the regions of Peloponnese and the Ionian Islands.

Municipality

Patras municipality (Dimos Patreon) and its municipal units within the regional unit of Achaea.

The current municipality of Patras was formed at the 2011 local government reform by the merger of 5 municipalities that made up the Patras Urban Area. These former municipalities, which became municipal units, are: (in parenthesis their population, 2011)^[1]^[20]

Messatida (13,852)
Paralia (9,987)
Patras (171,484)
Rio (14,034)
Vrachnaiika (4,627)

The municipality has an area of 334.858 km², the municipal unit 125.420 km².^[21]

Demographics

The following list presents demographic data on the municipality of Patras over the years 2012.

Historical Population^[22]^[23]^[24]
Year	Patras municipality
1853	15,854
1861	18,342
1870	16,641
1879	25,494
1889	33,529
1896	37,985
1907	37,728
1920	52,174
1928	61,278
1951	87,570
1961	96,100
1971	112,228
1981	142,163
1991	161,782
2001	171,616
2007	180,000
2011	214,580

Population of Patras (dark blue) and urban area of Patras (blue) from 1853 to 2007.

From 2011 on, can data also reflect the city's urban area population, as all the municipalities that made up the Patras Urban Area were joined to create the new larger Patras municipality, formed at the 2011 local government reform.

Consulates

The city hosts consulates from several European countries (the only exception is the Lebanon consulate)

Infrastructure

View of the port.

Ikarus Palace of Minoan Lines at the port.

Marina of Patras.

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 because of its strategic position. The port manages more than half of the foreign sea-passenger transportation in Greece,^[25] 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.^[26]

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.^[27] 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.^[28] 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.^[29]^[30] 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 greatly upgraded.^[31] 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 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 operation. Ferries to Italy now dock there.^[32]

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; it is about 400 m (1,312.34 ft) long. 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)^[33] 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).^[34]

Two major state hospitals operate in the city: the Agios Andreas Hospital is the oldest of the two; named after the city's patron saint. The General University Hospital of Patras is a prominent university hospital, where intern medical students specialize on their major. There exist, in addition, two smaller state hospitals, Karamandanio - a children's hospital, and the Center of Chest Diseases of Southwestern Greece. The Greek army also operates the 409 army hospital in the city. A large range of private hospitals and clinics operate in parallel.

Numerous art venues^[35] and an ultra-modern archaeological museum^[36] 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,^[37] the University of Patras's facilities, the Hellenic Open University and the Technical Institute of Patras. A number of research facilities are also established in the university campus area.

Economy

Culture

Apollon Theatre, designed by Ernst Ziller.

Patras Carnival; the float of the "King of the Carnival".

Gerokostopoulou street during the Patras Carnival.

Inside the municipal library.

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.^[56]

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 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.

Theatrical tradition and music

Main article: Patras Municipal and Regional Theatre

The Patras Municipal and Regional Theatre 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 Roman Odeon hosts ancient dramas in the summer, 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 are also a number of dance schools, and there are 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.

Entertainment and performing arts

Main article: Patras Carnival

The Patras Carnival (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 takes in 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 Ayios Nikolaos street in the harbour of Patras. Its characteristic principles are spontaneity, improvisation, inspiration and volunteerism.

European Capital of Culture 2006

Patras 2006 commemorative coin.

The old paper factory of Ladopoulos hosted a series of exhibitions for the European Capital of Culture.

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", drawing 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).^[56] 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.^[57]^[58]

In 2006 various cultural events were held in the context of the European Capital of Culture. Among the artists presenting their work in Patras were: Gary Burton, Maxim Shostakovich, Ian Anderson - with the Patras Municipal Orchestra, Jean Louis Trintignant, Roberto Benigni, Eros Ramazzotti and José Carreras.^[59] With the completion of the Capital of Culture programme, a part of the old Ladopoulos factory 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

Main article: Patras Sports

Dimitris Tofalos Arena

Kostas Davourlis Stadium of Panachaiki G.E.

Pampeloponnisiako Stadium.

Patras International Circuit for Kart.

