Biblical Patras
by Kuznetsov_Sergey
Andrew is said to have been martyred by crucifixion at Patras that's why St Andrew is the patron of Patras.
Andrew had been crucified on a cross of the form called Crux decussata (X-shaped cross) and commonly known as "St. Andrew's cross". This was performed at his own request, as he deemed himself unworthy to be crucified on the same type of cross on which Christ was crucified.
The city extends from the...
by tak_pap
The city extends from the shore up to the castle. It is divided into twp 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.
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 the Trion Navarchon street leads to Psila Alonia - one of the most beautiful squares in 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 castle, whose grounds have been transformed into a park. from here you have a view of the whole city and the sea beyond.
Carnivalism
by Yank_o
Carnival is a big thing in and around Patras. Many locals (incl. students) are involved in carnival groups and they work virtually throughout the year in order to produce the best possible result. Depending on the date of the Orthodox Easter (it is a moving feast and it doesn't always coincide with the Catholic/Protestant Easter) the Carnival period usually falls in late February or early March. At least three big parades take place: one for kids, one on the last Saturday night (called the on-foot parade) and one on the last Sunday afternoon, with impressive chariots. There are also several parties and other events, some open to "locals and special guests" only and some to all. It is during the Carnival days and especially the last weekend that Patras becomes a real tourist destination.
Achaia Clauss winery
by mindcrime
One of the nicest short trips near the city is a visit to Achaia Clauss winery. It is located on green hill 8km south east from the center. The buildings inside are a fine example of industrial architecture. Achaia Clauss was built in 1861 and it was the first winery in Greece. The winery was built by the german Gustav Clauss that came from Germany in 1854 to work in a german exportation factory of currant.
It products some of the most famous greek wines. The view is great from there but the most important reason to visit the place is to taste some famous local wines like the sweet Mavrodafni etc Last time we tasted a lot of them and I bought several bottle of fine white semisweet wine (I couldn’t find the same on stores, Mavrodafni is easy to find everywhere). The prices are low too.
As you enter by car the first thing you notice is the vineyards, then you will pass the castle like entrance and see the historic buildings, the bust of Clauss and you can tour the cellar for the huge wooden barrels that date back from 1873 (I wonder how is the taste of a wine of that era!). Most of our visit was inside Kava Daniliidis. There we tasted the wines and we bought some of them. The factory is open daily 09.00-20.00 (may-september 11.00-20.00)
Directions:Achaia Clauss is located at Petroto village, 8km SE from Patras. From city center drive up on Gounaris street, at the end follow Kalavriton avenue and after 3-4 km you will see a sign. You can also take bus N.7 from Patras at Ermou & Haralampi streets
On living Patras by car you...
by Christianne
On living Patras by car you absolutely must go to Kalavrita.Otherwise, you can try the finicular from the village Diacofto. The landscape is getting more and more mountainous because it becomes the ascent to the mountain.
It is recommended to chose the second possibility, the finicular which is clutching the rails with its 'teeth'.You'll admire the enourmes rocks and the trees hanging from the mountain. Kalavrita is the third one stop of the finicular.