View source for Patras

{{use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Patras
| native_name        = {{lang|el|Πάτρα}}
| image_skyline      = <!-- RECT X beginning (left), Y beginning (top), X end (right), Y end (bottom). -->
<imagemap>
File:Patras_Montage_L.png|center|275px|alt=Patras montage. Clicking on an image in the picture causes the browser to load the appropriate article, if it exists.
rect 15 17 989 722 [[Ethnikis Antistaseos Square (Patras)|Panoramic view of Ethnikis Antistaseos Square area]]
rect 505 738 989 1090 [[Rio-Antirio Bridge]]
rect 506 1107 989 1461 [[Patras Lighthouse|Lighthouse of Patras]]
rect 15 1480 989 1643 [[Patras|Night view of Patras]]
rect 15 1357 489 1462 [[Georgiou I Square]]
rect 15 1107 489 1356 [[Apollon Theatre (Patras)|Apollon Theatre]]
rect 15 738 488 1089 [[Patras Castle|Castle of Patras]]
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| image_caption      = '''Clockwise from top:''' Panoramic view of downtown: Trion Symmachon square and Dock (molos) area from [[#Main sights|Agiou Nikolaou Stairs]], [[Rio-Antirio Bridge]] and [[Gulf of Corinth]], [[Patras Lighthouse|Lighthouse of Patras]], Night view of Patras from [[#Parks and squares|Romanos Mona Forest Park]], [[Apollon Theatre (Patras)|Apollon Theatre]] and [[Georgiou I Square]], [[Patras Castle|Castle of Patras]].
| settlement_type    = [[City]]
| nicknames          = 
| image_flag         = Patras flag.png
| flag_link          = 
| image_seal         = Έμβλημα Δήμου Πατρέων.png
| pushpin_map        = Greece#Balkans#Europe
| pushpin_map_caption = Location within Greece##Location within Europe
| pushpin_relief     = 1
| coordinates        = {{coord|38|15|N|21|44|E|format=dms|display=it}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{GRC}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[Geographic regions of Greece|Geographic region]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Peloponnese]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[Administrative regions of Greece|Administrative region]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Western Greece]]
| subdivision_type3  = [[Regional units of Greece|Regional unit]]
| subdivision_name3  = [[Achaia]]
| government_type    = [[Mayor–council government]]
| leader_party       = {{nowrap|[[Communist Party of Greece|KKE]]}}
| leader_title       = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name        = [[Kostas Peletidis]]<ref name=mayor>[https://ekloges.ypes.gr/current/d/home/en/municipalities/9134/ Municipality of Patras, Municipal elections – October 2023], Ministry of Interior</ref>
| parts_type         = Districts
| parts_style        = para
| p1                 = 5
| established_title  = 
| established_date   = 
| population_as_of   = 2021
| population_footnotes = 
| area_total_km2     = 334.9
| population_total   = 215,922
| total_type         = Municipality
| population_rank    = 
| population_urban   = 173,600
| area_urban_km2     = 125.4
| population_density_urban_km2 = auto
| population_metro   = 305,979<ref name="European Metropolitan regions">{{cite web |url=http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=met_pjanaggr3&lang=en |title=Eurostat – Data Explorer |website=appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu |access-date=10 February 2021 |archive-date=1 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101073405/http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=met_pjanaggr3&lang=en |url-status=live }}</ref>
| area_metro_km2     = 
| population_density_metro_km2 = auto
| population_demonym = {{ill|Patrinos|el|wikt:πατρινός}} ({{langx|el|Πατρινός}})
| demographics_type1 = 
| demographics1_footnotes = 
| demographics1_title1 = 
| demographics1_info1 = 
| demographics1_title2 = 
| demographics1_info2 = 
| timezone1          = [[East European Time|EET]]
| utc_offset1        = +2
| timezone1_DST      = [[Eastern European Summer Time|EEST]]
| utc_offset1_DST    = +3
| elevation_min_m    = 0
| elevation_max_m    = 10
| postal_code_type   = [[List of postal codes in Greece|Postal codes]]
| postal_code        = 26x xx
| area_code_type     = [[Telephone numbers in Greece|Telephone]]
| area_code          = 261
| registration_plate = [[Vehicle registration plates of Greece|ΑXx, ΑZx, AOx, AYx]]
| blank_name_sec1    = [[Patron saint]]
| blank_info_sec1    = [[Saint Andrew]] (30 November)
| website            = [http://www.e-patras.gr/ www.e-patras.gr]
| official_name      = 
| population_density_rank = 
}}
'''Patras''' ({{langx|el|Πάτρα|Pátra}} {{IPA-el|ˈpatra|pron|Patra - Πάτρα.ogg}}; [[Katharevousa]] and {{langx|grc|Πάτραι}};{{Efn|<small>romanized:</small> {{Lang|grc-Latn|Pátrai}}, {{IPA|grc|pátrai̯|lang|link=yes}}, <small>Katharevousa:</small> {{IPA-el|ˈpatre|}}|name=|group=lower-alpha}} {{langx|la|Patrae}}{{Efn|{{IPA|la|ˈpatrae̯|}}|name=|group=lower-alpha}}) is [[Greece]]'s [[List of cities in Greece|third-largest city]] and the regional capital and largest city of [[Western Greece]], in the northern [[Peloponnese]], {{convert|215|km|abbr=on}} west of [[Athens]]. The city is built at the foot of Mount [[Panachaikon]], overlooking the [[Gulf of Patras]].

As of the 2021 census, the municipality of Patras has a population of 215,922, while the urban population is 173,600. The core settlement has a history spanning four millennia. In the Roman period, it had become a cosmopolitan center of the eastern Mediterranean whilst, according to the Christian tradition, it was also the place of [[Saint Andrew]]'s [[martyr]]dom.

Dubbed as Greece's '<nowiki/>''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]]. The city has three public universities, hosting a large student population and rendering Patras an important scientific centre<ref>{{Cite web |last=S.L.U |first=Course Guru |title=Όλα τα 3 Πανεπιστήμια σε Πάτρα {{!}} Κατατάξεις & Αξιολογήσεις 2023 |url=https://www.universityguru.gr/panepistimia-patras |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=UniversityGuru |language=el |archive-date=14 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614104156/https://www.universityguru.gr/panepistimia-patras |url-status=live }}</ref> with a field of excellence in technological education. The [[Rio-Antirrio Bridge]] connects Patras' easternmost suburb of Rio to the town of Antirrio, connecting the [[Peloponnese]] peninsula with mainland Greece.

Every year, in February, the city hosts one of Europe's largest carnivals. Notable features of the [[Patras Carnival]] include its mammoth satirical floats and balls and parades, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors in a [[Mediterranean climate]]. 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]] in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2006/jan/29/greece.observerescapesection|title=Party town gets a culture kick|first=Paul|last=Mansfield|date=29 January 2006|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=6 September 2017|archive-date=18 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518214943/https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2006/jan/29/greece.observerescapesection|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
{{About|For the Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine history of Patras see: [[History of Patras]]}}
[[File:The recently restored Roman Odeon of Ancient Patrai, built before 160 AD, Patras, Greece (14244629163).jpg|thumb|View of the recently restored Roman Odeon (2015)|left]]

=== Middle Ages and early modern ===
{{See also|Byzantine Greece|Frankokratia|Principality of Achaea|Ottoman Greece|Kingdom of the Morea}}
[[File:Greece in 1278.svg|thumb|The Principality of Achaea in southern Greece, 1278|left]]
In 1205, the city was captured by [[William of Champlitte]] and [[Geoffrey I of Villehardouin|Villehardouin]], and became a part of the [[principality of Achaea]]. It became the seat of the [[Barony of Patras]], and its [[Latin Archbishop of Patras|Latin archbishop]] primate of the principality. In 1408, Patras became [[Republic of Venice|Venetian]], until it was recaptured in 1430 by the [[Despotate of Morea]] and its despot [[Constantine XI|Constantine Palaiologos]], who thus succeeded in recovering for the [[Byzantine Empire]] the whole of the [[Morea]], apart from Venetian possessions. The administration of Patras was given to [[George Sphrantzes]], while Constantine was immediately contested by the [[Ottoman Empire]] and later, in 1449, became emperor of the Byzantine empire.<ref>Patra. From antiquity until today, Kotinos A.E. Editions, Athens 2005</ref>

Patras remained a part of the [[Despotate of Morea]] until 1458, when it was conquered by the Sultan of the [[Ottoman Empire]], [[Mehmet II]]. Under the Ottomans, it was known as "Baliabadra", from the {{Langx|el|Παλαιά Πάτρα}} ('Old Patras'), as opposed to {{Lang|el|Νέα Πάτρα}} ('new Patra'), the town of [[Ypati]] in [[Central Greece (geographic region)|Central Greece]]. Though Mehmet granted the city special privileges and tax reductions, it never became a major centre of commerce. [[Republic of Venice|Venice]] and [[Republic of Genoa|Genoa]] attacked and captured it several times in the 15th and 16th centuries, but never re-established their rule effectively, except for a period of [[Kingdom of the Morea|Venetian rule]] in 1687–1715 after the [[Morean War]].<ref>''[[Encyclopaedia of Islam]]'' ''s.v.'' Baliabadra</ref>

It has been noted that during and in the aftermath of the suppressed 1770 [[Orlov revolt]] "when the Greeks got the upper hand they settled old scores; when the Turks and Albanians reasserted themselves they were merciless: recapturing Patras, they left scarcely anyone alive."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Constantine David |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bGGJDwAAQBAJ |title=In the Footsteps of the Gods: Travellers to Greece and the Quest for the Hellenic Ideal |publisher=Tauris Parke Paperbacks |year=2011 |isbn=9780857719478 |pages=169 |quote=Readers were thus enabled to follow and visualize the campaign as it was reported, almost daily but after a time-lag of about four weeks, in despatches from Italy and Turkey. They read accounts — as confused, contradictory, exaggerated or downright false as such accounts generally are — of the Sieges of Coron and Modon, of the taking and Ioss of Mistra, the rout at Tripolis and the victory off Tchesmé. And it was repeatedly noted that both sides were conducting the war with great savagery: ' the ravages committed by both armies ... are dreadful ... horrid cruelties perpetrated in cold blood, shocking to human nature, 'the war is carried on with much Bloodshed and Horror'. When the Greeks got the upper hand they settled old scores; when the Turks and Albanians reasserted themselves they were merciless: recapturing Patras, they left scarcely anyone alive.}}</ref>

In 1772, a [[Battle of Patras (1772)|naval battle]] took place off the city between the Russians and Ottomans.