Patras has several sports facilities and important teams in almost all the major Greek leagues. Panachaiki Gymnastiki Enosi, Apollon Patras, EA Patras and NO Patras are historically the major sports clubs based in the city, specializing in football, basketball, volleyball and water polo. The city's national stadium, Pampeloponnisiako Stadium, was renovated and expanded in 2004.^[60] 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.

Notable sport clubs based in Patras
Club	Sport	Current League	Venue	Location	Capacity	Established	Highest ranking
Panachaiki G.E.	Football	Football League	Pampeloponnisiako Stadium	Agyia	23,588	1891	4th (1973)
Panachaiki G.E.	Volleyball	Volleyball League	Panachaiki Indoor Arena	Agyia	500	1928	8th (2016)
Apollon Patras	Basketball	Basket League	Apollon Patras Indoor Hall	Perivola	3,500	1926	6th (1986)
EA Patras	Volleyball	A2 Ethniki	EAP Indoor Hall	Agios Dionysios	2,200	1927	Champion (1938)
NO Patras	Water polo	A1 Ethniki	NOP Aquatic Centre	Akti Dymeon	3,000	1929	Champion (x 8)
Thyella	Football	Delta Ethniki	Fotis Aravantinos Stadium	Glafkos	3,000	1930	5th (B Ethniki)
Olympiada Patras	Basketball Volleyball	A2 League A2 Ethniki	Olympiada Indoor Hall	Taraboura	2,500	1961	8th (2002) 10th (2007)
Promitheas Patras	Basketball	A2 Ethniki	EAP Indoor Hall	Agios Dionysios	2,200	1985	3rd (A2 Ethniki)
Ormi Patras	Handball	A1 Women's	Dimitris Tofalos Arena	Bozaitika	4,500	2003	Champion (x 6)
NE Patras	Water polo	A2 Ethniki A1 Women's	Antonis Pepanos Aquatic Centre	Koukouli	4,000	2006	4th (2009) 4th (x 3)

Religion

The Anglican Church of Saint Andrew.

The city is the seat of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Patras. 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 sizeable 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 third-largest Byzantine-style church in the Balkans, after the Cathedral of Saint Sava in Belgrade and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia. It holds relics of Andrew the Apostle, which were returned to the city of Patras from St. Peter's Basilica, Rome in September, 1964, on the orders of Pope Paul VI.

Other historical churches of the city are:

Τhe church of Pantokratoras (1832), the old cathedral, in the upper town district
Τhe Metropolis (Cathedral) of Patras (1846) dedicated to Panayia Evangelistria, in Mezonos street
Τhe church of Ayios Nikolaos (1885), next to the steps of Ayiou Nikolaou street
Τhe church of Pantanassa (1859), Ipsilantou street
Τhe church of Ayios Dimitrios, in the upper town district
The Catholic Church of Saint Andrew (1937), in Mezonos street
The Anglican church of Saint Andrew (1878), in Karolou Street
The old church of Ayios Andreas (1836–1843), next to the new temple. Situated in the site of Andrew the Apostle's martyrdom, it was built in basilica style by the architect Lysandros Kaftantzoglou.

Cuisine

Tentura liquer from Patras

Local specialities include:

Bourjeto (similar to the Corfiot Bourdeto)
Tilichtaria Patrina
Mavrodafni wine
Tentura drink
Patrina loukoumia

Notable citizens

Kostis Palamas

Dimitrios Gounaris

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 Gounaris, 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 in 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.

Politics

Andreas Michalakopoulos, Prime Minister
Apostolos Santas, Resistance member
Athanasios Kanakaris
Benizelos Rouphos
Costis Stephanopoulos, President of Greece
Danielis, Byzantine noblewoman
Dimitrios Gounaris, Prime Minister
Dimitrios Maximos, Prime Minister
Germanos III of Old Patras, Metropolitan
Papandreou family (3 Prime Ministers)
Panagiotis Kanellopoulos, Prime Minister
Zaimis family (3 Prime Ministers)

