The capital of the regional unit of Achaea and the largest city of Peloponnese, Patra is a city full of beauty and a personal charm that makes it stand out. Its port has turned Patra into the most important commercial, financial and tourist center of the wider area.  Built on the forefront of mount Panachaikon and in a position that is central in relation to the greatest archaeological sites of Greece (Delphi, Olympia, Mykenes, Epidaurus), its access is easy and direct.
Patra has a rich past to present. The first Achaean League was created here and this is also the place of action and martyrdom of Agios Andreas. The city was completely destroyed in 1821 and managed to regenerate by building bit by bit its background for later industrial development.
With a large number of conquerors (Romans, Franks, Venetians, Turks) leaving their mark on the city, Patra constitutes a hodgepodge of cultures. Its historical center emerges through the present, giving its people the chance to live hand in hand with the city’s old grandeur and serenity. The Roman Conservatoire, which resembles a small Odeon of Herodes, hosts festivals up until today, whereas the Venetian castle at the top of the city which used to protect it from enemies is now offered for contemplation. During the years of Ottoman domination, neoclassical buildings were built for foreign consults and merchants as a specimen of Patras commercial flourish. These buildings exist today, restored, at the center of the city. The Turkish bath also works today, with its marble basins, low doors and stone walls offering moments of relaxation.
As genuine travelers you should know that in order to discover what you really ask from a city you have but to start walking. How else can a city be loved unless walked alley to alley!
Begin your journey at the streets starting from the coast line. Get a close up look of the waters of Patraikos, the new, modern port of the city with ferry lines to Italy and the Ionian islands. Kneel at the magnificent temple of Agios Antreas and then head towards the public sale where the old port used to be. Along the coast line, the Dymaion Coast, as it’s called, there are a number of buildings dating from the time when Patra was in full industrial growth. The papermaking “Ladopoulou”, raisin factories, Peiraiki Patraki, the Old Slaughterhouses etc. The marina is located on the other side of Patra, with big and small boats anchored and a beautiful pedestrian area for you to take pleasant walks by the sea.
The city’s center brings together commercial shops, different entertainment places, museums, pedestrian areas, squares and the most important sites of the city. The most central square is the King George I square which is surrounded by neoclassical buildings, the Apollo Municipal Theatre and museums. The square is the usual point of meeting. The most famous pedestrian areas in Patra, bustling from life are Riga Fereou, Gerokostopoulou, Radinou and Agiou Nikolaou at the end of which one finds numerous steps leading to Patra’ s most impressive side; the Upper Town.
There you will meet the leftovers of the Roman, Venetian and Ottoman domination with first being the Ancient Odeon and then the castle, the Turkish bath, the Church of Pantokratora, the old municipal hospital etc.
Patra’s balcony is the Psila Alonia Square, since an incredible view spreads before it looking at a big part of the city.
Patra therefore has not just a rich past to show. It is all at once a bustling city, a student town and a carnival-town, ready to entertain us until we drop at its well-known Patrino Carnavali. Hospitable, nostalgic and ready to surrender to those who truly love it.