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Patras
Πάτρα
the Roman Odeum of Patras
the Roman Odeum of Patras
Location
Patras (Greece)
Patras
Coordinates 38°15′N 21°44′E / 38.25, 21.733Coordinates: 38°15′N 21°44′E / 38.25, 21.733
Time zone: EET/EEST (UTC+2/3)
Elevation (min-max): 0 - 10 m (0 - 33 ft)
Government
Country: Greece
Periphery: West Greece
Prefecture: Achaea
Districts: 11
Mayor: Andreas Fouras
Population statistics (as of 2001[1])
City Proper
 - Population: 171,616
 - Area:[2] 125. A geographic coordinate system enables every location on the Earth to be specified in three coordinates using mainly a spherical coordinate system. A geographic coordinate system enables every location on the Earth to be specified in three coordinates using mainly a spherical coordinate system. Eastern European Time ( EET) is one of the names of UTC+2 Time zone, 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. Eastern European Summer Time ( EEST) is one of the names of UTC+3 Time zone, 3 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. UTC+2 corresponds to the following Time zones Eastern European Time Egypt Standard Time Central Africa Time UTC+3 is used in the following locations Moscow Time Eastern European Summer Time West Asian Summer Time The elevation of a Geographic location is its height above a fixed reference point often the mean sea level. Wikipedia talkFeatured lists for an explanation of this and other inclusion tags below -->This list of countries, arranged alphabetically Greece (Ελλάδα transliterated: Elláda, historically, Ellás,) officially the Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία The peripheries ( Περιφέρειες) are the official regional Administrative divisions of Greece. West Greece is one of the thirteen Peripheries of Greece. It is divided into the prefectures of Achaea, Aetolia-Acarnania and Elis Greece consists of 13 administrative regions known as Peripheries of Greece, which are further subdivided into 3 super-prefectures and 54 prefectures or nomes Achaea (Αχαΐα Achaïa, axaˈia in Polytonic orthography) is an ancient province and a present prefecture of Greece, on the northern Districts are a type of Administrative division, in some countries managed by a Local government. A mayor (from the Latin māior, meaning "greater" is a modern title used in many countries for the highest ranking officer in a municipal government In Biology a population is the collection of inter-breeding organisms of a particular Species; in Sociology Area is a Quantity expressing the two- Dimensional size of a defined part of a Surface, typically a region bounded by a closed Curve. 4 km² (48 sq mi)
 - Density: 1,369 /km² (3,545 /sq mi)
Metropolitan
 - Population: 210,494
Codes
Postal: 26x xx
Area: 2610
Auto: ΑΧ,AZ
Website
www.patras.gr

Patras (Demotic Greek: Πάτρα, Pátra, IPA: [ˈpatra], Classical Greek: Πάτραι, Pátrai, Latin: Patrae) is Greece's third largest city and the capital of the prefecture of Achaea, located in northern Peloponnese, 215 kilometers west of Athens. The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. Population density (in agriculture standing stock and Standing crop) is a measurement of Population per unit area or unit volume A metropolitan area is a large population center consisting of a large Metropolis and its adjacent zone of influence or of more than one closely adjoining neighboring central The Greek Postal code system is is administered by ELTA (Ελληνικά Ταχυδρομεία Hellenic Post) This is a list of dialing codes in Greece. The first digit represents type of service Greek Vehicle registration plates are composed of three letters and four digits per plate (e Dimotiki (δημοτική, " of the people" or Demotic is the modern Vernacular form of the Greek language. The Ancient Greek language is the historical stage in the development of the Hellenic language family spanning the Archaic (c Latin ( lingua Latīna, laˈtiːna is an Italic language, historically spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. Greece (Ελλάδα transliterated: Elláda, historically, Ellás,) officially the Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία Achaea (Αχαΐα Achaïa, axaˈia in Polytonic orthography) is an ancient province and a present prefecture of Greece, on the northern The Peloponnese or Peloponnesus ( Greek: Πελοπόννησος Pelopónnisos; see also List of Greek place names) is a large Peninsula Athens (ˈæθənz Αθήνα Athina,) the Capital and largest city of Greece, dominates the Attica periphery as one of the world's The city is built at the foothills of Mount Panachaikon, overlooking the Gulf of Patras. Patraikos gulfjpg|right|thumb|300px]] The Gulf of Patras ( Greek: Πατραϊκός Κόλπος Patraikós Kólpos) is a branch of the Ionian Sea

The Patras metropolitan area is a conurbation of nearly 200,000 inhabitants. [3] The core settlement has a history spanning four millennia. In the Roman period it had become a cosmopolitan centre of the eastern Mediterranean whilst, according to Christian tradition, it was also the place of Saint Andrew's martyrdom. The term martyr ( Greek μάρτυς martys "witness" is most commonly used today to describe an individual who sacrifices their life (or personal freedom Dubbed Greece's Gate to the West, Patras is a commercial hub, while its busy port is a nodal point for trade and communication with Italy and the rest of Western Europe. Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest Western Europe at its most general meaning means 'all the countries in the West of Europe ' The city has two public universities and one Technological Institute, hosting a large student population and rendering Patras a major scientific centre with a field of excellence in technological education. The Rio-Antirio bridge connects Patras' easternmost suburb of Rio to the town of Antirrio, connecting the Peloponnese peninsula with mainland Greece. The Peloponnese or Peloponnesus ( Greek: Πελοπόννησος Pelopónnisos; see also List of Greek place names) is a large Peninsula Every spring, the city hosts one of Europe's largest and most colourful carnivals; notable features of the Patras Carnival include its mammoth-sized satirical floats and extravagant balls and parades, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors in a pleasant Mediterranean climate, with relatively cool yet humid summers and rather mild winters. The Patras Carnival, Patrino karnavali is the largest event of its kind in Greece and the biggest in Europe. A Mediterranean climate is one that resembles the Climate of the lands in the Mediterranean Basin, which includes over half of the area with this climate type world-wide Patras is also famous for supporting an indigenous cultural scene active mainly in the performing arts and modern urban literature; it was European Capital of Culture 2006. The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one Calendar year during which it is given a chance to showcase its

Contents

Geography and climate

Satellite view of Patras
Satellite view of Patras

Patras is located 215 km (134 mi) west of Athens by road, 94 km (58 mi) northeast of Pyrgos, 7 km (4 mi) south of Rio, 134 km (83 mi) west of Corinth, 77 kilometers northwest of Kalavryta, and 144 km (89 mi) northwest of Tripoli. Pyrgos (Πύργος is the capital of the Prefecture of Ilia in Greece. Rio (Greek Modern Ρίο Rio, Ancient Ρίον Rion, Latin Rhion or Rhium) is a suburban town north of Patras, Greece Corinth, or Korinth ( Greek Κόρινθος ( is a city in Greece. Kalavryta (Καλάβρυτα is a town a province and a municipality in the eastcentral part of the prefecture of Achaea. Tripoli (Τρίπολη Trípoli, formerly Τρίπολις Trípolis; rarely Tripolitsa, Tripolitza and Tripolizza

A central feature of the urban geography of Patras is its division in upper and lower sections, connected with stairs. Urban geography is the study of Urban areas That is the study of areas which have a high concentration of Buildings and Infrastructure. This is the result of an interplay between natural geography and human settlement patterns; the lower section of the city, which includes the 19th century urban core and the port, is adjacent to the sea and stretches between the estuaries of the rivers of Glafkos and Haradros. It is built on what was originally a bed of river soils and dried-up swamps. The older upper section covers the area of the pre-modern settlement, around the Fortress, on what is the last elevation of Mount Panachaikon (1,926 m (6,319 ft))[4] before the Gulf of Patras.