=== Modern era ===
Patras was one of the first cities in which the [[Greek Revolution]] began in 1821;<ref>{{cite web|author=Strategus Makrygiannis|title="Memoirs", Book A, Chapter I, Athens, 1849|url=http://www.snhell.gr/testimonies/writer.asp?id=102|access-date=2012-10-02|archive-date=13 July 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060713010850/http://www.snhell.gr/testimonies/writer.asp?id=102|url-status=live}}</ref>  the Ottoman garrison, confined to the citadel, [[Siege of Patras (1821)|held out]] until 1828. After the war, most of the city and its buildings were completely destroyed.

Patras developed quickly into the second-largest urban centre in late-19th-century Greece.<ref>Triantafyllou, Κ.Ν., ''Historic Lexicon of Patras''</ref> The city benefited from its role as the main export port for the agricultural produce of the Peloponnese.<ref>{{cite web|author=Kounenaki Pegy|title=19th Century Patras: how the character of the city changed with the development of the port after 1828|url=http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_civ_491371_14/10/2001_3252|publisher=News.kathimerini.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215003502/http://news.kathimerini.gr/4dcgi/_w_articles_civ_491371_14/10/2001_3252|archive-date=2012-02-15}}</ref>

In the early 20th century, Patras developed fast and became the first Greek city to introduce public streetlights and electrified tramways.<ref>Thomopoulos</ref> The war effort necessitated by the [[First World War]] hampered the city's development and also created uncontrollable [[urban sprawl]] after the influx of displaced persons from [[Asia Minor]] after the 1922 [[population exchange between Greece and Turkey]]. In the Second World War, the city was a major target of Italian [[airstrike|air raids]]. In the Axis occupation period, a German military command was established and German and Italian troops stationed in the city. After the liberation in 1944, the city recovered, but in later years was increasingly overshadowed by the urban pole of Athens.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}} Since 2014, the city's mayor is [[Kostas Peletidis]].

== Urban landscape ==
The city is divided into the upper and the lower section, connected with roads and broad stairs. The upper section (''Ano Poli'') is the older and the more picturesque; however, the lower section (''Kato Poli'') is laid out according to the 1858 city plan{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}, featuring a variety of squares. The most notable of these are the ''Psila Alonia'' and the [[Georgiou I Square]]. A number of notable [[Neoclassical architecture|neoclassical]] buildings are to be found, including the [[Apollon Theatre (Patras)|Apollon Theatre]] in Georgiou I Square, the City Hall, the headquarters of the Local Trade Association and the Court of Justice. A replica of [[Patras Lighthouse]], the city's emblematic old lighthouse – which was at the dock of ''[[Saint Nicholas|Ayios Nikolaos]]'' – rises at the end of Trion Navarchon street, near the temple of Saint Andreas.[[File:Patra banner.jpg|thumb|center|950x950px|Night view]]

[[File:Patra_Febr_2021.jpg|thumb|center|950x950px|Patras at sunset from a hill NE of Dasyllio]][[File:Patras from Ferry 2003.jpg|300px|thumb|Patras' western seafront.]]In general, much of Patras' coastline is framed by roads and avenues running alongside; these include Dymaion Coast to the south and Iroon Polytechneiou Street to the north.

===Main sights===
[[File:Ancient theatre stadium Patras3.JPG|thumb|200px|Ruins of the Roman stadium]]
[[File:Patras square - panoramio.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Georgiou I Square]]]]
[[File:Patras flower clock.jpg|thumb|200px|Trion Symmachon Square and clock with the former hotel Metropolis in the background]]
[[File:Патры. Храм Андрея Первозванного - panoramio.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Saint Andrew of Patras|Cathedral of Saint Andrew]], patron saint of the city.|left]]
[[File:Archaeological museum of Patras.jpg|200px|thumb|right|The entrance of the new [[Archaeological Museum of Patras]]]]

Patras and its region is home to various Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine Monuments, including the Roman Odeon of Patras, the Fortress of Rio and the Fortress (castle) of Patras.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ditikiellada-region.com/en_contents.asp?id=129&category=142 |title=Contents |access-date=10 February 2007 |archive-date=26 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326030839/http://www.ditikiellada-region.com/en_contents.asp?id=129&category=142 |url-status=dead }}, retrieved 9 February 2007</ref> More specifically, the main sights of the city are:

*The [[Archaeological Museum of Patras|Patras Archaeological Museum]] focuses on the exhibition of various archaeological finds, from the Mycenaean to the Late Roman era, discovered in Patras and the wider Achaea region. The museum is housed in a modern and special architectural building designed by the architect Theophanis Bobotis.<ref>ΕΤ1 TV, broadcast "Mεταμουσείο", The New Archaeological Museum of Patras,18/03/2013| http://9dim-patras.ach.sch.gr/images/2018-19/2018_11_25/video/mouseio.mp4 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129114037/http://9dim-patras.ach.sch.gr/images/2018-19/2018_11_25/video/mouseio.mp4 |date=29 January 2020 }}</ref> 
*The [[Mycenaean cemetery of Voudeni]] (Skioessa), {{Convert|8|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the center of Patras, is one of the most important sites of the Mycenaean world, showing active use for nearly five hundred years (1500–1000 BC). The site itself appears to have been inhabited from the Bronze Age until middle Roman times (1800 BC–AD 400).
*The Roman [[Odeon (building)|Odeon]], the most significant ancient monument, is in the upper town and was built around 160 AD, in the reign of either [[Antoninus Pius]] or [[Marcus Aurelius]]. It has been restored and partially reconstructed, and is used as an open-air theatre for performances and concerts in the summer.
*The Roman [[Amphitheatre]], near the Roman Odeon, in Ifestou street, dating from the 1st century AD, at a period of the biggest development of Roman Patras. Its area has been only partially excavated.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iiinstitute.nl/patras-restoration-and-preservation-roman-amphitheatre-patras |title=RC - Patras, Restoration and preservation of the Roman amphitheatre of Patras |publisher=Iiinstitute.nl |access-date=2012-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327011528/http://www.iiinstitute.nl/patras-restoration-and-preservation-roman-amphitheatre-patras |archive-date=2012-03-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*The [[Roman Aqueduct of Patras|Roman aqueduct]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.academia.edu/11034108|title=Patras' Roman Aqueduct -Restoration|first=Marilena|last=Mentzini|access-date=6 September 2017|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901064838/https://www.academia.edu/11034108|url-status=live}}</ref> that led from the springs of Romanos to the acropolis. The aqueduct measured {{convert|6.5|km|2|abbr=on}} from the water cistern to the castle. For the greater part of this distance, the water passed through an underground channel, passing over valleys and gorges on carefully constructed archways, parts of which still stand, in the area of [[Aroi, Patras|Aroi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.e-patras.gr/portal/web/common/461|title=Ρωμαϊκό Υδραγωγείο|publisher=e-patras.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730160237/http://www.e-patras.gr/portal/web/common/461|archive-date=2012-07-30}}</ref> 
Other Roman monuments include the ruins of the Roman stadium, remains of the Roman wall and a preserved bridge over the river Kallinaos.
*The medieval [[Patras Castle]], in the ancient acropolis overlooking the city, was initially built in the 6th century AD by the [[Byzantine]] emperor [[Justinian]], having many additions from the period of the Frankish and Venetian rule of the city, up to as far as the time of the [[Despotate of Morea]] and later the [[Ottoman Empire]]. Its current outline dates back to the second Venetian rule of the town (1687–1715). Today, is visiting and its interior is used as a public garden.
*The orthodox church of [[Saint Andrew of Patras]] was founded in 1908 by [[George I of Greece|King George I]] and was inaugurated in 1974. It is dedicated to [[Saint Andrew]], the patron of the city, and contains relics of the saint at the location of his crucifixion.<ref name="standrew">{{cite web|url=http://www.infocenterpatras.gr/mnimeia_en.php|title=Info about St.Andrew Church|publisher=InfoCenterpatras.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005071819/http://www.infocenterpatras.gr/mnimeia_en.php|archive-date=2011-10-05|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is the second-largest temple of [[Byzantine]] style in the Balkans (after the [[Cathedral of Saint Sava]] in Belgrade). The central cupola is {{convert|46|m|abbr=on}} tall and is the base for a {{convert|5|m|ft|adj=mid|abbr=on}} gold-plated cross and twelve smaller ones, symbolising Christ and the twelve apostles. A congregation of at least 5,000 can attend a sermon within the church.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.e-patras.gr/portal/web/common/452|title=Άγιος Ανδρέας|publisher=e-patras.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120802022559/http://www.e-patras.gr/portal/web/common/452|archive-date=2012-08-02}}</ref>
*The municipal [[Apollon Theatre (Patras)|Theatre Apollon]], built in 1872 designed by architect [[Ernst Ziller]]. The building is characteristic of the 19th-century neoclassical style and is in the central square of the city.
*The [[Achaia Clauss]] wine industry and tasting center, which is on the outskirts in [[Petroto, Achaea|Petroto]] village. It was founded in 1861 by the [[Bavaria]]n Gustav Clauss and is most famous for its [[Mavrodafni|Mavrodaphne]].This place also houses the oldest wine of Greece, the old mavrodaphne of 1873.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
*Residence of [[Kostis Palamas]], a preserved neoclassical building on 241 Corinthou Street in the city center, where [[poet]] Kostis Palamas and the Italian painter [[Matilde Serao]] were born.
* Old Patras Hospital, a neoclassical building on Ano Poli, near Castle, designed by architect [[Christian Hansen (architect)|Christian Hansen]]. 
* Glafkos Hydroelectric Power Station, the first H.P.S. in Greece, which is oporate and also a part is museum.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}
* The Ottoman baths (16th century), still retain their initial use, and are one of the oldest Ottoman baths surviving in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thebest.gr/article/317404-|title=Πάτρα: Το αρχαιότερο σε λειτουργία χαμάμ της Ελλάδας - Εκεί που εξαγνίζονται ψυχές και σώματα ανελλιπώς απο τον 17ο αιώνα!|date=23 February 2015|website=THE BEST|access-date=23 September 2019|archive-date=23 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923172151/https://www.thebest.gr/article/317404-|url-status=live}}</ref>
*The [[Patras Lighthouse]], a reconstructed "Faros", a landmark of the city.
*The Agiou Nikolaou Stairs, Gerokostopoulou Stairs, Patreos Stairs and Trion Navarchon Stairs, outdoor grand staircases all over the centre of the city dividing the upper town from downtown.
*[[Rio–Antirrio Bridge|Rio-Antirrio Bridge]], is a modern landmark of place and one of the world's longest multi-span [[Cable-stayed bridge|cable-stayed]] [[bridge]]s and longest of the fully suspended type.