Sports

Chilon of Patras, ancient Olympic winner
Nikolaos Andriakopoulos, Olympic gold medalist
Antonios Pepanos, Olympic silver medalist
Stephanos Christopoulos, Olympic bronze medalist
Dimitrios Tofalos, weightlifter
Themistoklis Diakidis, athlete
Kostas Davourlis, football player
Kostas Katsouranis, football player
Spyros Andriopoulos, marathon runner
Periklis Iakovakis, athlete
Kostas Petropoulos, basketball player
Themis Rigas, football player
Vassilis Stravopodis, football player
Andreas Samaris, football player
Nora Drakou, swimmer

Art & Culture

Arethas of Caesarea, Archbishop
Jean Goldkette, pianist
Memos Makris, (1913–1993) sculptor
Thanos Mikroutsikos (1947) composer
Mnaseas, historian
Jean Moréas, poet
George Kapotas, (1933) sculptor
Kostis Palamas (1859–1943) poet
Matilde Serao, novelist
Saint Regulus
Fotis Polymeris, composer/singer
Epameinondas Thomopoulos (1878–1974) painter

Music, Cinema & Theater

Rena Dor, actress/singer
Spyros Fokas, actor
Tasso Kavadia, actress
Poly Panou, singer
Timos Perlegas, actor
Gerasimos Skiadaresis, actor
Mema Stathopoulou, actress
Betty Moschona, actress
Andreas Mikroutsikos, songwriter/TV presenter
Sophia Vossou, singer
Vassilikos, songwriter/singer

Science

Dimitris Kouretas, Pharmacist / inventor of Feedback Cake

Transport

The railway station

Suburban rail (Proastiakos) in Patras

Public transport within the city of Patras is served by buses. There are two transport lines to and from the University of Patras, and some nearby lines to the city suburbs, like Saravali, Zarouchleika, Paralia etc.
Commuter rail services have recently been established by Proastiakos, with one line currently connecting Patras, Rio and Agios Vasileios. The plan is eventually to connect to Kiato, from where the main Proastiakos already runs to Corinth, Athens, and Athens International Airport.
Regional rail links were until 2010 provided by the Hellenic Railways Organisation, connecting to Athens and Piraeus as well as to Pyrgos and Kalamata.^[61] However all services were suspended in December 2010 on cost grounds.
Regional bus links are provided by KTEL, connecting the city to almost the entire Greek territory and to places inside the province of Achaea.
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 Zakynthos, to the port of Igoumenitsa and to the Italian cities Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, Trieste and Venice.^[61] Seaplanes also operate.
Seasonal air transport is provided at Araxos airport, about 40 km (25 mi) from the city. Patras is connected with several European destinations through scheduled (seasonal) or chartered flights. In the summer of 2012 there are direct Ryanair flights to and from London Stansted, Milan Bergamo and Paphos. Other airlines which operate from Araxos offer scheduled and chartered flights to and from Switzerland and Germany. Access to the airport is provided by a shuttle bus, taxi or private means. The time distance for the trip between Patras and the airport is about 30 minutes.

Roads

Patras is bypassed by the Olympia Odos (A8) motorway, which is also part of the E55 route that crosses the Rio-Antirio Bridge, dominating the sealine across the Gulf of Corinth.

GR-5/E55
GR-8/E55 and E65 (partly Panepistimiou Street)
GR-8A
GR-9/E55 (partly Akti Dymaion)
GR-33 (partly Kalavryton, Georgiou Papandreou Street and Akrotiriou)
Bypass of Patras

Maps

International relations

Patras is a pilot city of the Council of Europe and the European Commission Intercultural cities programme.^[62]

Twin towns — sister cities

Patras is twinned with:^[63]

Aleksinac, Serbia Banja Luka, Bosnia-Herzegovina^[64] Ancona, Italy Bari, Italy Byblos, Lebanon Bydgoszcz, Poland ^[65] Canterbury, New South Wales, Australia Chişinău, Moldova	Craiova, Romania Debrecen, Hungary ^[65] Famagusta, Cyprus ^[65] Focşani, Romania Gjirokastër, Albania Kharkiv, Ukraine Limassol, Cyprus ^[65]^[66]	Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia Reggio Calabria, Italy Saint-Étienne, France ^[65] Savannah, Georgia, USA ^[67] Split, Croatia Vilnius, Lithuania Wuxi, People's Republic of China ^[65]

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 was designed to commemorate an event signalling an enlightened course for Patras and serving as a reminder of the way in which culture can stimulate the economy and promote development, when Patras was appointed European Capital of Culture. On the obverse is the logo for Patras 2006 around the words "European Capital of Culture".