The largest river in the area is Glafkos flowing to the south of Patras. The Glafkos river is a River in Greece, the first hydroelectric power plant was built on this river Glafkos springs in Mount Panachaikon and its water is, since 1925, collected in a small mountainous reservoir-dam near the village of Souli and subsequently pumped in order to provide energy for the country's first hydroelectric plant. Hydroelectricity is electricity generated by Hydropower, ie the production of power through use of the gravitational force of falling water [5] The water is also used for the orchards of Eglykas and as drinking water for the city. Other rivers are Haradros, Meilichos and the mountain torrent Diakoniaris.

Climate chart for Patras
J F M A M J J A S O N D
 
 
89
 
15
6
 
 
82
 
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6
 
 
63
 
17
8
 
 
48
 
20
10
 
 
29
 
24
14
 
 
8
 
28
17
 
 
5
 
30
19
 
 
5
 
31
20
 
 
28
 
28
17
 
 
72
 
24
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118
 
20
10
 
 
116
 
16
8
temperatures in °C • precipitation totals in mm
source: HNMS (ΕΜΥ)[6]
Imperial conversion

Of great importance for the biological diversity of the area and the preservation of its climate is the swamp of Agyia, a small and coastal aquatic ecosystem of only 30 hectares, located to the north of the city centre. Agyia (Αγυία is a neighborhood of the city of Patras, Greece. An aquatic ecosystem is an Ecosystem located in water bodies. The main features of this wetland are its apparent survival difficulty, being at the heart of a densely populated urban centre that features a relatively arid climate and its admittedly high level of biodiversity, with over 90 species of birds being observed until the early 1990s, according to a study by the Patras Bureau of the Hellenic Ornithological Society. [7]

Another geophysical characteristic of the region is its high level of seismicity. Seismology (from Greek grc σεισμός seismos, "earthquake" and grc -λογία -logia) is the scientific study of Earthquakes Small tremors are recorded along the coast of Patras almost constantly. Larger earthquakes hit the area every few years with potentially destructive effects. In 1993, a 5. 0 magnitude earthquake caused some damage to several (mostly older) buildings throughout Patras due to the proximity of the epicenter to the city. In June 15, 1995, a 6. 2 magnitude earthquake hit the nearby town of Aigion, causing some structural damage to a few buildings of Patras as well. Aigio ( Greek: Modern Αίγιο Ancient/Katharevousa -on Latin: Aegium also Egio or Egion is a town in northeast Achaea The Ionian Islands are also frequently hit by even more severe earthquakes, some of which can be felt in the city. In antiquity, the most notable example of destruction caused by an earthquake in the region was the total submergence of the ancient Achaean city of Helike, now Eliki. "Helice" redirects here For the Crab Genus, see Helice (crab. Subdivision Kalanteri Nearest places Diakopto Temeni

History

Main article: History of Patras
Byzantine Fortress on top of the city
Byzantine Fortress on top of the city
View of the Patras port in the early 20th century: Aghiou Nikolaou street.
View of the Patras port in the early 20th century: Aghiou Nikolaou street. The city of Patras has an important history of four thousand years
The Apollo Theatre in Georgiou I square, a work of the architect Ernst Ziller, built with the contributions of the thriving 19th century commercial class
The Apollo Theatre in Georgiou I square, a work of the architect Ernst Ziller, built with the contributions of the thriving 19th century commercial class

The first traces of settlement in Patras date as early as in the 3rd millennium BC, in the area of modern Aroe. Ernst (Ernestos Moritz Theodor Ziller ( June 22, 1837, Oberlößnitz/ Radebeul - 1923 Athens) was a Saxon architect who later Patras flourished for the first time during the Post-Helladic or Mycenean period (1580–1100 BC). Mycenaean Greece is a cultural period of ancient Greece taking its name from the archaeological site of Mycenae in northeastern Argolis, in the Peloponnese Ancient Patras was formed by the unification of three Mycenaean villages located in modern Aroe; namely Antheia and Mesatis. Mycenaean Greece is a cultural period of ancient Greece taking its name from the archaeological site of Mycenae in northeastern Argolis, in the Peloponnese The Municipality of Messatida or Messatis is an administrative district in Greece. Mythology has it that after the Dorian invasion, a group of Achaeans from Laconia led by the eponymous Patreus established a colony. The Dorians or Dorian Greeks ( Greek:, Dōrieis singular, Dōrieus were For the Laconian dialect see Doric Greek For the Ancient Kingdom see Sparta For the laconic expression see Laconic Patreus ( Ancient greek: "Πατρεύς" ("Patrefs" Modern greek: "Πατρέας" ("Patreas" is a mythical person founder During antiquity, Patras remained a farming city. It would be in Roman times that it was to become an important port.

After 280 BC and prior to the Roman occupation of Greece, Patras played a significant role in the foundation of the second "Achaean League" (Achaiki Sympoliteia), along with the cities of Dyme, Triteia and Pharai. The Achaean League (Ἀχαϊκὴ Συμμαχία or (Ἀχαϊκὴ Συμπολιτεία was a Confederation of Greek city states in Achaea Later on, and following the Roman occupation of Greece in 146 BC, Patras played a key role, and Augustus founded a Roman colony in its area. Augustus ( Latin: IMPERATOR·CAESAR·DIVI·FILIVS·AVGVSTVS September 23 63 BC – August 19 AD 14) born Gaius Octavius Thurinus, was Moreover, Patras became a Christian centre since the early days of Christianity, and it is the city where St. Andrew was crucified.

During Byzantine times Patras continued to be an important port as well as an industrial center. One of the most scholarly philosophers and theologians of the time, Arethas of Caesarea was born at Patrae, at around 860. Arethas of Caesarea was born at Patrae, Greece, about 860 was like all the eminent men of that time a disciple of Photius. By the 9th century there are strong signs the city was prosperous: the widow Danielis from Patras had accumulated immense wealth in land ownership, the carpet and textile industry, and offered critical support in the ascent of Basil I the Macedonian to the Byzantine throne. Danielis ( 9th century AD was a widowed Byzantine noblewoman from Patras. For the Russian ruler see Basil I of Russia Basil I, called the Macedonian ( Greek: Βασίλειος Α΄ο Μακεδών

In 1204 Patras was conquered by the Fourth Crusade, and became the seat of the Latin Duchy of Achaia within the Principality of Achaea. The Fourth Crusade (1202&ndash1204 was originally designed to conquer Muslim Jerusalem by means of an invasion through Egypt. The Principality of Achaea or of the Morea was one of the three Vassal states of the Latin Empire which replaced the Byzantine Empire Captured in 1205 by William of Champlitte and Villehardouin, the city became capital and its archbishop primate of the principality of Achaea, while in 1387 De Heredia, grand master of the order of the Hospital at Rhodes, endeavoured to make himself master of Achaea and took Patras by storm. William of Champlitte (died 1209 was a participant on the Fourth Crusade, and the first Prince of Achaea. Rhodes (Ρόδος Ródos, ˈɾo̞ðo̞s Rodi ردوس Rodos; Ladino: Rodi or Rodes) is a Greek island 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. The Most Serene Republic of Venice ((Serenìsima Repùblica Vèneta or Repùblica de Venesia Serenissima Repubblica History See also History of the Papacy Catholics recognize the Pope as a successor to Saint Peter, who Jesus named as the "shepherd" and It was nevertheless seized once more by the despot Constantine in 1430, who was immediately contested by the Ottoman Empire. The Despotate of Morea ( Δεσποτάτο του Μορέως) was a province of the Byzantine Empire which existed between the mid- 14th and mid- Constantine XI Palaiologos or Palaeologus ( Greek: Κωνσταντίνος ΙΑ' Δραγάσης Παλαιολόγος Kōnstantinos XI Dragasēs Palaiologos