===Parks and squares===
*[[Georgiou I Square]], the central square and the heart of the city. It was named after King [[George I of Greece|George I]]. The square's fountains were installed in 1875 at a cost of 70,000 drachmas each, a huge amount for the finances of Greece and Patra at the time. It was and continues to be the center of political and cultural life in the city, hosting all significant activities, political gatherings, rallies, cultural events and, most importantly for some, its carnival.
*[[Ethnikis Antistaseos Square (Patras)|Ethnikis Antistaseos]] ("National Resistance Square")
[[File:Πάτρα, οικία Κωστή Παλαμά.jpg|thumb|200px|Inside the home of Palamas]]
*[[Kapodistria Square]] in the district of [[Markato]].
*[[Trion Symmachon Square]] bears the name of the three Allied Powers who fought in the [[Battle of Navarino]]; Britain, France and Russia. The square features a flower clock and links the Agiou Nikolaou pedestrian way with the seaside front and the dock of Agios Nikolaos.
*[[Psilalonia]] Square ({{Lang|el|Ψηλαλώνια}} or formally {{Lang|el|Πλατεία Υψηλών Αλωνίων}}) is one of Patras's most popular squares. It is {{convert|1.5|km|abbr=on}} from downtown Patras, next to the city's main north–south street, Gounari Street. It features a fountain, many sidewalks, [[Palm tree|palm]] trees and playgrounds. A bronze statue of [[Germanos of Patras]] stands on the northern end, while a memorial plaque to people executed during the [[Axis occupation of Greece during World War II|Axis occupation of Greece]] stands on the south-western corner. {{Citation needed|date=February 2020}} It is surrounded by several shops, restaurants and cafes and a number of [[Modern architecture|modernist]] buildings. It was completed in the mid-to-late 19th century, when trees were added, along with neoclassical buildings. After World War II and the [[Greek Civil War]], however, and through the 1960s and 1970s, most neoclassical buildings were replaced by eight-storey residential buildings. {{Citation needed|date=February 2020}} In the west end, a {{convert|15|m|ft|adj=mid|-tall}} cliff overlooks the pedestrian [[Trion Navarchon Street]], and offers a wide vista across the western [[Gulf of Patras]], including the mountains of [[Aetolia-Acarnania|Aitoloakarnania]].[[File:Διακήρυξη επαναστατών Πάτρας 1821.jpg|thumb|160px|right|The declaration of the revolutionaries of Patras (1821), engraved on a stele, Saint George Square]]
*Saint George Square ({{Lang|el|Πλατεία Αγίου Γεωργίου}}). There is the monument to the fighters of 1821 on which is engraved the "declaration of the revolutionaries of Patras to the states of Europe" (22 March 1821).
* The Spinney of Patras ({{Lang|el|Δασύλλιο}}), is in a pine-tree-covered hill, which is dubbed "the [[Gulf of Patras]]' veranda" because of the panoramic view it offers. The spinney is ideal for recreational walks and jogging, with its specially formed paths and the shade offered by the tall trees.
*South Park of Patras [[File:Κύματα Πάτρα Νότιο Πάρκο.jpg|thumb|Waves Patras South Park]]

===Architecture===
[[File:Kolokotronistr.jpg|thumb|left|Kolokotroni street in central Patras.]]

[[File:Patras Roman Odeon 9281478.jpg|thumb|External view of the Roman Οdeon]]

Patra is a relatively newly built city, as its medieval buildings were completely destroyed in the [[Greek War of Independence]]. The oldest surviving buildings (apart from ancient monuments and the castle) are the church of [[Pantocrator Church, Patras|Pantocrator]] in Ano Poli and a residential building (Tzini's house) at the corner of Agiou Nikolaou and Maisonos street, built in 1832. The area on the south of the castle, around the Roman [[Odeon (building)|Odeon]], the church of Pantokrator, in the Upper Town (Ano Poli), is the most appealing of the city, because of its status as the only area where construction height is limited to two-storey buildings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.westpoint.gr/news_details.php?id=18 |title=WESTPOINT - Mια αρχιτεκτονική βόλτα στην Πάτρα |publisher=Westpoint.gr |access-date=2012-10-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326122813/http://www.westpoint.gr/news_details.php?id=18 |archive-date=2012-03-26 }}</ref>
Ιn Ano Poli is interesting the old school complex "Georgios Glarakis" work of the architect Georgios Petrιtsopoulos in 1931 which is built with stone and recently became a nice bioclimatic school.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} At the beginning of the 20th century, outside the school complex "Georgios Glarakis", line 2 of the tram ended, starting from Agios Dionysios, going up  Dimitriou Gounari Street, passing behind the church of Pantanassa, entering Roman Odeon and finished outside the Glarakis school complex.{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}
[[File:Paleon patron germanou street patras 1915 2020.jpg|thumb|Section of Germanou Patras Street in two consecutive photographic illustrations; the first in 1915, the second in 2020.]]

Historical buildings and mansions of the city, apart Tzini's house, include also the Prapopoulos building, Golfinopoulos mansion (''Alhambra''), Perivolaropoulos mansion, Palamas house, while among the demolished after WWII were Tsiklitiras mansion, Kanellopoulos house, Chaidopoulos building, Frangopoulos house, Green mansion and Mineyko mansion.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thebest.gr/amp/article/516216- |title=Αρχιτεκτονικοί θησαυροί της Πάτρας που έγιναν πολυκατοικίες |access-date=30 March 2020 |archive-date=6 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806090447/https://www.thebest.gr/amp/article/516216- |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Districts and neighbourhoods===
{{Main|List of neighbourhoods in Patras}}

[[File:Map Patras Stamatis Voulgaris 1829.jpg|thumb|252x252px|The first urban plan of Patras by [[Stamatis Voulgaris]] (1829)]]
[[File:Patras districts.PNG|thumb|right|Patras city districts.]]
Nowadays, the municipal units of [[Rio, Greece|Rio]], [[Paralia, Achaea|Paralia]], [[Messatida]] and [[Vrachnaiika]] have functionally become a part of the wider urban complex of Patras. Apart from the city center, the main districts of Patras are:
{|
|-
| valign="top" |
''Patras municipal unit'':
*[[Agyia]] (north)
*[[Agia Sofia, Patras|Agia Sofia]] (north)
*[[Anthoupoli, Patras|Anthoupoli]] (north)
*[[Aroi, Patras|Aroi]] (east)
*[[Begoulaki]] (south)
*[[Bozaitika]] (north)
*[[Eglykada]] (east)
*[[Gouva, Patras|Gouva]] (north)
*[[Ities, Patras|Ities]] (south)
| valign="top" |

*[[Koukouli (Patras)|Koukouli]] (east)
*[[Neo Souli, Achaea|Neo Souli]] (east)
*[[Perivola, Patras|Perivola]] (east)
*[[Prosfygika]] (east)
*[[Psarofai]] (east)
*[[Tabachana]] (east)
*[[Zarouchleika|Glafkos]] (south)
*[[Zavlani]] (north)
| valign="top" |
''Rio municipal unit'':
*[[Agios Georgios, Achaea|Agios Georgios Riou]]
*[[Agios Vasileios, Achaea|Agios Vasileios]]
*Aktaio
*[[Ano Kastritsi]]
*[[Arachovitika]]
*[[Kato Kastritsi]]
*[[Psathopyrgos]]
| valign="top" |
''Paralia'':
*[[Paralia, Achaea|Paralia]]
*[[Mintilogli]]
*[[Roitika]]
| valign="top" |
''Messatida'':
*[[Ovrya]]
*[[Kallithea, Achaea|Kallithea]]
*[[Petroto (Achaia), Greece|Petroto]]
*[[Saravali]]
| valign="top" |
''Vrachneika'':
*[[Vrachnaiika]]
*[[Kaminia, Achaea|Kaminia]]
*[[Monodendri, Achaea|Monodendri]]
*[[Tsoukalaiika, Achaea|Tsoukalaiika]]
|}

==Geography==
Patras is {{convert|215|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} west of Athens by road, {{convert|94|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} northeast of [[Pyrgos, Elis|Pyrgos]], {{convert|7|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of [[Rio, Greece|Rio]], {{convert|134|km|mi|0|abbr=in}} west of [[Corinth, Greece|Corinth]], {{convert|77|km|0|abbr=in}} northwest of [[Kalavryta]] and {{convert|144|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} northwest of [[Tripoli, Greece|Tripoli]].

