Top 15 Attractions in Patras, Greece

Capital of the Achaia prefecture, Patras boasts a picturesque location along its namesake gulf at the northernmost tip of the Peloponnese. The contemporary city adjacent to the water was reconstructed around striking squares following the damage incurred during the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century.

Ascending the slope reveals the historical city, where one encounters Roman structures such as the Odeon, Amphitheatre, and the Castle of Patras, which was occupied by military forces for a continuous span of 15 centuries. An even older history can be discovered at Skioessa, which features 75 well-preserved tombs from a Mycenaean cemetery, dating back 3,500 years. The life of ancient Patras is artfully captured in the exceptional Archaeological Museum, housing one of Greece’s largest collections of mosaics.

Let’s explore the best attractions in Patras:

1. Archaeological Museum

Inaugurated in 2009, the Archaeological Museum stands out for its imposing metallic dome, reminiscent of a flying saucer.

Upon opening, the museum garnered praise for its innovative display of artifacts, organizing them into three expansive rooms: Private Life, Public Life, and the Necropolis. The Private Life section features jewelry and functional objects from various periods including Mycenaean, Geometric, Archaic, Hellenistic, and Roman Greece, alongside an impressive collection of 14 Roman mosaics and reconstructions of Roman residences from the city.

The Public Life section showcases coins, statues, musical instruments, amphorae, and additional mosaics, creating a vivid portrayal of society in Ancient Patras.

The Necropolis section focuses on tombs and their contents, excavated from Patras and the surrounding Achaia region.

Three complete graves have been authentically reconstructed, including two Mycenaean graves from the Voundeni cemetery near Patras, and one Roman grave.

2. Roman Odeon

Situated in the upper town near the castle, the Roman Odeon served as a venue for musical performances, constructed during the reign of Emperor Augustus at the turn of the 1st century AD. Featuring a brick facade on its southern wall, the Odeon was connected to Patras’ Roman Forum and predates the Odeon in Athens.

Over the years, it faced multiple earthquakes, conflicts, and invasions that nearly obliterated it and buried it beneath debris from other structures.

Rediscovered by chance in 1889, restoration efforts continued until 1956. The Odeon, now partially reconstructed with modern materials, has a seating capacity of 2,300 and is utilized for musical performances, particularly during the annual Patras International Festival.

3. Agios Andreas Cathedral

This grand basilica commenced construction in 1908, but due to tumultuous events throughout the 20th century, it was not consecrated until 1974. The Agios Andreas Cathedral is the largest church in Greece and ranks as the third largest Orthodox structure in the Balkans.

It serves as a pilgrimage destination for Christians worldwide, as it purportedly houses the relics of St. Andrew, one of the 12 Apostles.

Inside, a chapel to the rear right contains fragments of the cross on which he was martyred, alongside a finger and the top portion of his skull.

The piece of skull has been in the Agios Andreas since 1964, when it was sent from Rome and welcomed with significant acclaim.

Visitors are also captivated by the exquisite neo-Byzantine mosaics that adorn the surfaces, particularly the Madonna with Child displayed behind the iconostasis.

4. Castle of Patras

Located at the city’s apex, one of the most striking features of the castle is the expansive view it offers over Patras and the channel.

The castle was constructed in the mid-500s AD on the foundations of the ancient acropolis.

From its completion up until World War II, the Castle of Patras was consistently fortified.

A variety of cultures and civilizations have besieged or occupied the castle, including Slavs, Moors, Normans, Franks, and Venetians.

The Ottomans held control from the mid-15th century, and during the 17th-century Morean War, the Venetians temporarily seized it for nearly two decades before the Turks regained authority in 1715. A notable characteristic of the castle is that all occupiers left their imprint, showcasing the evolution of military technology over 1,500 years.

5. Voundeni Mycenaean Cemetery

The Skioessa neighbourhood, located northeast of Patras, reveals signs of habitation extending back 3,500 years.

Excavations have unveiled remnants of a settlement and cemetery that were active from 1500 to 1000 BC. The cemetery located to the southeast is particularly captivating for visitors, covering 1.6 hectares and containing approximately 75 tombs of varying sizes and designs, first excavated in the 1920s.

Visitors may enter around ten of the tombs, each accompanied by detailed descriptions of items uncovered during excavations.

The initial tomb remains undisturbed, allowing visitors to observe the skeletons of three individuals, knowing they have rested here for 3,500 years.

Additively, the views from the ruins of the settlement over Patras and the gulf are breathtaking.

6. Agiou Nikolaou

If you are inclined to shop, the lower section of this street in central Patras offers a variety of major European retail chains.

Agiou Nikolaou and the surrounding streets feature stores such as H&M, Zara, Stradivarius, Sephora, Marks & Spencer, Pull & Bear, Pandora, and Massimo Dutti, among others.

By heading southeast along this street, one eventually arrives at the Church of St. Nicholas, located next to the namesake staircase.

From this point, visitors can ascend 192 steps (take your time on a hot day) to reach the castle and upper town, occasionally pausing to enjoy the view of the mountains across the channel.

7. Rio-Antirrio Bridge

Connecting the western end of the Gulf of Corinth between the Peloponnese and Western Mainland Greece, the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, at 2,880 meters, ranks among the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges.

Furthermore, it is recognized as the longest bridge of this type globally that is fully suspended.