In 1458 Patras was conquered by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Mehmet II. The Ottoman Empire (1299–1923 ( Old Ottoman Turkish: دولتْ علیّه عثمانیّه Devlet-i Âliye-yi Osmâniyye, Late Ottoman and Modern Turkish Under the Ottomans, it was known as Baliabadra, from the Greek Παλαιά Πάτρα, the town, as opposed to Νέα Πάτρα, the fortress. Though Mehmet granted the city special privileges and tax reductions, it never became a major centre of commerce. Venice and Genoa attacked and captured it several times during the 15th and 16th centuries, but never re-established their rule effectively. Venice ( Italian: Venezia, Venetian: Venesia or Venexia) is a city in Northern Italy, the capital of the Genoa ( Genova, ˈdʒɛːnova in Italian; Zena in Genoese and Ligurian; Genua in Latin and archaically in English [8]. It was here that the Greek Revolution began[9]; but the Turks, confined to the citadel, held out until 1828. The Greek War of Independence (1821–1829 also commonly known as the Greek Revolution (Ελληνική Επανάσταση Elliniki Epanastasi; Ottoman

Patras was liberated on 7 October 1828 by the French expeditionary force in the Peloponnese, under the command of General Maison. Events 3761 BC - The epoch (origin of the modern Hebrew calendar ( Proleptic Julian calendar) The year 1828 ( MDCCCXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap Nicolas Joseph Maison 1st Marquis Maison ( December 19, 1770 - February 13, 1840) born in Épinay-sur-Seine, was a Marshal of Patras developed quickly into the second largest urban centre in late 19th century Greece. [10] The city benefited from its role as the main export port for the agricultural produce of the Peloponnese. [11]

In the early 20th century, Patras developed fast and became the first Greek city to introduce public streetlights and electrified tramways. [12] The war effort necessitated by the first World War hampered the city's development and also created uncontrollable urban sprawl with the influx of refugees from Asia Minor. World War I (abbreviated WWI; also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All Urban sprawl, also known as suburban sprawl, is the spreading of a city and its Suburbs over rural land at the fringe of an urban area Anatolia (Anadolu Ανατολία Anatolía) or Asia minor, comprising most of modern Turkey, is the geographic region bounded by the Black During the Second World War, the city was a major target of Italian air raids; during the period of Axis occupation, a German military command was established and German and Italian troops stationed in the city. Strategic bombing is a Military strategy used in a Total war with the goal of defeating an enemy nation-state by destroying its economic ability to wage war rather

Urban Landscape

Patras' western seafront
Patras' western seafront
Psila Alonia Square
Psila Alonia Square
The Old Lighthouse (replica of the original lighthouse of Patras)
The Old Lighthouse (replica of the original lighthouse of Patras)

The city is divided into the upper and the lower sections, connected with roads and broad stairs. The upper section is the older and the more picturesque; however, the lower sections are attractively laid out, featuring a variety of squares in a unique geometric pattern. The most notable of these are the Psila Alonia and the Georgiou I . A number of exquisite neoclassical buildings are to be found, including the '' "Apollon" Theatre in Georgiou I Square, the Town Hall, the headquarters of the Local Trade Association and the Court of Justice.

The most significant ancient monument, open to the public, is the Roman Odeon, now reconstructed and in use as an open-air theatre used for performances and concerts during the summer months. Overlooking the whole town is the ruined Castle, whose current outline dates back to the Venetian invasion of the town (1687-1715). Today, its interior is used as a public garden.

Near the seafront, between the sites of the new and the old port, stands the monumental church of Saint Andrew, the patron Saint of the city and the largest church of Greece. [13] A replica of the city's emblematic old lighthouse, built as a part of a coastline beautification project, rises at a nearby park. In general, much of Patras' coastline is framed by roads and avenues running alongside; these include Dymaion Coast to the south and Iroon Polytechneiou Road to the north. Unfortunately, due to insufficient urban planning as well as institutional weaknesses on behalf of the City Council (mainly due to a lack of proper financial planning), some of the city's coastal areas are not in an ideal condition, with several areas illegally occupied by shops built along the coastline. This is contrary to what the Constitution of Greece of 2001 declares; that the Greek coastline is a "national treasure", and as such belongs to the Greek people. The Constitution of Greece (Σύνταγμα / Sýntagma) was created by the Fifth Revisional Parliament of the Hellenes and entered into force in 1975

Architecture

St. Andrew's church
St. Andrew's church

The city is endowed with a number of neoclassical buildings and mansions dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Neoclassicism (sometimes rendered as Neo-Classicism or Neo-classicism) is the name given to quite distinct movements in the decorative and In the past, years of neglect and the absence of protection enforcement, as well as recent earthquakes had contributed to the destruction of several such examples. Today, however, most surviving neoclassical buildings are under a strict protection status. The project for the restoration of the city's architectural heritage is part of the 2006 Cultural Capital bid. Several (Λαϊκή) laikê (produce markets) take place across the city's neighborhoods on weekdays, and on Saturdays. A Street market is an outdoor Market such as traditionally held in a Market square in a Market town, and are often held only on particular days of the week

Landmarks

The Achaia region is home to 4 museums, including the Patras Archaeological Museum and the Museum for the Sacrifice of the people of Kalavrita. [14] The region is also home to various Ancient Greek and Byzantine Monuments, including the Roman Odeum, the Castle of Rio and the Fortress of Patras. [14]

Panoramic view of Patras at night
Panoramic view of Patras at night

City Plan

The first city plan of Patras, 1829
The first city plan of Patras, 1829

Patras is the first city of the modern Greek state to develop a city plan. In January 1829, Stamatis Voulgaris, a Greek engineer of the French army, presented the plan of the new city of Patras to the Governor Kapodistrias, who approved it. Stamatis Voulgaris was the first urban planner of modern Greece. Count Ioannis Antonios Kapodistrias (Κόμης Ιωάννης Καποδίστριας - Komis Ioannis Kapodistrias in Giovanni Capo d'Istria Conte Capo d'Istria Voulgaris applied the orthogonal rule in the urban complex of Patras. The plan was divided into two sectors, the upper and the lower city, with a different city block layout; a revision of the proposal in 1858 was that finally realised.

Neighbourhoods and Districts

Main article: List of neighbourhoods in Patras
Patras city districts
Patras city districts

Suburbs

Nowadays, the municipalities of Rio and Antirrio have functionally become a part of the wider urban complex of Patras, other suburbs are:

Demographics

The urban area of Patras includes the towns of Rion (12,674), Paralia (9,153), Vrachneika (4,805) and Messatida (12,246), comprising 18,5% of the urban population. This article is a list of neighbourhoods in Patras. The ones after the comma represents a part that is not a district but a location and the ones in italics represents that is not a neighborhood Rio (Greek Modern Ρίο Rio, Ancient Ρίον Rion, Latin Rhion or Rhium) is a suburban town north of Patras, Greece Antirrio ( Greek: Modern Αντίρριο pronounced, Ancient/ Katharevousa: -n other spellings Antirrio, Antirrion, Antirhion, Geography The entry to Achaia Clauss is slightly to the east Petroto is linked with roads to Patras and Saravali as well as a road to Krystallovryssi See Sārāvalī for the astrological treatise Subdivisions Demenika Nearest places Mintilogli, pro mee-dhee-LOH-ghlee ( Greek, Modern Μιντιλόγλι) older forms -o and -on', is a commune in the municipality of Monodendri ( Greek: Μόνοδενδρι before the abandonment of Katharevousa, -ion older form Monodendrion) is a suburb located 10 km south of Sporting teams Ovrya has two football/soccer teams which play in the fourth division of the EPS Achaia: Fostiras Ovrias FC Achilleas Paralia (Greek Παραλία meaning beach hence its coastline is a municipality and a community 6 km south of and a suburb of Patras. Vrachnaiika or Vrachneika (Βραχνέικα Βραχναίικα until the 1990s pronunciation vrakh-NAY-ee-kah is a community and a municipality that is 12 km south of History GR-9 / E55 to the 9th km (from Patras was opened and the terminus was on this side of the boundary (west and the westbound entry started to the west There is another Tsoukaleika in the prefecture of Messenia, see Tsoukaleika Messinia (pop 315 Subdivisions Anemomylos Nearest subdivisions Antheia Zarouchleika Rodopouli Zarouchleika Streets Antheias Rio (Greek Modern Ρίο Rio, Ancient Ρίον Rion, Latin Rhion or Rhium) is a suburban town north of Patras, Greece Paralia (Greek Παραλία meaning beach hence its coastline is a municipality and a community 6 km south of and a suburb of Patras. Vrachnaiika or Vrachneika (Βραχνέικα Βραχναίικα until the 1990s pronunciation vrakh-NAY-ee-kah is a community and a municipality that is 12 km south of The Municipality of Messatida or Messatis is an administrative district in Greece.