A central feature of the [[urban geography]] of Patras is its division into upper and lower sections. This is the result of an interplay between natural geography and human settlement patterns; the lower section of the city (Kato Poli), 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 (Ano Poli) covers the area of the pre-modern settlement, around the Fortress, on what is the last elevation of Mount Panachaikon ({{convert|1926|m|ft|0|abbr=on}})<ref name="ABC">{{cite web|url=http://www.ditikiellada-region.com/en_contents.asp?id=92|title=Region of Western Greece: Geography|publisher=Ditikiellda-region.com|access-date=9 February 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927214544/http://www.ditikiellada-region.com/en_contents.asp?id=92|archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref> before the Gulf of Patras.

===Hydrology===
The largest river in the area is the [[Glafkos (river)|Glafkos]], flowing to the south of Patras. 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]].<ref>Thomopoulos, St. N, ''History of the City of Patras from Antiquity to 1821'', Patrai 1952, (ed. Triantafyllou, K.N.)</ref> Other smaller streams are ''[[Charadros]]'', ''[[Meilichos]]'', ''Kallinaos'', ''[[Panagitsa (stream)|Panagitsa]]'' and the mountain torrent ''Diakoniaris''.

===Climate===
Patras, like much of [[Western Greece]], has a hot-summer [[Mediterranean climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''Csa''). It features the typical mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, with spring and autumn being pleasant transitional seasons. Autumn in Patras, however, is wetter than spring. Humidity is high during the winter months and lower during the summer. Snowfall is extremely rare in coastal areas but is more common and abundant in the surrounding mountains. Patras falls in 10b [[hardiness zone]].<ref name="meteo.gr">{{cite web | url=https://www.meteo.gr/Monthly_Bulletins.cfm | title=Meteo.gr - Προγνώσεις καιρού για όλη την Ελλάδα | access-date=13 January 2024 | archive-date=2 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202121511/https://meteo.gr/Monthly_Bulletins.cfm | url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Weather box
| location = Patras Port (2008-2024)
| width = 70%
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
|Jan high C=14.1
|Feb high C=14.9
|Mar high C=16.2
|Apr high C=19.4
|May high C=23.0
|Jun high C=27.1
|Jul high C=30.2
|Aug high C=31.4
|Sep high C=27.4
|Oct high C=23.4
|Nov high C=19.8
|Dec high C=16.0

|Jan mean C= 11.7
|Feb mean C=12.4
|Mar mean C=13.7
|Apr mean C=16.7
|May mean C=20.3
|Jun mean C=24.3
|Jul mean C=27.3
|Aug mean C=28.3
|Sep mean C=24.8
|Oct mean C=20.7
|Nov mean C=17.2
|Dec mean C=13.6

|Jan low C= 9.3
|Feb low C= 9.9
|Mar low C= 11.1
|Apr low C=14.0
|May low C=17.6
|Jun low C=21.5
|Jul low C=24.3
|Aug low C=25.1
|Sep low C=22.2
|Oct low C=17.9
|Nov low C=14.6
|Dec low C= 11.2

|Jan record high C  = 24.9
|Feb record high C  = 25.6
|Mar record high C  = 25.1
|Apr record high C  = 32.0
|May record high C  = 37.2
|Jun record high C  = 38.9
|Jul record high C  = 40.5
|Aug record high C  = 40.7
|Sep record high C  = 35.7
|Oct record high C  = 30.6
|Nov record high C  = 28.1
|Dec record high C  = 26.8
|Jan record low C   = 1.2
|Feb record low C   = -0.9
|Mar record low C   = 2.3
|Apr record low C   = 8.2
|May record low C   = 11.9
|Jun record low C   = 15.0
|Jul record low C   = 19.3
|Aug record low C   = 20.1
|Sep record low C   = 15.8
|Oct record low C   = 9.2
|Nov record low C   = 7.4
|Dec record low C   = 3.0
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm=109.5
|Feb rain mm=67.9
|Mar rain mm=71.2
|Apr rain mm=36.9
|May rain mm=23.5
|Jun rain mm=16.5
|Jul rain mm= 5.3
|Aug rain mm= 7.0
|Sep rain mm=39.6
|Oct rain mm=89.2
|Nov rain mm=109.8
|Dec rain mm=115.2

|source 1= [[National Observatory of Athens]] Monthly Bulletins (Jan 2008 -  Mar 2024) <ref name="meteo.gr">{{cite web | url=https://www.meteo.gr/Monthly_Bulletins.cfm | title=Meteo.gr - Προγνώσεις καιρού για όλη την Ελλάδα | access-date=13 January 2024 | archive-date=2 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202121511/https://meteo.gr/Monthly_Bulletins.cfm | url-status=live }}</ref> |source 2= Patras N.O.A station <ref>{{cite web | url=https://penteli.meteo.gr/stations/patra/ | title=Latest Conditions in Patras | access-date=13 January 2024 | archive-date=11 July 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711010056/https://penteli.meteo.gr/stations/patra/ | url-status=live }}</ref> and [[World Meteorological Organization]]<ref name="WMO">{{cite web | url=https://oscar.wmo.int/surface/#/search/station/stationReportDetails/0-300-1-patra | title=World Meteorological Organization | accessdate=14 July 2023 | archive-date=20 June 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620125224/https://oscar.wmo.int/surface/#/search/station/stationReportDetails/0-300-1-patra | url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

===Ecology===
[[File:The city of Patras from the Dasillio hill.jpg|300px|thumb|The city of Patras from the Dasyllio hill with a view of the Patraikos-Corinthiakos Gulf and the Rio-Antirio Bridge.]]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 {{convert|30|ha|abbr=on|}}, north of the city centre. 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''.<ref>{{cite web |author=Chris K |url=http://www.ornithologiki.gr/en/enmain.htm |publisher=Hellenic Ornithological Society |title=Birds, birding and conservation in Greece |access-date=2009-01-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225143515/http://www.ornithologiki.gr/en/enmain.htm |archive-date=25 December 2008 }}</ref>

==Government==
[[File:Periferia Dytikis Elladas.png|thumb|220px|[[Administrative regions of Greece|Administrative region]] of [[Western Greece]].]]
Patras is the regional capital of [[Western Greece]] and the capital of the [[Achaea]] regional unit. Since 2011, the city is also the capital of the administrative division, which includes (along with Western Greece) the [[modern regions of Greece|regions]] of [[Peloponnese (region)|Peloponnese]] and the [[Ionian Islands (region)|Ionian Islands]].

===Municipality===
[[File:2011 Dimos Patreon.png|thumb|Patras municipality within the region of Western Greece.]]
[[File:Achaia cities Patras suburbs.png|thumb|Patras municipality (in green, Dimos Patreon) and its municipal units within the regional unit of [[Achaea]].]]
The current municipality of Patras was formed at the 2011 [[Administrative divisions of Greece|local government reform]] by the merger of 5 municipalities that made up the Patras Urban Area. These former municipalities, which became municipal units, are:<ref name=Kallikratis>{{Cite web|url=http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wGYK2xFpSwMnXdtvSoClrL8-SrPzKAEPjjtIl9LGdkF53UIxsx942CdyqxSQYNuqAGCF0IfB9HI6hq6ZkZV96FIukI0UzcPsWCK0LpLhpa7rhiWB4R5ntTnoWw7U8E1Amg.|title=ΦΕΚ A 87/2010, Kallikratis reform law text|language=el|publisher=[[Government Gazette (Greece)|Government Gazette]]|access-date=7 September 2021|archive-date=18 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718094132/http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wGYK2xFpSwMnXdtvSoClrL8-SrPzKAEPjjtIl9LGdkF53UIxsx942CdyqxSQYNuqAGCF0IfB9HI6hq6ZkZV96FIukI0UzcPsWCK0LpLhpa7rhiWB4R5ntTnoWw7U8E1Amg.|url-status=live}}</ref> (in parentheses their population, 2011)

*[[Messatida]] (13,852)
*[[Paralia, Achaea|Paralia]] (9,987)
*Patras (170,896)
*[[Rio, Greece|Rio]] (14,034)
*[[Vrachnaiika]] (4,627)

The municipality has an area of {{convert|334.858|km2|0|abbr=on}}, the municipal unit {{convert|125.420|km2|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name=stat01>{{cite web|url=http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf|publisher=National Statistical Service of Greece|title=Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)|language=el|access-date=15 November 2016|archive-date=21 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921212047/http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Demographics==
[[File:Historical Population Patras.PNG|thumb|Population of Patras (dark blue) and urban area of Patras (blue) from 1853 to 2007.]]
The following list presents demographic data on the municipality of Patras over the years 2012.