Inaugurated in August 2004, the bridge spans the distance from Patras to the town of Antirrio on the mainland, adeptly addressing both the gulf’s profound waters and the constant seismic risks in the region.

Featuring over 100 sensors, the bridge monitors various conditions including seismic activity and thermal expansion of the deck.

Prior to the completion of this structure, the only method of crossing was by ferry, while the road via the Isthmus of Corinth, situated 130 kilometers to the east, significantly extended travel times.

Only two bridges globally feature longer cable-stayed decks: China’s Jiaxing-Shaoxing Sea Bridge and the Millau Viaduct in France.

8. Faros Patras (Patras Lighthouse)

A short walk from Agios Andreas Cathedral leads to the city’s lighthouse.

It is important to note that the faros lacks a conventional maritime function; instead, it serves a symbolic purpose, replacing a lighthouse from 1878 that was dismantled during the port modernization in 1972. This current structure, established in 1999, features a blue glow during nighttime.

At the lighthouse’s base, one can find a café, and the surrounding area includes a waterfront park that faces west, providing an excellent vantage point for enjoying sunsets.

9. Spinney of Patras

Situated east of the city center is a steep, pine-covered hill, affectionately known as the Spinney of Patras.

This hill is cherished by walkers and joggers for the ample shade provided by the pines, which were planted in 1916 by an Austrian forestry expert.

The breathtaking view of the city, port, and gulf has led to the Spinney being colloquially referred to as “Patras’ Veranda,” with multiple viewpoints for visitors to appreciate.

Recommended stops include the café terrace at a road fork and a nearby municipal tourist kiosk.

10. Plateia Yioryiou (Georgiou I Square)

The contemporary history of Patras is marked by destruction, attributed to both the Turks during the War of Independence and frequent earthquakes.

Consequently, it is unsurprising that few remnants of Patras’ signature Neoclassical architecture have persisted into the 21st century.

Among the rare exceptions found on Georgiou I Square is the striking Apollon Theatre, positioned on the northeastern edge of the square and dating back to 1872. Visitors may enjoy a seat at a shaded café table adjacent to the theatre’s arcades, gaze over the fountains, and take a moment to observe the comings and goings of Patras residents.

11. Roman Amphitheatre

Adjacent to the Roman Odeon are the partially unearthed ruins of the amphitheatre, constructed during Emperor Domitian’s era at the end of the 1st century AD. The amphitheatre was first distinguished in the 1870s; however, substantial archaeological research was not undertaken until the 1990s, hindered by extensive modern development at the location.

It is believed that the amphitheatre was established as a tribute to the centennial anniversary of the Roman colony’s foundation in this region.

The eastern side, which remains the most well-preserved, is incorporated into the slope, measuring a total of 200 by 90 metres.

In its prime, the amphitheatre earned a reputation throughout Greece for hosting the Caesarea, competitive games in which athletes from various regions participated in events such as racing, pentathlon, boxing, and wrestling.

12. House of Kostis Palamas

A noteworthy site to consider while exploring the center of Patras is the Neoclassical residence located at 241 Korinthou Street.

This structure was the birthplace of the esteemed poet Kostis Palamas in 1859.

Palamas was a prominent figure in the Greek “1880s Generation” literary movement and played a vital role in founding the New Athenian School alongside other distinguished contemporary authors, including Ionnis Polemis and Georgios Drosinis.

However, he is perhaps best remembered for composing the lyrics of the official Olympic Anthem, which was first performed with music by Spyridon Samaras during the Athens Olympics in 1896.

13. Patras Hammam

Though presently a private venture, these baths possess significant historical importance.

Constructed in the 15th century by the Venetians, they were subsequently modified by the Ottomans, who transformed them into a hammam.

These baths have remained in continuous operation since their origination, thus ranking among the oldest surviving Turkish baths in Europe.

Visitors can experience the baths as intended, offering a place to unwind after exploring the numerous steps to the upper town.

14. Achaia Clauss Winery

Founded by Bavarian Gustav Clauss in 1861, Achaia Clauss is the second oldest operational business in Greece following the National Bank.

The winery flourished in part due to Clauss’ connections with the Bavarian-born king, Otto of Greece.

The establishment resembles a castle, situated on a scenic hillside at Glafkos, approximately 15 kilometers from Patras.

Visitors are treated to an engaging tour of the vineyard and facilities, gaining insights into the extensive history of the winery while exploring grand old barrels, some containing wine dating back to 1889. A generous selection of wines is available for tasting, encompassing red, white, rosé, and the house specialty, sweet fortified wine Mavrodafni.

15. Patras Carnival

From January 17 to Clean Monday, the first day of Great Lent (48 days before Easter) on the Orthodox calendar, one can witness one of Greece’s most celebrated street festivities.

The Patras Carnival stands as a distinct event within the country, ranking among the largest in Europe, featuring a vibrant array of masked balls, games, and parades, drawing attendance from tens of thousands, alongside numerous unofficial events.

Key highlights include the opening ceremony on January 17, the Children’s Carnival featuring 5,000 participants on the penultimate weekend, the Saturday night parade, and the Grand Parade showcasing satirical floats on the closing Sunday, culminating with a fireworks display.

Additionally, during the final weekend, a treasure hunt is organized, in which various parade groups compete, solving riddles and questions to find clues scattered throughout the city.