Historical Population[15][16][17]
Year Patras Urban Area
1853 15,854 19,499
1861 18,342 23,020
1870 16,641 26,190
1879 25,494 34,227
1889 33,529 44,970
1896 37,985 51,932
1907 37,728 -
1920 52,174 -
1928 61,278 -
1951 87,570 94,192
1961 96,100 103,985
1971 112,228 120,847
1981 142,163 154,596
1991 161,782 190,463
2001 171,616 210,494
2007 (est. ) 180,000 230,000
Population of Patras (dark blue) and the urban area of Patras (blue) from 1853 to 2007.
Population of Patras (dark blue) and the urban area of Patras (blue) from 1853 to 2007.
Patras suburbs
Patras suburbs

Government

Patras is the regional capital of Western Greece and the capital of the Achaea prefecture (the 5th most populous prefecture of Greece). West Greece is one of the thirteen Peripheries of Greece. It is divided into the prefectures of Achaea, Aetolia-Acarnania and Elis Achaea (Αχαΐα Achaïa, axaˈia in Polytonic orthography) is an ancient province and a present prefecture of Greece, on the northern This is a list of the Prefectures of Greece, in order of descending population (in 2005 except otherwise stated The city is going to be the capital of one of the newly proposed regions of Greece, including Peloponnese and Ionian Islands. Peloponnese ( Greek: Πελοπόννησος Peloponnesos) is a periphery in southern Greece. This article is about the group of islands west of Greece For the ancient region in western Anatolia see Ionia.

Consulates

The city hosts consulates from several European countries (the only exception is the Lebanon consulate)

Infrastructure

Port of Patras
Port of Patras

In the past, Patras lacked public investment in infrastructure; in recent years, this trend has changed significantly. The United Kingdom has a large network of diplomatic missions around the world Italy has a large global network of diplomatic missions, listed below (excluding honorary consulates Historically the German state of Prussia and several smaller German states had sent emissaries abroad prior to the establishment of the North German Confederation, the precursor Switzerland is well known as a Protecting power, having used its embassies abroad to represent the interests of states hostile to each other since the Franco-Prussian Listed below are the embassies and consulates of Austria, excluding honorary consulates Europe Tirana (Embassy Norway has a moderately sized diplomatic network Listed below are Norwegian embassies and consulates-general excluding honorary consulates Europe Sweden has a moderately sized diplomatic network of 77 embassies and 13 consulates general supplemented by honorary consulates cultural centres and trade missions that are Finland's foreign affairs ministry was established shortly after its independence in 1917 Denmark maintains 80 embassies abroad and the diplomatic network today reflects a modern strategy in many Western countries to maximise Efficiency and relevance. Listed below are the embassies and consulates of the Netherlands, excluding honorary consulates Europe Tirana Belgium is unique in having two networks of diplomatic representation - one for the Belgian state and another for Dutch -speaking community of Flanders. Listed below are the embassies and consulates-general of Poland (excluding honorary consulates Europe Tirana (Embassy Estonia (re-established a foreign ministry on 12 April 1990 while the country was slowly becoming independent from the Soviet Union, with the symbols and instruments of Soverignty Lebanon does not have diplomatic relations with its two only neighbours Syria and Israel Several important works have been recently completed to serve Patras as an Olympic city, a European capital of culture and one of the most populous Greek cities.

The city has always been a sea-trade hub due to its strategic position. The port manages more than half of the foreign sea-passenger transportation in Greece[18], and has excellent car-ferry links with the Ionian islands and the major Adriatic ports of Italy. This article is about the group of islands west of Greece For the ancient region in western Anatolia see Ionia. Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest Additionally, a new port is under construction in the southern section of the city to accommodate the increased traffic and relieve the city centre from port operations. [19]

A newly constructed, 20 km ring road was first opened in 2002 in order to alleviate heavy traffic throughout the city. Greek National Road 9 is the second-longest national highway that runs into the Peloponnese. [20] A mini ring road is now being constructed to alleviate heavy traffic-related problems in the city centre. [21] Two large highways are under construction that will connect the seacoast and the new port with the external ring road that surrounds the city of Patras. The first is over the small Diakoniaris river while the second consists of two roads, 4 km each, that will run in parallel with the Glaykos river. [22][23] Another project will lead to an additional entrance to the downtown area by expanding the Kanakari street.

The highway connection with Athens and Pyrgos is to be drastically upgraded. Pyrgos (Πύργος is the capital of the Prefecture of Ilia in Greece. [24] Patras will also be the central hub of the Ionia Odos highway, intended to bridge western Greece from Kalamata to Ioannina. The Ionia Odos (Greek Ιόνια Οδός sometimes called Ionian Highway in English will be a Motorway running through the western part of Greece Kalamata (Καλαμάτα Kalamáta, formerly Καλάμαι Kalámai) is the second-largest city of the Peloponnese in southern Greece Ioannina (Ιωάννινα, often el Γιάννενα or el Γιάννινα / is a city of Epirus, north-western Greece, with a metropolitan population of

Rio-Antirio bridge.
Rio-Antirio bridge.

The impressive Rio-Antirio bridge is located to the north of the city and links Peloponnese to mainland Greece, and was completed in August 2004. The Peloponnese or Peloponnesus ( Greek: Πελοπόννησος Pelopónnisos; see also List of Greek place names) is a large Peninsula

A rudimentary single, narrow gauge railway track crosses the city and connects it to Athens and to Pyrgos-Kalamata, while the central passenger train station lies to the west of the downtown area, between Aghiou Nikolaou Street and Othonos-Amalias Avenue. A single track Railway is one where traffic in both directions shares the same track A narrow gauge railway (or narrow gauge railroad) is a Railway that has a Track gauge narrower than the of Standard gauge railways The main freight station of Aghios Andreas lies further to the south, next to the homonymous church. Finally, the old depot of Aghios Dionysios, consisting of about ten tracks, offers basic turntable and roundhouse facilities; its length is approximately 400 m. A new standard gauge railway to Korinth and further to Athens is under construction. The standard gauge (also named the Stephenson gauge after George Stephenson, or Normal gauge) is a widely-used Rail gauge. Corinth, or Korinth ( Greek Κόρινθος ( is a city in Greece. Athens (ˈæθənz Αθήνα Athina,) the Capital and largest city of Greece, dominates the Attica periphery as one of the world's

Other heavy infrastructure works include the Peiros-Parapeiros dam (to provide water supply for Patras and surrounding towns)[25] and a "small industries" park that will be constructed next to the Glaykos river and provide an easy connection with the new port.

