Historical Patras
by Kuznetsov_Sergey
In the Roman period Patras was a cosmopolitan centre of the eastern Mediterranean. According to Christian tradition, it was also the place of Saint Andrew's martyrdom. Patras became a Christian centre since the early days of Christianity.
In 1204 Patras was conquered by the Fourth Crusade, and became the seat of the Latin Duchy of Achaia within the Principality of Achaea. In 1408 Patras became Venetian, and by the close of the 15th century the city was governed by the archbishop in the name of the pope. It was nevertheless seized once more by the despot Constantine in 1430, who was immediately contested by the Ottoman Empire.
In 1458 Patras was conquered by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Mehmet II. Under the Ottomans, it was known as Baliabadra.
It was here that the Greek Revolution began in 1828.
Patras is the capital of the...
by tak_pap
Patras is the capital of the region or prefecture of Achaia. 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's also a major transportation centre, linking the country with Italy and the Peloponnese with the Ionian islands.
(The picture is a view of Psila Alonia Square: from my appartment's balcony).
H I S T O R Y (For those who...
by tak_pap
H I S T O R Y (For those who are interesting:)
------Patras was formed in Mycenaen times by the merging of three rural colonies. Achaeans came from the Laconia led from Patreas, after whom the city was named.
Patras contribution to the assembly of the confederancy of the Achaean League was desicive (280 B.C.) as its function was based on equality and democracy.
Apostle Andrew preached in Patras, where he was crucified and buried in 68 A.D. During the Roman domination, Patras became the leading power in the Peloponnese, reaching its height in the 2nd century A.D.
When Constantinople became the new capital of the Roman Empire, Patras lost its commercial importance.
After the 9th century, it gained new financial prosperity, mainly from silk production and procesing.
During the Franks Domination, Patras became a barony with head quarters, under the Pope's suzerainty. In 1460 the Turks took over. Patras was amongst the first to turn against the turkish occupation, gaining final freedom in 1828.
The modern city was built by Kapodistria on its ancient remains. Today Patras is one of the most attractive Greek cities, with its wonderful street planning system. It is an important commercial industrial centre. It's advantegous position, being within easy reach of famous sights, such as Olympia, Delphi, Epidaurus, Kalavrita and so on, has made it a great tourist attraction.
Rio bridge and castle
by mindcrime
Rio is a suburb of Patra. It is located about 7km away from the city towards Athens. For many years we used to take the ferry to cross to other side (mainland Greece) but since 2004 the amazing Rio bridge is a better much faster alternative. The bridge is officially called Charilaos Trikupis, the prime minister that dreamed about the bridge back in 1889 and suggested the bridge at the end of 19th century but couldn’t build it because it wasn’t technically possible at that time. The bridge is a must see anyway, as it is an engineering masterpiece. The area that the bridge was built is over a spot with high seismic activity so the engineers had to think about several diffirent and complicated methods for the safety of the bridge (I think it can survive up to 8,5 in Richter level). It is about 3km long (2,880meters) and you have to pay 11,80 euros every time for tolls (ouch!).
If you drive to Rio don’t miss the castle of Rio that is located between the east and west pier. Inside the castle is a cute chapel of Zoodohu Pigis.
You can find some cafes and restaurants at Rio so you can have your breakfast/lunch there before continue on your to Athens/Patras or the other side of the bridge.
Cathedral of St. Andrew
by grkboiler
The Cathedral of St. Andrew is the largest church in Greece and the Balkans, and one of the largest in Europe. It was finished in 1974 and can hold 5,500 people. The dome is 46m high and supports a 5m high gold plated cross. The church was founded in 1908.
Admission is free but it is nice to leave a small donation. Cover up your legs and shoulders before entering.
Check out my other tips for more info.
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