{| class="wikitable" style="float:top; width:240px; font-size:90%; margin-right:10px;"
|- style="background:#efefef;" 
! colspan=5 style="border-right:0;"| Historical Population<ref>1928&ndash;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</ref><ref>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</ref><ref>Data on municipal and urban population refer to '''permanent''' population and are taken from: the "2001 Census" of the [http://www.statistics.gr/ National Statistical Service of Greece] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227225934/http://www.statistics.gr/ |date=27 February 2011 }}</ref>
|- style="background:#efefef; text-align:center;"
|| '''Year'''
|| '''Patras municipality'''
|-
|align=center| 1853 ||align=center| 15,854 
|-
|align=center| 1861 ||align=center| 18,342 
|-
|align=center| 1870 ||align=center| 16,641 
|-
|align=center| 1879 ||align=center| 25,494 
|-
|align=center| 1889 ||align=center| 33,529 
|-
|align=center| 1896 ||align=center| 37,985 
|-
|align=center| 1907 ||align=center| 37,728 
|-
|align=center| 1920 ||align=center| 52,174
|-
|align=center| 1928 ||align=center| 61,278 
|-
|align=center| 1951 ||align=center| 87,570 
|-
|align=center| 1961 ||align=center| 96,100 
|-
|align=center| 1971 ||align=center| 112,228
|-
|align=center| 1981 ||align=center| 142,163
|-
|align=center| 1991 ||align=center| 161,782
|-
|align=center| 2001 ||align=center| 171,616
|-
|align=center| 2007 ||align=center| 180,000 
|-
|align=center| 2011 ||align=center| 213,984
|-
|align=center| 2021 ||align=center| 215,922
|}
From 2011 on, can data also reflect the city's urban area population, as all the municipalities that made up the Patras Urban Area were joined to create the new larger Patras municipality, formed at the 2011 [[Administrative divisions of Greece|local government reform]].   
{{clear}}

==Infrastructure==

Heavy infrastructure works performed in the 2000s include the [[Peiros-Parapeiros dam]] (to provide water supply for Patras and surrounding towns)<ref>{{cite web |author=Loizos Bailas, Mixalis Kaplanidis |url=http://www.michaniki.gr/newsite/erga_new_34.cfm |title=MHXANIKH AE |publisher=Michaniki.gr |access-date=2009-01-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928043856/http://www.michaniki.gr/newsite/erga_new_34.cfm |archive-date=2007-09-28 }}</ref> 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. A metropolitan optical network will be deployed in the city, with a total length of {{convert|48|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="opnet">{{cite web|url=http://ru6.cti.gr/broadband/el/man_93_patras.php|title=Metropolitan Optical Network of Patras|publisher=Ru6.cti.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116054243/http://ru6.cti.gr/broadband/el/man_93_patras.php|archive-date=2009-01-16}}</ref>

Two major state hospitals operate in the city: the [[Agios Andreas Hospital]] is the oldest of the two; and [[General University Hospital of Patras]]. There also exists two smaller state hospitals, Karamandanio - a children's hospital, and the Center of Chest Diseases of Southwestern Greece.  A large range of private hospitals and clinics operate in parallel.

Numerous art venues<ref name="infracult">{{cite web|url=http://www.patras2006.gr/en/modules/html/index.php?id=19|title=European Culture Capital, Patras Venues|publisher=Patras2006.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070723082336/http://www.patras2006.gr/en/modules/html/index.php?id=19|archive-date=2007-07-23}}</ref> and an ultra-modern [[Archaeological Museum of Patras|archaeological museum]]<ref name="archaeological">{{cite web|url=http://ktizon.blogspot.com/2007/03/new-archaeological-museum-patras.html|title=Ktizon, Presentation of the Archaeological museum of Patras|date=28 March 2007|publisher=Ktizon.blogspot.com|access-date=2012-10-02|archive-date=10 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100110200201/http://ktizon.blogspot.com/2007/03/new-archaeological-museum-patras.html|url-status=live}}</ref> were constructed for the needs of European Culture Capital designation. The cultural and educational facilities include the Municipal Library, the university libraries, many theatres, the municipal art gallery,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infocenterpatras.gr/texni_en.php|title=Cultural Facilities in Patras|publisher=Infocenterpatras.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005071836/http://www.infocenterpatras.gr/texni_en.php|archive-date=2011-10-05|url-status=dead}}</ref> the [[University of Patras]]'s facilities, the Hellenic Open University and the Technical Institute of Patras. A number of research facilities are also established in the university campus area.

==Economy==
{{see also|Economy of Greece}}
[[File:Raisin.JPG|thumb|Raisin exports; port of Patras, 19th century.]]
[[File:VIANEX S.A. Factory D (Industrial zone of Patras).png|thumb|[[Vianex S.A.|Vianex]] factory D in the industrial zone of Patras]]
[[File:University of Patras Hospital and department of medicine.jpg|thumb| [[University of Patras]] buildings with the [[Rio-Antirio bridge]] in the background.]]
[[File:Patras university hospital main building- partial view.jpg|thumb|[[General University Hospital of Patras]]]]

The economy of the city largely depends on its service sector.
 
The area still retains some of its traditional winemaking and foodstuff industries as well as a small agricultural sector. {{citation needed|date=June 2020}} Major businesses in Patras include:

===Services sector===
Most Greek banks have their regional headquarters for Western Greece in Patras.

In 2010, the new Infocenter of Patras was established, inside the neoclassical building of the former market "Agora Argyri", in Ayiou Andreou street. The building includes a conference hall, along with multi-purpose and exhibitional spaces.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thebest.gr/news/index/viewStory/7985 |title=Παραδίδεται το έργο της ανάπλασης της Αγοράς Αργύρη - Οικονομία |publisher=Thebest.gr |date=2010-01-19 |access-date=2012-10-02 |archive-date=23 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323063108/http://www.thebest.gr/news/index/viewStory/7985 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The regional unit of [[Achaea]] has about 4,800 hotels rooms and in 2006, 286,000 tourists, mainly from Greece, stayed in the area for a total of 634,000 days.<ref name="tourismstat1">{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gr/gr_tables/S604B_STO_1_TB_AN_06_3_Y.pdf|title=Greek Statistics Organization, Tourism data - 2006}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="tourismstat2">{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gr/gr_tables/S604B_STO_1_TB_AN_06_4_Y.pdf|title=Greek Statistics Organization, Tourism data - 2006}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

=== Manufacturing sector ===
Patras still has a large manufacturing base for a variety of industries.

The [[Titan Cement|Titan Cement Company]] operates a large cement factory, with a private port, in [[Psathopyrgos]], a suburb of Patras.

Patras hosts several timber manufacturing companies, and a wood distribution center of [[Shelman]]. The largest local company is ''Abex''.<ref name="abex">{{cite web|url=http://www.abex.gr/en/index.html|title=Abex Timber Manufacturing|publisher=Abex.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903034132/http://www.abex.gr/en/index.html|archive-date=2011-09-03}}</ref>
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.

Patras has several packing and industrial equipment companies. The most important of them are the local ''Antzoulatos'' and the [[Multinational corporation|multinational]] [[Frigoglass]], a subsidiary of [[Coca-Cola]], headquartered in the suburbs of Patras. [[Ideal Bikes]] is the leading bike producer in Greece, with large export activities.

The once omnipresent [[textile industry]] of the city is now almost defunct after the shut-down of the huge factory of ''[[Peiraiki-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.

===Food===
[[File:Οινοποιείο ΑΧΑΪΑ ΚΛΑΟΥΣ 3.jpg|thumb|The [[Achaia Clauss]] wine factory, founded in 1861 by Gustav Clauss, famous for its [[Mavrodaphne]].]]

Some of the largest industries in the city belong to the soft drinks and drinks sector. There are factories from [[Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCHBC)|Coca-Cola HBC]] and [[Heineken brands#Athenian Brewery|Athenian Brewery]] established in area, along with the facilities of the largest local company in soft-drinks production, ''[[Loux (company)|Loux]]'' ({{Lang|el|ΛΟΥΞ}}). The city is also home to many leading Greek wineries and distilleries, among them the venerable [[Achaia Clauss]] and Parparoussi located in Rio. In the food sector, [[Friesland Foods]], through the local subsidiary ''NoyNoy'', operates a new yogurt factory in the city's industrial area. Patras is also home to important fish-farming companies (''Andromeda'', ''Nireus'').<ref name="andromeda">{{cite web|url=http://www.andromedaaquaculture.gr/|title=Andromeda Aquaculture|publisher=Andromeda aquaculture.gr|access-date=2012-10-02}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="nireus">{{cite web|url=http://www.nireus.gr/default.jsp|title=Nireus Aquaculture|publisher=Nireus.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316055018/http://www.nireus.gr/default.jsp|archive-date=2011-03-16}}</ref> ECOFEED operates in the industrial zone of Patras, the largest fish-feeds factory in the Mediterranean.<ref name="ecofeed_factory">{{cite web |url=http://www.lkmk.gr/index.php?page=projects&category=1&project=0 |title=λκμκ αρχιτέκτονες μηχανικοί - Βιομηχανικοί χώροι - Εργοστάσιο Παραγωγής Ιχθυοτροφών στην ΒΙ.ΠΕ. Πατρών |publisher=Lkmk.gr |access-date=2012-10-02 |archive-date=22 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222193752/http://www.lkmk.gr/index.php?page=projects&category=1&project=0 |url-status=live }}</ref> The city hosts the second-largest [[Gristmill|flour-mills]] in Greece, ''Kepenou-Mills''.<ref name="kepenou">{{cite web|url=http://tovima.dolnet.gr/print_article.php?e=B&f=13570&m=D17&aa=2|archive-url=https://archive.today/20081207140858/http://tovima.dolnet.gr/print_article.php?e=B&f=13570&m=D17&aa=2|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-12-07|title=Kepenou mills|publisher=Tovima.dolnet.gr|access-date=2012-10-02}}</ref>

===Energy sector===
[[File:Θέα προς ΒΑ από την κορυφή του Παναχαϊκού... - panoramio.jpg|thumb|View of the wind park on [[Panachaiko]] mountain.]]
[[Acciona]] has completed the largest [[wind park]] in Greece, on the [[Panachaiko]] mountain, overlooking the city of Patras.<ref name="acciona">{{cite web|url=http://www.acciona-energia.com/default.asp?x=0002020101&lang=En#gre|title=Acciona Wind Parks|publisher=Acciona-energia.com|access-date=2012-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114014758/http://www.acciona-energia.com/default.asp?x=0002020101&lang=En#gre|archive-date=2009-01-14}}</ref> The Public Electric Company, operates a small hydroelectric plant on river [[Glafkos (river)|Glafkos]].<ref name="glaykos">{{cite web|url=http://www.dei.gr/Default.aspx?t=MapStation.aspx&id=174&nt=124&lang=2|title=Glafkos Hydroelectric Power Station|publisher=Dei.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|archive-date=5 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205035610/http://www.dei.gr/Default.aspx?t=MapStation.aspx&id=174&nt=124&lang=2|url-status=live}}</ref>