Gallery

Outside view of the Roman Odeon
Old map of "Patrasso", 1708
Athanasios Kanakaris during the Siege of Patras by Peter von Hess
"Surrender of Patras to General Schneider" by Hippolyte Lecomte
Patras Castle, 1890
The fountain in Georgiou I Square
Alhambra mansion
Catholic Church of Saint Andrew
Villa Crove at the old English (Egglezika) district of Patras
Patras Lighthouse
The house where Kostis Palamas and Matilde Serao were born.
Tzini's house (1832), Mezonos & Agiou Nikolaou street.
Old Mammos factory, Agyia
Antonios Pepanos aquatic center

References

1 2 3 "Απογραφή Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2011. ΜΟΝΙΜΟΣ Πληθυσμός" (in Greek). Hellenic Statistical Authority.
↑ http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2006/jan/29/greece.observerescapesection
↑ "Region of Western Greece: Geography". Ditikiellda-region.com. Retrieved February 9, 2007.
↑ Thomopoulos, St. N, History of the City of Patras from Antiquity to 1821, Patrai 1952, (ed. Triantafyllou, K.N.)
↑ "Climate of Patras". Hellenic National Meteorological Service. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
↑ Chris K. "Hellenic Ornithological Society - Birds, birding and conservation in Greece". Ornithologiki.gr. Archived from the original on December 25, 2008. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
↑ Patra. From antiquity until today, Kotinos A.E. Editions, Athens 2005
↑ Encyclopaedia of Islam s.v. Baliabadra
↑ Strategus Makrygiannis. ""Memoirs", Book A, Chapter I, Athens, 1849". Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ Triantafyllou, Κ.Ν., Historic Lexicon of Patras
↑ Kounenaki Pegy. "19th Century Patras: how the character of the city changed with the development of the port after 1828". News.kathimerini.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ Thomopoulos
↑ Region of Western Greece: Monuments - Accessed on Feb. 9, 2007
↑ "RC - Patras, Restoration and preservation of the Roman amphitheatre of Patras". Iiinstitute.nl. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Info about St.Andrew Church". InfoCenterpatras.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Άγιος Ανδρέας". e-patras.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ https://www.academia.edu/11034108/Patras_Roman_Aqueduct_-Restoration
↑ "Ρωμαϊκό Υδραγωγείο". e-patras.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "WESTPOINT - Mια αρχιτεκτονική βόλτα στην Πάτρα". Westpoint.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ Kallikratis law Greece Ministry of Interior (Greek)
↑ "Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)" (PDF) (in Greek). National Statistical Service of Greece.
↑ 1928–1980 statistical data are from: "The population of Greece in the second half of the 20th century". Hellenic Republic. National Statistical Service of Greece. Athens 1980 & "Statistical Yearbook of Greece" Hellenic Republic. National Statistical Service of Greece. Athens 1980
↑ Population data from 1853 to 1920 are cited from: Kosta N. Triantafyllou, "Istorikon Lexikon ton Patron: Istoria tis poleos ton Patron apo arxaiotaton xronon eos simeron kata alphavitikin eidologikin katataksin" 3rd edition, Patrai 1995
↑ Data on municipal and urban population refer to permanent population and are taken from: the "2001 Census" of the National Statistical Service of Greece
↑ ΟΛΠ - Στατιστικά στοιχεία (in Greek). Archived from the original on 2008-04-04.
↑ Οργανισμός Λιμένος Πατρών - Το νέο λιμάνι (in Greek).
↑ "Ring Road map" (PDF). Dikitiellada.gov.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Works under construction in the region of Western Greece". Ditikiellada.gov.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ Loizos Bailas, Mixalis Kaplanidis. "MHXANIKH AE". Michaniki.gr. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
