| Patra |
Patra is the entrance to Greece for those who are coming through Italy. Patra is only 40 mins from Diakogto. Besides the harbour there are also a few sights worth seeing in Patra. West of the Acropolis, in the Ano Poli (upper city) is Patra's Roman Odeum, that was built at an earlier date than the Athens Odeum (Herodion 160 AD). The Odeum consists of all main parts of a theatre, concave, orchestra, front-stage, stage and back-stage whilst the 23 rows of seats, can accommodate 2.300 spectators. Since the establishment of the Patra International Festival, the Ancient Odeum constitutes its main stage, hosting top Greek and foreign artistic ensembles, during the summer months. The church of Saint Andreas was built in Byzantine style was founded in 1908 by George the 1st and was inaugurated in 1974 by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Patra, Nikodimos. It is the largest and most artistically significant church in the Balkans and one of the largest in Europe. Its construction was supervised by architect Anastasios Metaxas and following his death in 1937, by architect Georgios Nomikos. The central cupola is 46 metres tall and is the base for a 5-metre gold-plated cross and twelve smaller ones, symbolizing Christ and his twelve disciples. At least 5,000 can attend sermon within the church. On a green hill, eight kilometres South - East of downtown Patra, are the facilities of the ACHAIA CLAUSS winery which stands out as one of the area's most significant tourist sights. It was founded by Bavarian Gustav Clauss, who came to Patra in 1854, to work for a German raisin exporter. During one of his outings he became acquainted with the area and was enchanted by its natural beauty. He bought a small vineyard so he could produce his own wine, and ended up building the Castle - Winery which stands intact until today. In 1861 he founded the company ACHAIA CLAUSS and the high-quality wines, amongst which is the Patra Mavrodafni, conquered the Greek and the international markets. The stone buildings, the huge oak barrels, containing century-old mavrodafni, the traditional wine cellar for welcoming visitors and the unique scenery with the magnificent view, attract around 200.000 visitors on an annual basis. Ypsila Alonia Square was considered to be the best square in the city. In was on an elevated plateau. There, were located the raisin plateaus, on a higher ground compared to the raisin plantations. The area from Ypsila Alonia to the church of Agia Aikaterini was called "Elliniko" due to the number of archaeological findings. The new archaiological museum of Patras is the latest added attraction to see.   |