Many beautiful cities are proud of sunny Greece. Patras is one of the largest resorts of the Peloponesse, located on the shores of the Gulf of Patras. The city was founded in the VI century BC. e. Achaeans (residents of Sparta). For a long history, the city was conquered by the Romans and Venetians, Turks and Franks. But in 1828 he was forever entrenched in the Greeks.
This famous resort has a complicated and interesting history and architectural monuments. The city is the capital of the region of Achaia, which was named after the Achaeans (the first settlers from Argolis), and it was named after their leader - Patreas. This wonderful, very lively city is the third largest in the country. 170 thousand inhabitants live in it, and on the island of Peloponnese it is the largest. G. Patras (Greece) - the main transport hub connecting the country with Italy, and the Peloponnese - with the islands of Zakynthos and Coffu, Kafalonia and Lefkada.
An airport
As a rule, guests begin their acquaintance with the city from the only airport located here. "Araxos" is located near the cape of the same name and serves the city of Patras and the western part of the island of Peloponnese. The airport was built in 1941 as a military airfield.
In 1980, it became the country's civilian airport. Although he did not lose his military mission today. The Greek Air Force uses Araxos as an active air base. Patras Airport (Greece) "Araxos" is located 29 km from the city. The planes of three airlines arrive here. Throughput - more than 133 thousand passengers per season. Technical characteristics of "Araxos" allow you to take any kind of aircraft.
Patras Greece Attractions
St. Andrew's Cathedral is the largest church in the country and the third largest in the Balkan Peninsula. Andrew the First-Called is the patron saint of the city. Here the apostle lived the last years and received a terrible death. The temple was erected on the spot where, according to legend, the apostle Andrew was crucified.
The construction of the cathedral was started in 1908 according to the project of the famous architect from Greece Anastasios Metaksas. He also supervised the progress of construction work. After his death in 1937, the architect Nomikos led the work. In total, construction lasted 66 years, and only in 1974 did the discovery take place that they had been waiting for so long.
A magnificent building built in the Byzantine style. The main dome of the temple is crowned with a five-meter gilded cross. Along the perimeter, it is surrounded by twelve small domes with crosses. This composition symbolizes Jesus Christ and the twelve apostles.
No less beautiful is the interior of the temple. Here you can see the most beautiful, wonderfully subtly executed mosaics. A special pride of the temple is a huge carved chandelier made of wood.
Fortress of Patras
Rich in ancient buildings, Greece. Patras are no exception. The ancient city fortress is one of the most popular and visited attractions, which attracts thousands of history buffs every year.
The construction of this large defensive facility, located on a low hill, began at the end of the VI century a few hundred meters from the sea. Before this place was located the ancient acropolis destroyed by a powerful earthquake.
Initially, the area of the fortress was more than 20,000 square meters. m. She was surrounded by a moat filled with water. The fortress consisted of two rows of thick walls. The outer row was supplemented by sentinel towers. During the years of Byzantine rule, the fortress of Patras was several times attacked by the Slavs and Saracens, Normans, but always withstood the siege.
At the beginning of the XIII century, the fortress was captured by the Franks, who did a lot of work to strengthen it. By its intended purpose, the fortress was used until the Second World War.
Ancient Roman Odeon
For many of our compatriots, Greece has become a favorite vacation spot. Patras are especially attractive for tourists because they can combine beach and sightseeing holidays. In this city there are many very interesting places that you should visit in between relaxing on the beach.
The odeon was built in the city in 160 AD. e. It was the heyday of the Roman Empire. Over time, wars and earthquakes buried the once magnificent majestic structure, forming a hill in its place. At the end of the XIX century during the construction of the dam there was an acute shortage of land for the embankment. In this regard, it was decided to take the land from the hill. What was the surprise of the Greeks when, under a layer of earth, they discovered the ruins of an ancient Roman odeon, moreover, well-preserved.
Restoration work was begun, and the entire territory of the odeon, together with the lands adjacent to it, was declared the most important archaeological site. As a result, unique Roman mosaics and other priceless artifacts were discovered. The work was completed in 1956. Greek specialists managed to recreate a unique structure almost in its original form.
Today in the summer, odeon is used as an open-air theater. Concerts are held here, theatrical productions are staged. The odeon is famous for its amazing acoustics. Its capacity is more than 2000 people.
Rion Andirion Bridge
I would not want our readers to have the impression that Greece is rich in ancient monuments only. Patras are known far beyond the borders of the country thanks to the cable-stayed bridge. It connects the Peloponnese and mainland Greece. This is, without exaggeration, an impressive and grandiose masterpiece of modern engineering.
The idea of creating a bridge arose in the 19th century. In those days, such a large-scale project was too expensive for the Greek economy, so it was not implemented. The design consists of five spans, which are held by four pylons.
The opening of the bridge took place in early August 2004, on the eve of the Olympic Games, which were held in Athens. The length of the Rion-Andirion bridge is 2880 meters with a width of about 28 meters. On both sides, two lanes (automobile), a pedestrian walkway and an emergency lane are provided.
How to get to Patras (Greece) and where to stay?
Getting to the city of Patras is quite easy by bus or car on the Athens - Corinth - Patras Autobahn. If you prefer public transport, then buses from Athens leave from Athens. More than 10 flights follow every day.
Can be reached by train from Athens. The road will take no more than four hours. If you plan to visit this wonderful city, you will probably be wondering what hotels there are. According to holidaymakers' reviews, hotels in Patras (Greece) - this is an excellent service, well-developed infrastructure, friendly attitude of the staff. We will present you the most popular of them.
Astir Hotel 4 *
Modern complex located in the center of Patras, next to the old port. The hotel provides its guests accommodation in beautiful comfortable rooms.
In summer, the hotel has a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city and Patra Bay. Great cuisine has always been famous for Greece. Patras is a city in whose restaurants national cuisine is widely represented. In addition to the restaurant, the rooftop has an outdoor pool. The hotel has wireless internet.
Mediterranee 2 *
Hotels in Patras (Greece) can be of different levels of comfort. But this in no way affects the quality of service. You will be met everywhere by tactful, attentive and friendly staff.
Hotel Mediterranee is located in the center of Patras. At your service - rooms at affordable prices. All are air-conditioned. The bathroom has all the necessary toiletries.
Boutique Hotel Marie Palace 4 *
This modern hotel with a breakfast room and a cafe-bar is located in the center of Patras. Comfortable rooms are designed for two to four guests. The rooms have split systems, refrigerators, LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi. Free parking is available on site.
Reviews
Today, thousands of tourists from our country have already rested in the city of Patras (Greece). Guest reviews confirm that this is a truly wonderful resort city. Here you can have a great time, and the rest can be quite varied - beach, sightseeing.
Impressive local attractions. Amazing emotions are caused by visiting concerts in the ancient Roman odeon or walking along the Rion-Andirion bridge.