Patras, Greece's third largest city, was founded in 1082 BC and has a long history that includes being part of the Byzantine Empire and conquered by the Turks in 1458. Some important events include the crucifixion of Apostle Andrew in 66 AD, being liberated from the Turks in 1828, and suffering bombing during World War II. Today, Patras has a population of over 200,000 and is a cultural center known for its International Festival, Carnival celebrations lasting over a month, and as a transportation hub with its port and bridge connecting to the mainland.

1. Learn about our city,
Patras

3. HELLAS

5. Patras

7. Patra was created in 1082
BC by Laconian Patrea
when he came to Achaia
and joined the Ionian towns
Aroe, Antheia and
Messatida.
An important milestone in
the history of Patras is the
crucifixion death of Apostle
Andreas in 66 AD of Nero.

8. From 330 AD Patra belongs to the
Byzantine Empire.
In 375 AD the city was destroyed by a
powerful earthquake.
On 15.5.1458 Turks conquered Patras.

9. In 1821, from Patras began the struggle for
liberation against the Turks and then on 25.3.1821,
the city was burned and almost completely
destroyed, and the people suffered badly.
On 7.10.1828 Patras was liberated from the Turks.

10. In 1870, the parade was established and
construction of the first floats of Patras Carnival.
In the early 20th century due to the increasing
migration to America, Patras emerges through the
port in gateway to the West.

11. In 1940 Patras received the first blows of Axis with
193 victims of the civilian population, as the
Italians bombed the harbor and the town center.
Liberated from the Nazi occupiers on Oct. 4, 1944,
after paying a very heavy toll.

12. Today, Patras is the third largest city in Greece
with a population of 214,000 inhabitants.

13. Orthodox Church of St. Andrew

15. Stairs St. Nicholas
Street joining the
center of the
modern city with
the old.

17. Above the old town, is the Roman Odeon of Patras was built
before 160 AD Today there are concerts, theatrical
performances and conducted educational programs.

19. Top institution and a pillar of cultural life in the city is the
International Festival of Patras that counts 25 years of life
and is based on Roman Odeon. With an emphasis on music,
the character of the International Festival, expanded and
areas of theater, dance, film, visual.

20. Apollo Theater

21. The Municipal
Theater "Apollon",
located in the central
square of the city. It is
one of the first opera
houses in Europe.
Constructed in 1872,
based on the plans of
German architect
Ernst Ziller and the
economic contribution
of merchants in
Patras.

22. The Castle of Patras was built during the second half of the
6th century on the ruins of the ancient Acropolis.
Constructed from the Justinian after the devastating
earthquake in 551 buildings with pre-Christian materials for
the defense of the region and its inhabitants.

23. In the centuries that followed until the Second World War,
remained continuously in use for the defense of the city.
Today there are cultural events here.

24. New Archaeological Museum

25. The exhibits guide the audience in the history of
Patras from the prehistoric to late Roman times

26. Operating here Technological Institute where studying 9,000
students and the University, with 12,000 students and 1,100
employees.
University

27. Also in Patras, operates and the Greek Open University.

28. Old Port: The harbor has always played an
important role in the economic, social and political
life of the city.

30. New port: Today, the port is the largest maritime
terminal in western Greece and the most important
point ferry linking the country with Italy

31. Railway Station of Patras

32. Achaia Clauss, vinification from 1861

34. George Square, the main square of Patras

35. The George Square is
the square of political
meetings, rallies,
cultural events and
mainly square carnival
events.

36. Square "National Resistance"

37. This square is in
the city center
too.

38. Square “Psila alonia”

39. Patras Coastal zone

40. The lighthouse

41. The marina

42. The marina

43. To the beach

47. The Rion-Antirion cable-stayed bridge is completed in 2004
between Rio (near Patra) and Antirion which connects the
Peloponnese with mainland Greece to the west and up to the
rest of Europe. Manufactured by the French company Vinci.

49. Parade on the anniversary of the Greek revolution
against the Turks

50. Cultural events

53. Shadow theater performance “Karagiozis”

55. The band of Patras

56. Top cultural event in our city is the Patras Carnival. Is
the largest carnival event in Greece. Counts 180 years
history. The events this year starting on January 17
and will last until March 17, 2013.

57. The Patras Carnival is a set of events that includes dancing,
parades (involving approximately 40,000 carnivals), Treasure
Hunt (involving about 90 crews), Carnival of Children (involving
approximately 12,000 children), street theater, exhibitions, cinema
homage National Festival satire Amateur Theatre etc.

58. Everyone these days dressed up funny and have fun trying
to forget our problems.

67. Sunsets in Patras

73. Hello from Patras
Olá a partir de Patras
Γεια σας από την Πάτρα