===IT sector===
[[Intracom]] (Greece's largest multinational provider of telecommunications products) facilities in Patras house the offices of Telecommunications Software Development, Terminal Equipment Design, Development Programmes, and Support Services divisions. Expansion plans have recently been completed.<ref name="intracom">{{cite web |url=http://www.intracom-telecom.com/en/company/profile/infrastructure.htm#patras |title=Intracom Telecom: Infrastructure |publisher=Intracom-telecom.com |access-date=2012-10-02 |archive-date=2 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102060318/http://www.intracom-telecom.com/en/company/profile/infrastructure.htm#patras |url-status=live }}</ref> INTRASOFT, another core company of INTRACOM holdings group, has recently (2018) began operations in Patras and it is expected to expand its activities in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gnomip.gr/patra-west-greece/97447-intrasoft-%CF%83%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%B1%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%AE-%CE%B5%CF%80%CE%AD%CE%BD%CE%B4%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B7-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BD-%CE%B1%CF%87%CE%B1%CF%8A%CE%B1-%CE%BE%CE%B5%CE%BA%CE%AF%CE%BD%CE%B7%CF%83%CE%B5-%CE%B7-%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%B9%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%85%CF%81%CE%B3%CE%AF%CE%B1-%CE%BD%CE%AD%CE%BF%CF%85-%CF%85%CF%80%CE%BF%CE%BA%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%B1%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AE%CE%BC%CE%B1%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%82-%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BD-%CF%80%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BF%CF%87%CE%AE-%CE%B1%CE%B3%CE%AF%CE%BF%CF%85-%CE%B2%CE%B1%CF%83%CE%B9%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%AF%CE%BF%CF%85 |title=Intrasoft launched the new branch operation in the suburbs of Patras, an article in newspaper "GNOMI" (13 November 2018) |access-date=18 May 2019 |archive-date=18 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518131716/https://www.gnomip.gr/patra-west-greece/97447-intrasoft-%25CF%2583%25CE%25B7%25CE%25BC%25CE%25B1%25CE%25BD%25CF%2584%25CE%25B9%25CE%25BA%25CE%25AE-%25CE%25B5%25CF%2580%25CE%25AD%25CE%25BD%25CE%25B4%25CF%2585%25CF%2583%25CE%25B7-%25CF%2583%25CF%2584%25CE%25B7%25CE%25BD-%25CE%25B1%25CF%2587%25CE%25B1%25CF%258A%25CE%25B1-%25CE%25BE%25CE%25B5%25CE%25BA%25CE%25AF%25CE%25BD%25CE%25B7%25CF%2583%25CE%25B5-%25CE%25B7-%25CE%25BB%25CE%25B5%25CE%25B9%25CF%2584%25CE%25BF%25CF%2585%25CF%2581%25CE%25B3%25CE%25AF%25CE%25B1-%25CE%25BD%25CE%25AD%25CE%25BF%25CF%2585-%25CF%2585%25CF%2580%25CE%25BF%25CE%25BA%25CE%25B1%25CF%2584%25CE%25B1%25CF%2583%25CF%2584%25CE%25AE%25CE%25BC%25CE%25B1%25CF%2584%25CE%25BF%25CF%2582-%25CF%2583%25CF%2584%25CE%25B7%25CE%25BD-%25CF%2580%25CE%25B5%25CF%2581%25CE%25B9%25CE%25BF%25CF%2587%25CE%25AE-%25CE%25B1%25CE%25B3%25CE%25AF%25CE%25BF%25CF%2585-%25CE%25B2%25CE%25B1%25CF%2583%25CE%25B9%25CE%25BB%25CE%25B5%25CE%25AF%25CE%25BF%25CF%2585 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Corallia Innovation Hub, Innohub hosts many companies focusing on Microelectronics.<ref name="Innohub">{{cite web|url= http://www.corallia.org/en/services/patras-innovation-hub-innohub.html|title= Corallia Innohub|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140329222628/http://corallia.org/en/services/patras-innovation-hub-innohub.html|archive-date= 2014-03-29}}</ref>  Among them one of the largest is the multinational software company [[Citrix Systems]] which operates a R&D centre with more than 100 computer scientists and engineers. Another company that maintains an R&D center in Patras is [[Dialog Semiconductor]], a UK-based manufacturer of semiconductor-based system solutions. Another large Greek IT company, Unisystems announced recently (October 2018) the signing of a cooperation agreement with the Patras-based IT company Knowledge SA, that lays the foundation for the establishment of a Remote Development Center in Patras.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unisystems.gr/news/uni-systems-opens-remote-development-center-cooperation-knowledge-broadband-services|title=Uni Systems opens Remote Development Center in cooperation with Knowledge Broadband Services &#124; Unisystems|website=www.unisystems.gr|access-date=18 May 2019|archive-date=18 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518140559/https://www.unisystems.gr/news/uni-systems-opens-remote-development-center-cooperation-knowledge-broadband-services|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Research and technology===
[[Patras Science Park]] is an incubator for many small but upcoming technology companies.<ref name="psp">{{cite web |url=http://www.psp.org.gr/apps/en/stem/listcompanies.html |title=Patras Science Park - Hosted Companies |work=Patras Science Park |access-date=2012-10-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205173452/http://www.psp.org.gr/apps/en/stem/listcompanies.html |archive-date=2008-12-05 }}</ref><ref name="patrasaward">{{cite web |url=http://www.ekt.gr/content/display?ses_mode=rnd&ses_lang=el&prnbr=68645 |title=Awards of the 7th International Venture Capital Forum |access-date=2012-10-02 |language=el |archive-date=5 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205055532/http://www.ekt.gr/content/display?ses_mode=rnd&ses_lang=el&prnbr=68645 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[CBL Patras]], a global manufacturer of [[specialty chemicals]] and active pharmaceutical ingredients, is a startup from a professor of the [[University of Patras]].

[[Vianex]], owned by [[Pavlos Giannakopoulos]], has its largest production facilities in the industrial area of the city.<ref name="vianex">{{cite web|url=http://www.vianex.gr/htmlsite/infrastructure.asp?id=15|title=Vianex facilities in Patras|publisher=Vianex.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|archive-date=8 August 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070808200904/http://www.vianex.gr/htmlsite/infrastructure.asp?id=15|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Nobacco]], a Greek [[electronic cigarette]] brand, works mainly with cooperation with the university of Patras.

There has been a significant development in the [[Research and development|R&D]] sector, in the last few years, as a result of the many research institutes and the university impact in the area. The [[Research Academic Computer Technology Institute|Computer Technology Institute]] and the Industrial Systems Institute<ref name="isi">{{cite web|url=http://www.isi.gr/eng/default.htm|title=Industrial Systems Institute|publisher=Isi.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927001312/http://www.isi.gr/eng/default.htm|archive-date=2007-09-27}}</ref> of Greece are headquartered in Patras. The city is also a host to the [[Foundation for Research & Technology - Hellas|FORTH]]-ICE-HT (Institute of Chemical Engineering & High Temperature Chemical Processes)<ref name="forth">{{cite web|url=http://www.iceht.forth.gr/|title=Institute of Chemical Engineering & High Temperature Chemical Processes|publisher=Iceht.forth.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|archive-date=8 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308233726/https://www.iceht.forth.gr/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the Institute of Biomedical Technology.<ref name="inbit">{{cite web|url=http://www.inbit.gr/|title=Institute of Biomedical Technology|publisher=Inbit.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|archive-date=12 July 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060712044055/http://www.inbit.gr/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Media==

{|
|-
| valign="top" |

'''Press'''

* ''[[I Imera]]''
* ''[[Kosmos tis Patras]]''
* ''[[Peloponnisos (newspaper)]]''
* ''[[Symvoulos Epicheiriseon]]'' (financial)
* ''[[Sport Week]]'' (sports)

| valign="top" |

'''Television'''
* [[Achaia Channel]]
* Ionian TV
* [[Super B (TV channel)|Super B]]

|}

==Culture==
[[File:PATRAS2006 006 edited.jpg|thumb|left|[[Apollon Theatre (Patras)|Apollon Theatre]], designed by [[Ernst Ziller]].]]
[[File:Kingcarnival.jpg|thumb|[[Patras Carnival]]; the float of the "King of the Carnival".]]
[[File:Patra by night.JPG|thumb|Gerokostopoulou street during the [[Patras Carnival]].]]
[[File:Municipal Library of Patra interior.jpg|thumb|Inside the municipal library.]]
The cultural activity of Patras includes the Patras International Festival (with various artistic activities, mainly in the fields of theatre and music), the [[Patras Carnival]]  and the Poetry Symposium.<ref name="Poetry Symposium">{{cite web |url=http://www.poetrysymposium.gr/ |title=Συμπόσιο Ποίησης |publisher=Poetrysymposium.gr |date=2012-07-18 |access-date=2012-10-02 |archive-date=30 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930154817/http://www.poetrysymposium.gr/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The city hosts many museums, including the [[Archaeological Museum of Patras|Patras Archaeological Museum]]  the History and Ethnology Museum, the Folk Art Museum, the Press Museum and the Technology Museum, the latter in the campus of [[Patras University]].

Other cultural institutes are: the Visual Arts Workshop, the [[icon]] painting school, the [[Carnival]] Float Workshop, the Municipal [[Library]], the Municipal [[Art museum|Gallery]], along with many private art galleries. The architectural heritage of the city is dominated by neo-classicism, but also includes structures from other periods. Patras is also a pilot city of the [[Council of Europe]] and EU [[Intercultural cities]]  programme.

===Theatrical tradition and music===

The [[Patras Municipal and Regional Theatre]] was founded in June 1988, having as its main stage the city's landmark, the [[Apollon Theatre (Patras)|Apollon Theatre]]. Throughout its existence it has mounted critically acclaimed performances ranging from ancient [[dramaturgy]] and modern Greek, to international repertoire. The theatre cooperates with other theatrical groups, such as the ''Viomichaniki'' (Industrial) group and the ''Michani Technis'' (Art Machine).