The city is one of the main Greek internet and GRNET hubs and is connected with high speed lines to Athens as part of the backbone. GRNET (Greek Research and Technology Network is the national research and education network of Greece A metropolitan optical network will be deployed in the city, with a total length of 48 km. [26]

Two major state hospitals operate in the city: the Saint Andreas Hospital is the oldest of the two; named after the city's patron saint. The University Hospital of Rio is a prominent university hospital, where intern medical students specialize on their major. There exist, in addition, two smaller state hospitals, Karamandanio - children's hospital, and the Center of Chest Diseases of Southwest Greece, and the Greek army operates the 409 army hospital in the city. A large range of private hospitals and clinics operate in parallel.

Numerous art venues[27] and an ultra-modern archaeological museum[28] were constructed for the needs of European Culture Capital designation. The cultural and educational facilities include the city and university libraries, many theatres and a municipal art gallery, [29] in the host city of the University of Patras, the Hellenic Open University and the Technical Institute of Patras. A number of research facilities also surround the university.

Economy

Main articles: Economy of Greece and Tourism in Greece

The economy of the city largely depends on a thriving service sector. Greece has managed to achieve a strong economy that is growing fast after the implementation of stabilization policies in recent years Greece attracts more than 16 million tourists each year thus contributing 15% to the nation's Gross Domestic Product Economy. Its main economic activities include retailing, logistics, financial and the public sector services. Patras suffered a severe problem of deindustrialization during the late 1980s and 1990s; a number of major productive units shut down in successive order. Deindustrialization (also spelled deindustrialisation) is a process of Social and Economic change caused by the removal or reduction of industrial As a result, a considerable portion of the city's workforce and the city's economic planning in its entirety had to be re-evaluated and restructured by the authorities. The University of Patras contributed by working towards this goal, using its widely respected service and technology sectors. The area still retains some of its traditional winemaking and foodstuff industries as well as a small agricultural sector, and its industrial area lies approximately 20 km to the south of the downtown area, located between the 16th km of GR-9 and Fares/Phares (pro. Pharae redirects here for the ancient city in the modern Messinia prefecture see Pharae Messinia Subdivisions Prevedos FAH-rehs). Major businesses in Patras include:

Service sector

(Araxos airport, Hellenic Railways, Port of Patras, Seaplanes, Ιntercity Buses). Araxos (Άραξος Latin form Araxus is a village located in the municipality of Larissos in the northwestern part of the prefecture of Achaia. Organismós Sidirodrómon Elládos ( Greek: Οργανισμός Σιδηροδρόμων Ελλάδος, the Hellenic Railways Organisation is the Also large logistic and freight transportation companies.
(University of Patras, Hellenic Open University, TEI of Patras)
(Agios Andreas Hospital, Patras University Hospital, Olympion S.A.)
(Capital of West Greece region, and Achaea prefecture)

Most Greek Banks have their regional headquarters for Western Greece located in Patras. University of Patras ( Greek: Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών Panepistimio Patron) is a Greek university established in 1964 located The Open University of Greece (Hellenic Open University - HOU is a multi-school University run by the Greek State West Greece is one of the thirteen Peripheries of Greece. It is divided into the prefectures of Achaea, Aetolia-Acarnania and Elis Achaea (Αχαΐα Achaïa, axaˈia in Polytonic orthography) is an ancient province and a present prefecture of Greece, on the northern

Numerous small local companies are involved in the construction sector.

Most of the large retail and super-market chains operate in the city. Patras has also some local but dynamic companies.

Manufacturing

TITAN operates a large cement factory, with a private port, in Psathopyrgos, a suburb of Patras. TITAN Cement Company SA is a large Cement producing Company, based in Athens, Greece. There is also a tower named Psathopyrgos on the island of Ios, see Psathopyrgos (tower Psathopyrgos or Psathopirgos ( Greek: Ψαθόπυργος

The most numerous industries in the city include many local juice and drinks producers and two large facilities from Coca-Cola HBC and Athenian Brewery. See also Heineken International Heineken International is a group which owns a worldwide portfolio of over 170 beer brands mainly Pale lager, though some other The largest local company in soft-drinks production is LOUX (ΛΟΥΞ). The city is also home to many leading Greek wineries and distilleries, among them the venerable Achaia-Clauss. Achaia Clauss is a Greek winery located in Patras, Peloponnese. In the food sector, Friesland, through the local subsidiary NOYNOY, operates a new yogurt factory in the industrial area. Friesland ( West Frisian: Fryslân, Dutch Friesland) is a province in the north of the Netherlands and part of the bigger region known Patras is also home to important fish-farming companies (Andromeda, Nireus)[32][33]. The city hosts the second largest flour-mills in Greece, KEPENOU-MILLS[34]. A gristmill or grist mill is a building where Grain is ground into Flour, or the grinding mechanism itself

CBL is headquartered in Patras and Vianex, of the Greek businessman Pavlos Giannakopoulos, has its largest production facilities in the industrial area of the city[35]. Pavlos Giannakopoulos (born 1933 is a Greek businessman Along with his brother Thanassis Giannakopoulos, he's the co-owner of Pharmaceutical corporation

The omnipresent textile industry of the city is now almost defunct after the shut-down of the huge factory of Piraiki-Patraiki ("Πειραϊκή-Πατραϊκή"), followed by numerous smaller textile industries. The remains of the facilities, still cover hundreds of acres in the south side of the city. Nowadays, Patras companies focus in dress production, the most important amongst them being DUR.

Patras has several packing and industrial equipment companies. The most important of them are the local Antzoulatos and the multinational Frigoglass, a subsidiary of Coca Cola HBC, headquartered in the suburbs of Patras. Multinational corporation ( MNC) or transnational corporation ( TNC) is a Corporation or enterprise that manages Production or delivers One of the world’s leaders in the production of refrigerator systems with facilities in Europe Asia and Africa IDEAL is also, one of the leading bike producers in Greece, with large export activities.

Patras hosts several timber manufacturing companies, and a wood distribution center of Shelman. The largest local company is ABEX[36]. The paper sector is also active including a paper-factory belonging to Georgia-Pacific (Delica) and two important Greek companies, ELITE and El-pack, headquartered in the city. Financial

Acciona has recently completed the largest wind park in Greece, on the Panachaiko mountain, overlooking the city of Patras[37]. Acciona SA, ( is a Spanish conglomerate group dedicated to civil engineering construction and infrastructures A wind farm is a group of Wind turbines in the same location used for production of electric power The Public Electric Company, operates a small hydroelectric plant on river Glafkos[38]

Research

There has been a significant development in the R&D sector, during the last years, as a result of the many research institutes and the University impact in the area. The Glafkos river is a River in Greece, the first hydroelectric power plant was built on this river The phrase research and development (also R and D or more often R&D) according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, refers The Computer Technology Institute and the Industrial Systems Institute[39] of Greece are headquartered in Patras. The Research Academic Computer Technology Institute - RACTI (Ερευνητικό Ακαδημαϊκό Ινστιτούτο Τεχνολογίας Υπολογιστών is The city is also a host to the FORTH-ICE-HT (Institute of Chemical Engineering & High Temperature Chemical Processes)[40] and the Institute of Biomedical Technology. The Foundation for Research & Technology - Hellas (aka FORTH)( Greek: Ίδρυμα Τεχνολογίας και Έρευνας - ΙΤΕ [41]