↑ Loizos Bailas, Mixalis Kaplanidis. "MHXANIKH AE". Michaniki.gr. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
↑ "Road Axis Patra - Athens - Thessaloniki - Evzoni". Hellenic Ministry of Public Works.
↑ "Patras' New Port in Operation | Greece.GreekReporter.com Latest News from Greece". Greece.greekreporter.com. 2011-07-11. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ Loizos Bailas, Mixalis Kaplanidis. "MHXANIKH AE". Michaniki.gr. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
↑ "Metropolitan Optical Network of Patras". Ru6.cti.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "European Culture Capital, Patras Venues". Patras2006.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Ktizon, Presentation of the Archaeological museum of Patras". Ktizon.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Cultural Facilities in Patras". Infocenterpatras.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ 19/01/2010 13:46 (2010-01-19). "Παραδίδεται το έργο της ανάπλασης της Αγοράς Αργύρη - Οικονομία - The Best News". Thebest.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Greek Statistics Organization, Tourism data - 2006" (PDF).
↑ "Greek Statistics Organization, Tourism data - 2006" (PDF).
↑ "Acciona Wind Parks". Acciona-energia.com. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Glafkos Hydroelectric Power Station". Dei.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ aquaculture.gr/ "Andromeda Aquaculture" Check |url= value (help). Andromeda aquaculture.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Nireus Aquaculture". Nireus.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "λκμκ αρχιτέκτονες μηχανικοί - Βιομηχανικοί χώροι - Εργοστάσιο Παραγωγής Ιχθυοτροφών στην ΒΙ.ΠΕ. Πατρών". Lkmk.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Kepenou mills". Tovima.dolnet.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Vianex facilities in Patras". Vianex.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Abex Timber Manufacturing". Abex.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Intracom Telecom: Infrastructure". Intracom-telecom.com. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Corallia Innohub".
↑ "Patras Science Park - Hosted Companies". Patras Science Park. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Awards of the 7th International Venture Capital Forum" (in Greek). Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Industrial Systems Institute". Isi.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Institute of Chemical Engineering & High Temperature Chemical Processes". Iceht.forth.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Institute of Biomedical Technology". Inbit.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
1 2 "Συμπόσιο Ποίησης". Poetrysymposium.gr. 2012-07-18. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Patras Final Report" (PDF). Europa.eu.int. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Patras Future Report". Europa.eu.int. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ "Πολιτισμός". e-patras.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ George Xenides. "Παμπελοποννησιακό Εθνικό Στάδιο Πατρών". Stadia.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
1 2 "Πως θα έρθετε". e-patras.gr. Retrieved 2012-10-02.
↑ Council of Europe (2011). "Intercultural city: Patras, Greece". coe.int. Retrieved 22 May 2011.
↑
↑ Градови партнери [City of Banja Luka - Partner cities]. Administrative Office of the City of Banja Luka (in Serbian). Archived from the original on 2011-09-17. Retrieved 2013-08-09.
1 2 3 4 5 6 "Patras Municipality - Fraternize Cities". Patras Municipality. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
↑ "Limassol Twinned Cities". Limassol (Lemesos) Municipality. Archived from the original on 2013-04-01. Retrieved 2013-07-29.
↑ Archived January 23, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Patras.

