Patras Castle
The Patras Castle was built during the second half of the 6th century AD, on top of the ruins of the ancient Acropolis. It was constructed by emperor Justinian after the catastrophic earthquake of 551 using materials from the pre-Christian structures for the defence of the region and its residents. It is located on a low hill of the Panachaiko Mountain and at a distance of 800 meters approximately from the coast. Its walls enclose an area of 22,725 m² and it consists of a triangular outer enclosure, fortified with towers and bastions, originally protected by a moat and an inner enclosure on the north-eastern corner, also enclosed by a moat.
Orthodox Church of Saint Andrew
It is the largest church in the Balkans. Apart from the remarkable icon paintings, the church keeps the skull and arm of Saint Andrew as well as the wooden “Χ” on which he martyred. Next to the majestic Church of Saint Andrew there is the old church dedicated to Saint Andrew as well. In this church there is a subterranean well from where Saint Andrew used to drink water.
New Archaeological Museum of Patras
The exhibition consists of three large thematic sections, which occupy respectively the three exhibition rooms of the Museum. It is the section of the Private Life, the section of the Necropolis and the section of Public Life.
Roman monuments
Roman monuments are scattered in the historic centre of Patras and constitute a unified archaeological site of major historical importance. These monuments are symbols of the growth of Patras during the Roman occupation, since Patras during that period was favoured by Rome. The monuments are the roman amphitheatre, the roman nymphaea, the roman aqueduct and the bridge of Meilichos.
1. The amphitheatre built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Domitian, is located near the roman Odeon and is 200 meters long and 90 meters wide. This stadium hosted the “Caesarean Games”, athletic events in honour of Caesar for the 100 years from the foundation of the colony of Patras.
2. The nymphaea constitute examples of the intense roman life and of the direct influence of the Romans since they are buildings of the 4th century AD which were used as recreation areas. They had water springs, gardens and they were later on used as temples and cemeteries.
3. The roman aqueduct is located in the area near the castle in the form of an artificial dam and is nowadays part of the modern reservoir. Nymphs, water deities were worshipped in that area during antiquity. The aqueduct was based on the principle of the communicating vessels.
4. The bridge of Meilichos (Pic. 2) is part of a Roman military road named Via Publica and is located in the eastern entranceway of Patras at Aretha Street. It was constructed around the 2nd to the 3rd century AD and is known as the bridge of Pausanias since Pausanias passed that bridge during his journey in the area.
Ancient Roman Odeon
The Ancient Roman Odeon of Patras is located near Saint George’s square and was constructed in the mid-2nd century AD, earlier than the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens. It consists of all the basic areas of the theatre, koilon, orchestra, proscenium, stage and backstage. It is smaller than the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and has a capacity of approximately 2,500 spectators.
Since the establishment of the Patras International Art Festival, the Ancient Odeon is the main seat, hosting during the summer months leading Greek and foreign art groups.
The Lighthouse of Patras
It is located across the church of Saint Andrew. It is an identical copy of the old historic lighthouse of Patras, which was constructed again a bit further from its initial location and constitutes the trademark of the city. The Lighthouse impresses people from far away, and it functions as an attraction, since the residents and the visitors may go for a walk, enjoy the sunset and visit the nearby restaurant-café.
King George I Square
King George I Square is located in the heart of Patras with two magnificent fountains designed by Ziller, representing Lions with wings. Around the square there are shops, cafeterias, as well as many neoclassical buildings, such as the Municipal Theatre “Apollon” work by Ziller (1871), where many performances are carried out, the building “Hermes” of the Trade Association (also a work by Ziller) and the magnificent building of the National Bank of Greece.
Saint George’s Square (or 25th of March)
It is located across the Ancient Odeon of Patras and is the historic square where the Achaeans fighters with Palaion Patron Germanos took the oath to give themselves body and soul to the fight in order to win “freedom or death”.
Psila Alonia Square
The square was given its name because of the previous use of the area which was used for threshing. Today, beautiful and prim enchants so much the children with its playground as the grownups who may enjoy their coffee watching the colourful water-jets from the fountain dominating in the area and catching the eye of every passerby. Here you will see the statue of Palaion Patron Germanos and the Solar Clock.
Achaia Clauss
In 1859, Gustav Clauss, representative of the company Fels and Co., purchased an area of 60 stremma at an altitude of 500 meters, in the area of Riganokampos from the landowner George Kostakis. He built his summer residence there, where he planted vines. In 1861 he established the winery Achaia Clauss.
The factory today has several storage spaces, with a capacity of 7,500 tons. The main ones are: the storehouse with the old Mavrodaphne, the storehouse with the table wines, the underground storage tanks as well as the storehouse Daniilidas. The “imperial cellar,” where all the barrels are souvenirs from visits of Greek and foreign Royalty, is particularly interesting.