Atmel Corporation has an important R&D facility in Patras with more than 200 employees. } Atmel Corporation ( is a manufacturer of Semiconductors, founded in 1984. [42] Bytemobile has its European Development Center in Patras. Bytemobile provides mobile internet software and services for operators of commercial data networks [43] INTRACOM facilities in Patras house the offices of Telecommunications Software Development, Terminal Equipment Design, Development Programmes, and Support Services divisions. Intracom is a major Greek company specialising in computer and defence system software development Expansion plans have recently been completed. [44] CBL Patras, a global manufacturer of specialty chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients, is a startup from a professor of the University of Patras. University of Patras ( Greek: Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρών Panepistimio Patron) is a Greek university established in 1964 located [45] Patras science park is an incubator for many small but upcoming technology companies. [46][47]

Media

There are around 10 local radio stations (including Super B, Top FM, You FMKiss FM and more) and 4 television stations, one covering the entire south-western region of Greece and 3 stations broadcasting only in the prefecture of Achaia (see Achaea#Television). For the video game see Super B (video game Super B is a Greek local radio and television station serving all of the Achaia prefecture Achaea (Αχαΐα Achaïa, axaˈia in Polytonic orthography) is an ancient province and a present prefecture of Greece, on the northern Achaea (Αχαΐα Achaïa, axaˈia in Polytonic orthography) is an ancient province and a present prefecture of Greece, on the northern The main newspapers are the Peloponnisos[1] and Imera. Peloponnisos (Greek Πελοπόννησος is a Greek regional daily newspaper published in Patras, the capital of the Peloponnese peninsula More newspapers are, Epi ta proso, To Gegononta tis Achaias, Gnomi, Kosmos tis Patras, Proodos and Simerini Fanzines include Splats. Epi ta Proso (Greek Going Forward) was a newspaper published in Patras in 1882 by A Kosmos ( Greek: Κόσμος της Πάτρας English: The People of Patras is a weekly Newspaper that was founded in 2007 from Proodos ( Greek: Πρόοδος English: Progress was a weekly Newspaper based in Patras in the Achaea prefecture Splats ( Greek: Σπλατς is a Fanzine with Comics. It is sold mainly within Patras as well as other cities

Culture

Patras Carnival the float of the king of Carnival
Patras Carnival the float of the king of Carnival

The current cultural activity of the city includes the Patras International Festival (various artistic activities, mainly in the field of music), the Patras Carnival and the Poetry Symposium. The Patras Carnival, Patrino karnavali is the largest event of its kind in Greece and the biggest in Europe. [48][49] The city hosts several conservatoires and schools of music, including one devoted exclusively to Byzantine music, and several orchestras and choirs. There is one full-time theatre group in the city, as well as several amateur groups. [50] A number of schools teach dancing, and there are plans to set up a dance theatre within the context of the Patras Municipal Regional Theatre. Patras has a visual arts workshop, a school of icon painting and a carnival float workshop, and hosts a Municipal Gallery as well as private art galleries; there is also a Municipal Library, an archaeological museum, a folk art museum, an historical and ethnological museum and a museum of the press. The architectural heritage of the city is dominated by neo-classicism, but also includes structures from other periods.

Festivals

Main article: Patras Carnival

Theatre

Main article: Patras Municipal and Regional Theatre

The Patras Municipal Theatre was founded in June 1988 and was renamed as Patras Municipal and Regional Theatre in 1989. Τhe Patras Municipal and Regional Theatre is located in Patras, Greece was founded in June 1988 as Patras Municipal Theatre and is the largest Τhe Patras Municipal and Regional Theatre is located in Patras, Greece was founded in June 1988 as Patras Municipal Theatre and is the largest The theatre's founding artistic directors were the actors Maya Liberopoulou and Viktor Arditis, and the institution draws its funding from the Municipality of Patras and the Ministry of Culture, with a main stage at the landmark Apollon Theatre. Throughout its existence it has mounted critically acclaimed performances ranging from ancient dramaturgy, modern Greek to international repertoire, with other theatre groups nearby the Viomichaniki(Industrial) and Michani Technis (Art Machine). Dramaturgy is the art of Dramatic composition and the representation of the main elements of drama on the stage The ancient Roman Odeum hosts ancient dramas during the summer months, while the Pantheon theatre and the Art Factory, the Lithographeion and Agora theatres provide additional venues.

Music scene

Patras is also responsible for a very strong indie rock scene with critically acclaimed bands such as Raining Pleasure, Abbie Gale, Serpentine, Doh an Doris and others. Indie rock is genre of Alternative rock that primarily exists in the independent Underground music scene Raining Pleasure is an Indie / Rock band originating from Patras, Greece often credited with spearheading the newest wave of greek bands with The city is also the birthplace of Karagiozis, the Greek shadow theatre, with Dimitris Sardounis as founder. Karagiozis ( Greek: Καραγκιόζης, from Turkish: Karagöz) is a Shadow puppet and Fictional character

European Capital of Culture 2006

Patras 2006 logo
Patras 2006 logo

Patras was chosen by the European Commission to be the European Capital of Culture for the year 2006. The European Commission (formally the Commission of the European Communities) is the executive branch of the European Union. The European Capital of Culture is a city designated by the European Union for a period of one Calendar year during which it is given a chance to showcase its The concept of the event revolved around the main theme of "Bridges" and "Links", taking benefit from the City's rich history and its position as a "Gate to the West", to underline the essence of the productive interaction of culture and civilisation in Europe. The EU Commission found Patras' plans very ambitious and also commented that a successful hosting of the title by a medium sized city would make it possible to redefine the meaning of the term Cultural Capital. During 2006 various cultural events took place.

The Selection Panel for 2006 noted in its final report:

The current cultural activity of the city includes the Patras International Festival (various artistic activities, mainly in the field of music), the Patras Carnival and the (organized each year for the 25 years by an ad hoc committee at the University of Patras). [51][52] The city hosts several conservatoires and schools of music, including one devoted exclusively to Byzantine music, and several orchestras and choirs. There is one full-time theatre group in the city, the, as well as several amateur groups. [53] A number of schools teach dancing, and there are plans to set up a dance theatre within the context of the Patras Municipal Regional Theatre. Patras has a visual arts workshop, a school of icon painting and a carnival float workshop, and hosts a Municipal Gallery as well as private art galleries. The city has a Municipal Library, an archaeological museum, a folk art museum, an historical and ethnological museum and a museum of the press. The architectural heritage of the city is dominated by neo-classicism, but includes also constructions from other periods.

The Patras 2006 proposal focuses on two central ideas: “bridges” and “dialogues”. Cultural managers from Patras and the general public will be involved in developing these ideas. Further, four poles/programmes of cultural attraction will be developed. The first, “A city for Europe”, will relate to the architectural heritage, the industrial revolution and similar subjects. “The counterpart cities” programme will be developed in the fields of human and social sciences and in diverse artistic fields. “The three sea battles” will present a cultural programme focusing on peace and understanding. The last theme, “The many homelands”, is directly linked to the etymology of the name of the city. This programme will amongst other things concentrate on art workshops, the transfer of know-how, way of life and entertainment. Excerpt from the Report of the Selection Panel for the European Capital of Culture 2006[54][55]

With the completion of the Capital of Culture programme, a part old factory was renovated to host exhibitions and house a small theatre, and neoclassical buildings around the city were renovated as part of a plan to preserve the city's architectural heritage and link it to its cultural life.

A major new archaeological museum is being built, which with its globe-like roof and modern architectural design, will enhance the town's northern entrance and take its place among the other town landmarks.

