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| Patras is the capital of the region or prefecture. It owes its name to Patreas, chief of the Achaians. The city is among the most important in Greece, and the largest in the Peloponnese. It is also a major transportation centre, linking the country with Italy and the Peloponnese with the Ionian islands. The city extends from the shore up to the Castle. It is divided into two parts, the upper and the lower, whose layout, parks and plazzas give it a definite distinction. The old city, at the foot of the castle, still has quite a number of attractive neoclassical houses, while the lower city has many mansions, such as those housing the Municipal Theatre, the Odeon, etc. |
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| The Cathedral of St. Andrew, the city's patron, rises majestically above the lower city. To the left of it stands an older church built on the site of a Byzantine church that was destroyed by the Turks. From here Trion Navarchon street leads to Psila Alonia - the "balcony" of Patras - a lovely spacious square with slender palm trees and a sun dial. Patras possesses a fine archaeological museum, an art gallery and a printing museum. Dominating the city from on high looms the ruined shell of the castle, whose grounds have been transformed into a park. From here you have a view of the whole city and the sea beyond. Patras' famous Carnival - a festive sampling of its citizens' imagination, humour and high spirits - attracts thousands of visitors every year. Finally, the city's innumerable pastry shops, its quiet little cafes, its wide range of tavernas, its lively streets bustling with locals, foreigners and transient travellers complete the picture of Patras, beautiful and celebrated throughout Greece. |
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