Sightseeing in Patra - what to see. Complete travel guide

Patras is a major seaport and a large center of shipping of the country. Life does not stop here even for a minute. Just like in any other large trading port, the streets of the city are always filled with the noise of cars, people seem to be constantly in a hurry and it feels like finding even a small silent corner here is just impossible. In fact, Patras is a truly picturesque and attractive city, that’s why it has been popular among tourists from all over the world for many years.

Once only several small settlements were located in the area of the modern city. Patras began developing in the Middle Ages, when this place became an important trading spot. Just like the majority of other Greek cities, the main symbols of Patras are the port and the Acropolis.

The historical district of the city is named Palia Patra. It was founded more than a thousand years ago. You can walk in the Georgiou I Square, which is decorated with palm trees and stunning sculptures, and relax in one of the local cafes or restaurants. You should definitely walk along the streets of the streets of old town, which will amaze you with its truly charming and welcoming atmosphere. Besides observing old buildings you can visit several stores and souvenir shops that mostly sell antiques. The so-called New Town is also rich in places of interest as here you will find wonderful restaurants, shopping malls and cinemas. The most popular hotels are also located here. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Guests are recommended to make a visit to the main museum of Patras, which exhibits large collections of art including mosaics, beautiful vases and sculptures. Art-lovers will enjoy the exhibition of the local Art Gallery, and most curious tourists will find much excitement in the Archaeological Museum. There are also several religious sites in the city. The most famous of them is the Cathedral of St. Andrew.

On St. George's Square you can see the beautiful Apollon Theatre housed in a very beautiful building with tall columns. The theater was built in 1872. The main initiators of its construction were the local residents themselves who donated their own money. Since its foundation, the theater is the most important cultural center of the city. Not only theatrical performances but also various festive events are held here. A particularly interesting cultural program takes place in the theater during the carnivals.

Nearby is the Folk Art Museum, the exposition of which would seem interesting to a wide range of visitors. The museum has collected crafts by famous local artisans, as well as ancient household items and artworks. Visitors are regularly offered interesting workshops, within which they could learn how to make original souvenirs and even high-quality national-style shoes.

Walking along the coast, near St. Andrew's Cathedral, you can see another historical symbol of Patras - an old lighthouse. Over the centuries, the lighthouse had served as an indispensable landmark for sailors. Today, absolutely everyone can visit it as part of the tour. At the top of the lighthouse is a great viewing platform from which you can make panoramic pictures of the coast.

A popular tourist attraction is the old Achaia Clauss Winery founded several hundred years ago. As before, today this winery produces unique varieties of wine according to old recipes, and its beautiful bottles are quite popular memorable gifts for travelers. During the tour of the winery, you can watch the process of wine production and try the most popular wines produced here, of course.

One of the most beautiful places in the city is deservedly called the central Psila Alonia Square. Today it is decorated with magnificent sculptural compositions. Some of the sculptures presented here are more than one hundred years old. On the same square, there are beautiful fountains harmoniously complemented by the abundance of slender palms. In the immediate vicinity of the square, you'll find popular restaurants and entertainment facilities of Patras.