Sports

Main article: Patras Sports

Patras has many sports facilities and important teams in all the major Greek leagues. Main Sports Clubs Clubs Sports Clubs based in Patras Greece Apollon Patras Apolloniada Patras Panachaiki Gymnastiki Enosi, Apollon Patras and EA Patras are the major sports club based in Patras, the first specializing in football, the second in basketball and the third in volleyball. Panachaiki, known officially as Panachaiki GE ( Greek: Παναχαϊκή Γυμναστική Ένωση - Panachaiki Gymnastiki Enosi) the Pan-Achaean EA Patras is a Greek omnisports club founded in 1927 and based in Patras. A sports club, athletics club or sports association is an eclectic institution oriented to multiple Sports which fields many Teams and in several

Logo Club Leagues Venue (Capacity) Established
Panachaiki Logo Panachaiki Third Division - football Kostas Davourlis Stadium 11. Panachaiki, known officially as Panachaiki GE ( Greek: Παναχαϊκή Γυμναστική Ένωση - Panachaiki Gymnastiki Enosi) the Pan-Achaean History It began in 1965 as an amateur championship while in 1983 it was changed to professional Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a Team sport played between two teams of eleven players and is widely considered Kostas Davourlis Stadium is a Stadium in Patras, Greece. It is the home of Panachaiki GE. 321 1891
Thyella Third Division - football Fotis Aravantinos Stadium 3. The first version of this article has been based in the text of of the published under the GFDL. History It began in 1965 as an amateur championship while in 1983 it was changed to professional Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a Team sport played between two teams of eleven players and is widely considered 000 1930
Apollon Patras Logo Apollon Patras BC A2 Ethniki - basketball Apollon Arena - Perivola 4. The A2 Ethniki or Greek A2 League is the second division of the highest professional Basketball competition among pro clubs in Greece that is operated Basketball is a team Sport in which two teams of five active players each try to score points against one another by propelling a ball through a 10 feet (3 m Perivola (Greek Περιβόλα may refer to Perivola Patras, a neighborhood in southeastern Patras Perivola A 150 1926
Olympiada Patras Logo Olympiada Patras First Division - basketball Dimitris Tofalos Arena 4. Athletic Union Founding AEP Olympias or the Olympias of The Patras Athletic Company (in Greek: Αθλητική Εταιρεία Πατρών The A1 Ethniki (often referred to as Greek League or Greek Championship) is the highest professional Basketball competition among pro clubs in Basketball is a team Sport in which two teams of five active players each try to score points against one another by propelling a ball through a 10 feet (3 m Patras Arena or "Dimitris Tofalos" AKA "EAK Patras" (which stands for "National Athletic Centre" Patras in Greek) is an 150 1961
EAP Patras Logo EA Patras First Division - volleyball EAP Arena - Agios Dionysios 2. EA Patras is a Greek omnisports club founded in 1927 and based in Patras. Volleyball is an Olympic team sport in which two teams of 6 active players (5 normal players and one 'libero' are separated by a net that is usually four feet 200 1927
NE Patras Logo NE Patras First Division - water polo Antonis Pepanos 3. Water polo is a team water sport A team consists of six field players and one Goalkeeper. 000 2006
NO Patras Second Division - water polo NOP Aquatic Centre - Akti Dymeon 2. Honours Total Titles 9 Men Greek Championships 8 1935 1937 1938 Water polo is a team water sport A team consists of six field players and one Goalkeeper. 000 1929

Religion

The city is the seat of a Greek Orthodox archbishopric, while there is a living community of Roman Catholics and a historical Anglican church. The Church of Greece ( Greek: Ekklēsía tês Helládos, ekliˈsia tis eˈlaðos is one of the fifteen Autocephalous Eastern Orthodox churches In Christianity, an archbishop is an elevated Bishop. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion and others this means that they lead Anglicanism is a tradition of Christian faith Churches in this tradition either have historical connections to the Church of England or have similar beliefs

People

The city boasts a relatively large number of politicians in the national political arena as its natives. Most particularly in the first century after liberation, when the city lay second only to Athens in the urban hierarchy of the country, significant personalities shaping the character of Greece were associated with Patras. Its famous natives include the prime ministers Dimitrios Gounaris the main leader of the anti-venizelist party in the 1910s, Stylianos Gonatas a high-ranking officer, politician and one of the leaders of the “1922 Revolution”, Andreas Michalakopoulos, a prominent liberal party cadre, foreign minister and prime minister, and Dimitrios Maximos a distinguished economist, minister and finally prime minister during the civil war era. Dimitrios Gounaris (Δημήτριος Γούναρης ( January 5, 1866 - November 15, 1922, Athens) was the Prime Minister Venizelism was one of the major political movements in Greece from the 1900s until the mid 1970s Stylianos Gonatas ( Στυλιανός Γονατάς, 1876 1966 was a Greek military officer and Prime Minister of Greece in 1922-1924 Andreas Michalakopoulos (Greek Ανδρέας Μιχαλακόπουλος (1876 in Patras – 7 March Komma Fileleftheron ( Greek: Κόμμα Φιλελευθέρων - literally "Party of Liberals" usually translated as "Liberal Party" was one of the major Dimitrios E Maximos (Δημήτριος Μάξιμος was a Greek banker and a politician The Greek Civil War (ο Eμφύλιος, "the Civil War" fought from 1946 to 1949 by the Governmental forces receiving logistical support by the United Kingdom More recent figures include George Papandreou (senior) leader of the Center Union and one of the most important political personalities in post World War II Greece, Panagiotis Kanellopoulos, the last democratically elected head of government before the establishment of the 1967 junta, and Costis Stephanopoulos, the former president of the Hellenic Republic. George Papandreou (in Greek Georgios Papandreou or Γεώργιος Παπανδρέου ( 18 February 1888 - 1 November 1968) was The Center Union ( EK, Greek: Ένωση Κέντρου, Enosi Kentrou) was a Greek political party created in 1961 by Panagiotis Kanellopoulos ( Greek: Παναγιώτης Κανελλόπουλος ( Patra, Achaea, 13 December 1902 Regime of the Colonels redirects here For the Polish regime of colonels see Colonels' group. Konstantinos Stephanopoulos ( Κωνσταντίνος Στεφανόπουλος) (born August 15, 1926) is a Greek Politician

Politics Related

Sports Related

Culture Related

Transportation

Airports

Roads

Major streets of the city

Main article: List of streets in Patras

Twin cities

Photo gallery

View of the city from the port. Greek National Road 5 is a highway in Western Greece It runs from 2 km south of Rio at GR-8 / GR-9 (westbound or at the beginning of the Patras By-Pass The European route E55 passes through the following cities Helsingborg … Helsingør – Copenhagen – Køge – Vordingborg Greek National Road 8 is an old highway linking the cities of Patras, Corinth and Athens. The European route E55 passes through the following cities Helsingborg … Helsingør – Copenhagen – Køge – Vordingborg Greek National Road 8A, sometimes Greek National Road 8 is a toll road running from Kifissou avenue in Athens up to the northeast of Patras. Greek National Road 9 is the second-longest national highway that runs into the Peloponnese. The European route E55 passes through the following cities Helsingborg … Helsingør – Copenhagen – Køge – Vordingborg Greek National Road 33 is a highway that runs from Patras, originally at Dimitris Gounaris Street now begins at the beltway and had a branch ending at Olympia, and This article is a List of notable streets in Patras, Greece, it include some streets in its suburbs outside the municipality 28 Oktovriou (Karolou Othonos Amalias Avenue (Greek Leoforos Othonis-Amalias) is Patras ' major avenue running southbound one way entirely from Iroon Polytechneiou Avenue with Aleksinac (Алексинац is a town which is center of Municipality of Aleksinac, located in the Nišava District of Serbia. Serbia (Србија Srbija) officially the Republic of Serbia (Република Србија Republika Srbija) is a Landlocked Country "Magusa" redirects here For the Moth Genus, see Magusa (moth. 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For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Craiova (kraˈjova the fifth largest Romanian city and capital of Dolj County, is situated near the east bank of the river Jiu in central Romania ( dated: Rumania, Roumania Chişinău (kiʃi'nəw (also known as Kishinev, Кишинёв Kishinyov) is the capital and largest city of Moldova. Moldova, officially the Republic of Moldova ( Republica Moldova) is a Landlocked country in Eastern Europe, located between Romania Gjirokastër or Gjirokastra ( Albanian ɟɪɾokaˈstəɾ Ljurocastru Αργυρόκαστρο Argyrókastro) is a City This article is about the country in southern Europe For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Albania topics. Kharkiv or Kharkov (Харків Харьков is the second largest city in Ukraine. Ukraine (Україна Ukrayina, /ukrɑˈjinɑ/ is a country in Eastern Europe. Limassol or Lemesos ( Greek: Λεμεσός, Lemesos; Turkish: Limasol, alt Cyprus (Κύπρος transliterated: Kýpros,; Kıbrıs officially the Republic of Cyprus (Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία Kypriakī́ Dīmokratía Administration The Prefecture-level city of Linyi administers 12 county-level divisions, including 3 districts and 9 counties China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National Reggio di Calabria (Italian pronunciation /ˈrɛʤo ˌdikaˈlabrja/ Calabrian dialect: Rìggiu, Greek-Calabrian: Righi, Greek: Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest Saint-Étienne ( Sant-Etiève in Arpitan) is a city in the central eastern part of France, 60 km (40 miles southwest of Lyon. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. A savanna or savannah is a Tropical or Subtropical Grassland or Woodland Ecosystem. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Split (Spalatum Ancient Greek: Aspálathos, Ασπάλαθος Spalato is the largest and most important Dalmatian city the second-largest Croatia (Hrvatska ˈxȓvatska officially the Republic of Croatia ( Republika Hrvatska) is a southern Central European country at the crossroads between Lithuania, officially the Republic of Lithuania (Lietuvos Respublika is a Country in Eastern often referred to as Northern Europe or in the