The Roman [[Odeon (building)|Odeon]] hosts ancient dramas in the summer, while the Pantheon theater, the Art Factory, the Lithographeion and the Agora theatres provide additional venues. The International Festival of Patras takes place every summer, with a program consisting mostly of plays—both ancient drama and modern theatre—as well as various musical events.

Patras has also a very strong [[indie rock]] scene {{citation needed|date=January 2022}} with critically acclaimed bands such as [[Raining Pleasure]], Abbie Gale, Serpentine, Doch an Doris and others.

===Carnival===

The [[Patras Carnival]] (''Patrino Karnavali'') is the largest event of its kind in Greece and one of the biggest in Europe, with a heritage reaching back 160 years. The events begin on 17 January each year (St. Anthony's nameday), and last until [[Clean Monday]]. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world gather each year for its festivities, which include large events such as the mammoth sized parades of the last two weeks (up to 50.000 participants each), the Hidden Treasure Hunt (Krymmenos Thisavros), concerts, expositions, theatrical, musical, comedy and other artistic contests and events. 
Patras Carnival was originally introduced as ball-masquee' events in 1835 by the Italian origin merchant family of Moretti.

===European Capital of Culture 2006===
[[File:2006 Greece 10 Euro Patras front.jpg|thumb|left|160px|[[Euro gold and silver commemorative coins (Greece)#2006 coinage|Patras 2006 commemorative coin]].]]

Patras was chosen by the [[European Commission]] to be the [[European Capital of Culture]] for the year 2006. The concept of the event revolved around the main theme of "Bridges" and "Dialogues", drawing 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 civilisations 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.

The Selection Panel for 2006 noted in its final report:

{{blockquote|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 (organised each year for the 25 years by an ad hoc committee at the University of Patras).<ref name="Poetry Symposium"/> 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 among other things concentrate on art workshops, the transfer of know-how, way of life and entertainment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu.int/comm/culture/eac/other_actions/cap_europ/pdf_word/patras_final_report.pdf|title=Patras Final Report|publisher=Europa.eu.int|access-date=2012-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060325110128/http://europa.eu.int/comm/culture/eac/other_actions/cap_europ/pdf_word/patras_final_report.pdf|archive-date=2006-03-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu.int/comm/culture/eac/other_actions/cap_europ/cap_futur_en.html|title=Patras Future Report|publisher=Europa.eu.int|access-date=2012-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060504210548/http://europa.eu.int/comm/culture/eac/other_actions/cap_europ/cap_futur_en.html|archive-date=2006-05-04}}</ref> }}

In 2006 various cultural events were held in the context of the European Capital of Culture. Among the artists presenting their work in Patras were: [[Gary Burton]], [[Maxim Shostakovich]], [[Ian Anderson]] - with the Patras Municipal Orchestra, [[Jean Louis Trintignant]], [[Roberto Benigni]], [[Eros Ramazzotti]] and [[José Carreras]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.e-patras.gr/portal/web/common/136|title=Πολιτισμός|publisher=e-patras.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120728222922/http://www.e-patras.gr/portal/web/common/136|archive-date=2012-07-28}}</ref> With the completion of the Capital of Culture programme, a part of the old Ladopoulos factory was renovated to host exhibitions, a small theatre (named the Art Factory), was built and a number of 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. The new [[Archaeological Museum of Patras|Archaeological museum]] was completed in 2009. Its globe-like roof and modern architectural design enhances the town's northern entrance, taking its place among the other city landmarks.

===Sports===
{{main|Sports in Patras}}
[[File:Pale de spor Patras Dimitris Tofalos.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Dimitris Tofalos Arena]]]]
[[File:Kostas Davourlis Stadium (1).JPG|thumb|200px|[[Kostas Davourlis Stadium]] of [[Panachaiki G.E.]]]]
[[File:Pampeloponisiako stadio.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Pampeloponnisiako Stadium]].]]
[[File:3ο P.I.C.K Patras 2011(22).jpg|thumb|200px|Patras International Circuit for [[kart racing]].]]

Patras has several sports facilities and important teams in almost all the major Greek leagues. [[Panachaiki Gymnastiki Enosi]], [[Apollon Patras]], [[E.A. Patras]] and [[NO Patras]] are historically the major sports clubs based in the city, specialising in football, basketball, volleyball and water polo. The city's national stadium, [[Pampeloponnisiako Stadium]], was renovated and expanded in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |author=George Xenides |url=http://stadia.gr/patras/patras-gr.html |title=Παμπελοποννησιακό Εθνικό Στάδιο Πατρών |publisher=Stadia.gr |access-date=2012-10-02 |archive-date=9 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609191229/http://www.stadia.gr/patras/patras-gr.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Since 2009, a new event, the Patras International Circuit Kart takes place every September, turning the city streets into a circuit.	

The city has hosted several international sports events, such as the 1995 [[FIBA Under-19 World Basketball Cup|Basketball Under-19 World Cup]] (preliminaries), the [[1995 Men's European Volleyball Championship]] (preliminaries), the 1997 [[Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships]], the [[2001 World Wrestling Championships]], the [[EuroBasket 2003 Women]], the 2003 [[International Children's Games]], a group stage of the football tournament in the [[Football at the 2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Olympic Games]], the [[2007 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships]], the 2008 World Deaf Football Championships and the [[2019 Mediterranean Beach Games]].
 
{| class="wikitable"
|+Notable sport clubs based in Patras
|-
!width=170| Club
! Sport
! Current League
! Venue
! Location
! Capacity
! Established
! Highest ranking
|-
| rowspan=2|[[Panachaiki G.E.]]
| [[Panachaiki F.C.|Football]]
| [[Super League Greece 2|Super League 2]]
| [[Kostas Davourlis Stadium]] 
| rowspan=2|[[Agyia]]
| 11,321
| 1891
| [[1972–73 Alpha Ethniki|4th]] (1973)
|-
| [[Panachaiki V.C.|Volleyball]]
| [[A1 Ethniki Volleyball|Volleyball League]]
| [[Kostas Davourlis Stadium|Panachaiki Indoor Arena]] 
| 500
| 1928
| [[2015–16 Volleyleague (Greece)|8th]] (2016)
|-
| [[Apollon Patras BC|Apollon Patras]]
| [[Basketball]]
| [[Greek Basket League|Basket League]]
| [[Apollon Patras Indoor Hall]]
| [[Perivola, Patras|Perivola]]
| 3,500 
| 1926
| 6th (1986)
|-
| [[E.A. Patras]]
| [[Volleyball]]
| [[A2 Ethniki Volleyball|A2 Ethniki]]
| EAP Indoor Hall 
| [[Agios Dionyssios, Patras|Agios Dionysios]]
| 2,200 
| 1927
| [[A1 Ethniki Volleyball|Champion]] (1938)
|-
| [[NO Patras]]
| [[Water polo]]
| [[A1 Ethniki Water Polo|A1 Ethniki]] 
| NOP Aquatic Centre 
| Akti Dymeon
| 3,000 
| 1929
| [[A1 Ethniki Water Polo|Champion]] (x 8)
|-
| [[Thyella Patras F.C.|Thyella]]
| [[football (soccer)|Football]] 
| [[Delta Ethniki]]
| Fotis Aravantinos Stadium
| [[Glafkos (river)|Glafkos]]
| 3,000
| 1930
| 5th ''(B Ethniki)''
|-
| [[Olympiada Patras B.C.|Olympiada Patras]]
| [[Basketball]]<br />[[Volleyball]]
| [[Greek A2 Basketball League|A2 League]] <br /> [[A2 Ethniki Volleyball|A2 Ethniki]]
| Olympiada Indoor Hall
| [[Taraboura]]
| 2,500
| 1961
| 8th (2002) <br /> 10th (2007)
|-
| [[Promitheas Patras B.C.|Promitheas Patras]]
| [[Basketball]] 
| [[Greek Basket League|Basket League]]
| [[Dimitris Tofalos Arena]] 
| [[Bozaitika]]
| 4,500
| 1985
| [[2018–19 Greek Basket League|2nd]] (2019)
|-
| [[Ormi Patras]]
| [[Team handball|Handball]]
| [[Greek women's handball championship|A1 Women's]]
| National Indoor Hall
| [[Koukouli (Patras)|Koukouli]]
| 1,000
| 2003
| [[Greek Women's Handball Championship|Champion]] (x 6)
|-
| [[NE Patras]]
| [[Water polo]] 
| A2 Ethniki <br /> [[A1 Ethniki Women's Water Polo|A1 Women's]]
| Antonis Pepanos Aquatic Centre 
| [[Koukouli (Patras)|Koukouli]]
| 4,000 
| 2006
| 4th (2009) <br /> 4th (x 3)
|-
|}