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Patras.

The dictionary definition of Patras at Wiktionary
The official website of the city
official website of the Carnival of Patras
Patras Εntertainment City Guide SecretPatras
Patras City Guide Patrino
Video about Patras European Capital of Culture 2006
Patras The Official website of the Greek National Tourism Organisation
Onboard tour of the city of Patras
Developments in the old town of Patras (1996)

Rio

Gulf of Patras

Panachaicon

Patras

Paralia and Messatida/Messatis

Administrative division of the Western Greece Region

Area 11,350 km² (4,380 sq mi) Population 679,796 (as of 2011) Municipalities 19 (since 2011) Capital Patras

Regional unit of Achaea	Aigialeia Erymanthos Kalavryta Patras West Achaea

Regional unit of Aetolia-Acarnania	Agrinio Aktio-Vonitsa Amfilochia Missolonghi Nafpaktia Thermo Xiromero

Regional unit of Elis	Ancient Olympia Andravida-Kyllini Andritsaina-Krestena Ilida Pineios Pyrgos Zacharo

Regional governor Apostolos Katsifaras (reelected 2014) Decentralized Administration Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian

Subdivisions of the municipality of Patras

Municipal unit of Messatida	Kallithea Krini Krystallovrysi Ovrya Petroto Saravali Thea

Municipal unit of Paralia	Mintilogli Paralia Roitika

Municipal unit of Patras	Elekistra Moira Neo Souli Patras

Municipal unit of Rio	Agios Vasileios Aktaio Ano Kastritsi Arachovitika Argyra Drepano Kato Kastritsi Pititsa Platani Psathopyrgos Rio Sella

Municipal unit of Vrachnaiika	Kaminia Monodendri Theriano Tsoukalaiika Vrachnaiika

Prefectural capitals of Greece

Capitals of regions of Greece

Athens (Attica) Corfu (Ionian Islands) Heraklion (Crete) Ioannina (Epirus) Komotini (East Macedonia and Thrace) Kozani (West Macedonia) Lamia (Central Greece) Larissa (Thessaly) Mytilene (North Aegean) Patras (West Greece) Ermoupoli (South Aegean) Thessaloniki (Central Macedonia) Tripoli (Peloponnese)

The City of Patras

Districts of Patras	1st (North) 2nd (South) 3rd (East) 4th (Central)

Patras neighborhoods	Agia Aikaterini Agia Sofia Agia Triada Agialexiotissa Agios Alexios Agios Andreas Agios Georgios Langoura Agios Dimitrios Agios Dionyssios Agios Nektarios Agyia Ampelokipoi Anapirika Iteon Antheia Anthoupoli Aroi Asyrmatos Begoulaki Chalkomata Dasylio Diakou Drosia Eglykada Eschatovouni Evraiomnimata Geraneika Girokomeio Glaraki Glyfada Gouva Ities Kalamaki Kaminia Kantrianika Kastellokampos Kavouri Kokkinos Milos Kotroni Koukouli Kritika Krya Iteon Kypseli Ladopoulou Lefka Lykochoro Makrygianni Markato Metamorfosi Sotiros Neapoli Zarouchleikon Pagona Pantokratoras Perivola Portes (Rodopoulou) Pratsika Proastio Prosfygika Psachou Psarofai Psilalonia Pyrosvesteio Riganokampos Skagiopouleio Skioessa (Voudeni) Synora Tabachana Taraboura Terpsi Terpsithea Tritaki Tsivdi Tzini Vlatero Voud Vryseika Zarouchleika Zavlani

Patras old neighborhoods	Dexameni Egglezika Farmaki Galaxidiotika Gazochori Kloukiniotika Mantzavineika Megoulianitika Tasi

Landmarks of Patras

Landmarks	Achaia Clauss Apollon Theatre Archaeological Museum Cathedral of Saint Andrew Georgiou I Square Pampeloponnisiako Stadium Patras Castle Psilalonia Square Rio–Antirrio bridge Roman aqueduct Roman Odeon Roman Stadium

Events	Patras Carnival

European Capitals of Culture

1985: Athens
1986: Florence
1987: Amsterdam
1988: West Berlin
1989: Paris
1990: Glasgow
1991: Dublin
1992: Madrid
1993: Antwerp
1994: Lisbon
1995: Luxembourg City
1996: Copenhagen
1997: Thessaloniki
1998: Stockholm
1999: Weimar
2000: Reykjavík; Bergen; Helsinki; Brussels; Prague; Kraków; Santiago de Compostela; Avignon; Bologna
2001: Rotterdam; Porto
2002: Bruges; Salamanca
2003: Graz; Plovdiv
2004: Genoa; Lille
2005: Cork
2006: Patras
2007: Luxembourg City and Greater Region; Sibiu
2008: Liverpool; Stavanger
2009: Linz; Vilnius
2010: Ruhr; Istanbul; Pécs
2011: Turku; Tallinn
2012: Maribor; Guimarães
2013: Košice; Marseille
2014: Umeå; Riga
2015: Mons; Plzeň
2016: San Sebastián; Wrocław
2017: Aarhus; Paphos
2018: Valletta; Leeuwarden
2019: Plovdiv; Matera
2020: Rijeka; Galway
2021: Timișoara; Elefsina; Novi Sad

Authority control	GND: 4115867-2 BNF: cb13505965q (data)

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