The Cathedral of Saint Andrew, where his relics are kept

Anglican Church in Patras

The Flower Clock in downtown Patra. A relic is an object or a personal item of religious significance carefully preserved with an air of Veneration as a tangible memorial

The Achaia Clauss wine factory, famous for its Mavrodaphne; founded in 1861 by Gustav Clauss. Mavrodafni (also spelled Mavrodaphne, Greek: Μαυροδάφνη Maurodaphnē is both a black Wine Grape indigenous to the Achaia

A view of the EOT Plaz in October.

Picture of the ancient Roman Odeum in the night.

Main building of Agios Andreas Hospital.

Second building of Agios Andreas Hospital.

References

  1. ^ PDF (875 KB) 2001 Census (Greek). National Statistical Service of Greece (ΕΣΥΕ). www. statistics. gr. Retrieved on 2007-10-30. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 637 - Antioch surrenders to the Muslim forces under Rashidun Caliphate after the Battle of Iron bridge.
  2. ^ (Greek) Basic Characteristics. Ministry of the Interior. www. ypes. gr. Retrieved on 2007-08-07. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 322 BC - Battle of Crannon between Athens and Macedon following the death of Alexander the Great.
  3. ^ EU Commission, Directorate General for Regional Policy, Inforegio, Urban Audit, City profile.
  4. ^ Region of Western Greece: Geography - Accessed Feb. 9, 2007
  5. ^ Thomopoulos, St. N, History of the City of Patras from Antiquity to 1821, Patrai 1952, (ed. Triantafyllou, K. N. )
  6. ^ Patras climatology data. EMY.
  7. ^ Hellenic Ornithological Society - Birds, birding and conservation in Greece
  8. ^ Encyclopaedia of Islam s. The Encyclopaedia of Islam ( EI) is the standard Encyclopaedia of the Academic discipline of Islamic studies. v. Baliabadra
  9. ^ Strategus Makrygiannis, "Memoirs", Book A, Chapter I, Athens, 1849, http://www.snhell.gr/testimonies/writer.asp?id=102
  10. ^ Triantafyllou, Κ. Ν. , Historic Lexicon of Patras
  11. ^ Kounenaki Pegy, "19th Century Patras: how the character of the city changed with the development of the port after 1828" Kathimerini 14-10-01 http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_civ_491371_14/10/2001_3252
  12. ^ Thomopoulos
  13. ^ Info about St.Andrew Church by InfoCenter Patras.
  14. ^ a b Region of Western Greece: Monuments - Accessed on Feb. 9, 2007
  15. ^ 1928-1980 statistical data are from: "The population of Greece in the second half of the 20th century". Hellenic Republic. National Statistical Service of Greece. Athens 1980 & "Statistical Yearbook of Greece" Hellenic Republic. National Statistical Service of Greece. Athens 1980
  16. ^ Population data from 1853 to 1920 are cited from: Kosta N. Triantafyllou, "Istorikon Lexikon ton Patron: Istoria tis poleos ton Patron apo arxaiotaton xronon eos simeron kata alphavitikin eidologikin katataksin" 3rd edition, Patrai 1995
  17. ^ Data on municipal and urban population refer to permanent population and are taken from: the "2001 Census" of the National Statistical Service of Greece
  18. ^ ΟΛΠ - Στατιστικά στοιχεία.
  19. ^ Οργανισμός Λιμένος Πατρών - Το νέο λιμάνι.
  20. ^ Ring Road map.
  21. ^ Works under construction in the region of Western Greece.
  22. ^ Μηχανικη Α.Ε
  23. ^ Μηχανικη Α.Ε
  24. ^ Road Axis PATRA - ATHENS - THESSALONIKI - EVZONI. Hellenic Ministry of Public Works.
  25. ^ Μηχανικη Α.Ε
  26. ^ Metropolitan Optical Network of Patras.
  27. ^ European Culture Capital, Patras Venues.
  28. ^ KTIZON, Presentation of the Archaeological museum of Patras.
  29. ^ Cultural Facilities in Patras - Infocenter.
  30. ^ Greek Statistics Organization, Tourism data - 2006.
  31. ^ Greek Statistics Organization, Tourism data - 2006.
  32. ^ Andromeda Aquaculture.
  33. ^ Nireus Aquaculture.
  34. ^ KEPENOU mills.
  35. ^ Vianex facilities in Patras.
  36. ^ ABEX Timber Manufacturing.
  37. ^ Acciona Wind Parks.
  38. ^ Glafkos Hydroelectric Power Station.
  39. ^ Industrial Systems Institute.
  40. ^ Institute of Chemical Engineering & High Temperature Chemical Processes.
  41. ^ Institute of Biomedical Technology.
  42. ^ Atmel Hellas: A Win-Win Investment in Technology. www. elke. gr.
  43. ^ Bytemobile - Company facts. Bytemobile.
  44. ^ INTRACOM TELECOM: Infrastructure. Intracom Telecom.
  45. ^ Hellenic Center for Investment e-news. www. elke. gr.
  46. ^ Patras Science Park - Hosted Companies. Patras Science Park.
  47. ^ Awards of the 7th International Venture Capital Forum (Greek).
  48. ^ ΔΕΠΑΠ
  49. ^ Poetry Symposium
  50. ^ Patras Municipal Regional Theatre
  51. ^ ΔΕΠΑΠ
  52. ^ Poetry Symposium
  53. ^ Patras Municipal Regional Theatre
  54. ^ Patras Final Report
  55. ^ Patras Future Report

See also

External links

This is a list of cities in Greece with more than 15000 inhabitants This is a list of settlements in the Achaea prefecture, Greece: A&ndashB Achaiko Agia Marina Rio (Greek Modern Ρίο Rio, Ancient Ρίον Rion, Latin Rhion or Rhium) is a suburban town north of Patras, Greece Patras Wireless Network (PWN is historically the first city-wide Wireless community network in Greece. Kalavryta (Καλάβρυτα is a town a province and a municipality in the eastcentral part of the prefecture of Achaea.
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