===Religion===
[[File:Patras Anglican Church.JPG|thumb|240px|The [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] Church of Saint Andrew.]]
The city is the seat of the [[Church of Greece|Greek Orthodox]] [[Metropolis of Patras]]. As in the rest of the country, the largest denomination is the Orthodox Church, which represents the majority of the population. There is also a sizeable community of [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholics]] and an [[Anglican Communion|Anglican]] church, part of the [[Church of England]]'s [[Diocese in Europe]].<ref name=anglican>Diocese in Europe, [https://europe.anglican.org/where-we-are/church-locations/greece/patras Greece: Patras] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101012316/https://europe.anglican.org/where-we-are/church-locations/greece/patras |date=1 November 2020 }}, accessed 5 September 2020</ref>
[[File:Old Saint Andrew church, Patra 9281555.jpg|thumb|220px|The old Orthodox church of Saint Andrew, next to the Cathedral]]
The most significant church in the city is the Orthodox [[Cathedral of Saint Andrew, Patras|Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew]], in the south west of the city center. The construction of the church began in 1908 under the supervision of the architect [[Anastasios Metaxas]], followed by Georgios Nomikos. It was inaugurated in 1974. It is the largest church in Greece and the third-largest Byzantine-style church in the [[Balkans]], after the [[Cathedral of Saint Sava]] in Belgrade and [[Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia]]. It holds relics of [[Andrew the Apostle]], which were returned to the city of Patras from [[St. Peter's Basilica]], Rome in September, 1964, on the orders of [[Pope Paul VI]].
Other historical churches of the city are: 
*The church of ''Pantokrator'' (1832), the old cathedral, in the upper town district
*The ''Metropolitan Church of Patras'' (1846) dedicated to [[Panayia]] Evangelistria, on Maisonos Street
*The church of ''Ayios Nikolaos'' (1885), next to the steps of Ayiou Nikolaou street 
*The church of ''Pantanassa'' (1859), Ipsilanti street
*The church of ''Ayios Dimitrios'', in the upper town district 
*The Catholic Church of ''Saint Andrew'' (1937), on Maisonos Street
*The [[Anglican]] church of ''Saint Andrew'' (1878), on Odos Agiou Andreou <ref name=anglican /> 
*The old church of ''Ayios Andreas'' (1836–1843), next to the new temple. Situated in the site of [[Andrew the Apostle]]'s martyrdom, it was built in [[basilica]] style by the architect [[Lysandros Kaftanzoglou]].
*''Girokomiou Monastery (Holy Monastery of Panagia Girokomitissa)'': This historic monastery was founded in the 10th century AD in the eastern part of Patras. It was built on the ruins of an ancient temple of the goddess Artemis and for this reason the monastery's cathedral is dedicated to Saint Artemiοs. It is obvious that the monastery maintained a nursing home during the Byzantine period.
*''Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Bala (Paleomonastiro):'' Ιt is built at the foot of Panachaikos, at an altitude of 500 meters, near the village of Bala, 8&nbsp;km northeast of Patras. This historic and picturesque monastery was founded at the end of the 17th century. A marble slab on the north outer side of the Cathedral tells of the restoration of the monastery in 1693. The monastery has also recently been renovated, numbering nineteen nuns and celebrating 6 December and 10 May.
The patron saint of Patras is [[Saint Andrew the Apostle]]. One of the modern saints is Saint [[Gervasios Paraskevopoulos]]  of Patras (2023)

====Jewish community====
There is a district of the city named ''Evreomnimata'', where the old Jewish cemetery was located.{{citation needed|date=July 2024}}

===Cuisine===
{{further|Cuisine of Greece}}
[[File:Tentura.jpg|thumb|110px|[[Tentura]] liqueur from Patras]]

Local specialities include:

*''Bourjeto'' (similar to the Corfiot ''[[Bourdeto]]'')
*''Tilichtária Patrina'', pork meat dish
*''Galatopita''
*''Tiganites'' (type of pancakes)
*''[[Patrina loukoumia]]''
*''Rodozachari''
*[[Mavrodafni]] wine
*[[Tentura]] drink

== People ==
[[File:Kostis Palamas.JPG|thumb|130px|[[Kostis Palamas]].]]
[[File:Jean Moréas par Antonio de La Gandara.jpg|thumb|130px|[[Jean Moréas]].]]
The city has a significant political history in modern Greece; famous politicians from Patras include the prime ministers [[Dimitrios Gounaris]], the main leader of the [[Venizelism|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 [[Komma Fileleftheron|liberal party]] cadre, foreign minister and prime minister, and [[Dimitrios Maximos]], a distinguished economist, minister and finally prime minister in the [[Greek Civil War|civil war era]]. More recent figures include the [[Papandreou]] family, arguably the most influential in post World War II Greece, [[Panagiotis Kanellopoulos]], the last democratically elected head of government before the establishment of the 1967 [[Greek military junta of 1967&ndash;1974|junta]], and [[Costis Stephanopoulos]], the former president of the Hellenic Republic.

{|
|-
| valign="top" |
'''Politics'''
*[[Andreas Michalakopoulos]], Prime Minister
*[[Apostolos Santas]], Resistance member
*[[Athanasios Kanakaris]]
*[[Loukas Kanakaris-Roufos]], MP of Patras
*[[Benizelos Roufos]]
*[[Costis Stephanopoulos]], President of Greece
*[[Danielis]], Byzantine noblewoman
*[[Dimitrios Gounaris]], Prime Minister
*[[Dimitrios Maximos]], Prime Minister
*[[Papandreou|Papandreou family]] (3 Prime Ministers)
*[[Panagiotis Kanellopoulos]], Prime Minister
*[[Achilleas Gerokostopoulos]], MP of Achaea
*[[Spyridonas Chrysanthakidis]], Mayor 
| valign="top" |
'''Sports'''
*[[Chilon of Patras]], ancient Olympic winner
*[[Nikolaos Andriakopoulos]], Olympic gold medalist
*[[Antonios Pepanos]], Olympic silver medalist
*[[Stephanos Christopoulos]], Olympic bronze medalist
*[[Dimitrios Tofalos]], weightlifter
*[[Themistoklis Diakidis]], athlete
*[[Kostas Davourlis]], football player
*[[Ioannis Kastritis]], former basketball player and coach in the [[Israel Basketball Premier League]]
*[[Kostas Katsouranis]], football player
*[[Spyros Andriopoulos]], marathon runner
*[[Periklis Iakovakis]], athlete
*[[Kostas Petropoulos]], basketball player
*[[Themis Rigas]], football player
*[[Vassilis Stravopodis]], football player
*[[Andreas Samaris]], football player
*[[Theodora Drakou|Nora Drakou]], swimmer
*[[Kristel Vourna]], swimmer
*[[Sofia Riga]], marathon runner

| valign="top" |
'''Culture/Arts'''
*Pherekydes of Patrae, the first [[conducting|conductor]] in recorded history (709 BC)  
* Nikos Apostolopoulos, fashion designer<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/culture/8472/fashion-for-the-body-all-at-the-right-price/|title=Fashion for the body all at the right price|date=13 September 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115161312/https://www.ekathimerini.com/culture/8472/fashion-for-the-body-all-at-the-right-price/|archive-date=15 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikosapostolopoulos.gr/?section=1796&language=en_US   |title=Nikos Apostolopoulos biography|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115192000/https://www.nikosapostolopoulos.gr/?section=1796&language=en_US|archive-date=15 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/article-1149292/#! |title=After Sculpture's success, Nikos to mold men's scent|first=James|last=Fallon|date=7 April 1995|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215000516/https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/article-1149292/#! |archive-date=15 December 2023}}</ref>      
*[[Rena Dor]], actress/singer
*[[Spyros Fokas]], actor
*[[Jean Goldkette]], pianist
*[[Tasso Kavadia]], actress
*[[Afroditi Laoutari]], singer, actress
*[[Thanos Mikroutsikos]] (1947–2019) composer
*[[Memos Makris]] (1913–1993), sculptor
*[[Jean Moréas]], poet
*[[Betty Moschona]], actress
*[[Andreas Mikroutsikos]], songwriter/TV presenter
*[[Tony Maroudas]], singer
*[[Nitsa Marouda]], actress
*[[George Kapotas]] (1933), sculptor
*[[Fotis Polymeris]], composer/singer
*Poly Panou, singer
*[[Timos Perlegas]], actor
*[[Kostis Palamas]] (1859–1943), poet
*[[Rodis Kanakaris-Roufos]], writer
*[[Matilde Serao]], novelist
*[[Gerasimos Skiadaresis]], actor
*Mema Stathopoulou, actress
*[[Joseph Stephanini]], author, former slave
*[[Epameinondas Thomopoulos]] (1878–1974), painter
*[[Sophia Vossou]], singer
*[[Gerasimos Vokos]], painter
*[[Vassilikos]], songwriter/singer
*[[Spyridon Vasileiadis]], playwright
| valign="top" |
'''Economy/Other'''
*[[Stylianos Gonatas]], army officer
*[[Andrei Eberhardt]], admiral in the Russian navy
*[[Mnaseas]], historian
*[[Zygmunt Mineyko|Mineyko]] family
*[[Saint Regulus]]
*[[Arethas of Caesarea]], archbishop
*[[Germanos III of Old Patras]], bishop
*[[Theodoros Tzinis]], soldier and businessman
*[[Panagiotis Karatzas]], revolutionary
*[[Gustav Clauss]], founder of [[Achaia Clauss]]
*[[Ioannis Papadiamantopoulos (elder)|Papadiamantopoulos]] family
*Angela Politopoulos (1934), historian
*[[Christoforos Stratos]], businessman
*[[Georgios Streit]], lawyer
*[[Stefanos Streit]], jurist
|}

==Transport==
[[File:Patras short bypass.jpg|thumb|Patras ring road]]
[[File:Patras railway station 2.jpg|thumb|Central railway station]]
[[File:Suburban rail Patras.jpg|thumb|Suburban rail ([[Proastiakos]]) in Patras]]
[[File:Le port de Patras en août 2009 - 3.jpg|thumb|View of the port.]]
[[File:Patra, Grecia - panoramio - Nelson Pérez.jpg|thumb|''Superfast V'' of [[Superfast Ferries]] at the port.]]
[[File:Patra, Peloponnese. City's Bypass SW entrance.jpg|thumb|right|Patra, Peloponnese. City's SW entrance. Start/end of city's bypass.]]

===Seaport===
The city has always been a sea-trade hub because of its strategic position. The port manages more than half of the foreign sea-passenger transportation in Greece,<ref name="olpstats">{{cite web |url= http://www.patrasport.gr/el/organization/stats.html |script-title=el:ΟΛΠ - Στατιστικά στοιχεία |language=el |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080404011151/http://www.patrasport.gr/el/organization/stats.html |archive-date= 2008-04-04|title= }}</ref> and has excellent car-ferry links with the [[Ionian islands]] and the major [[Adriatic]] ports of Italy. Additionally, a new port was built in the southern section of the city to accommodate the increased traffic and relieve the city centre from port operations.<ref name="olp">http://www.patrasport.gr {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129042321/http://www.patrasport.gr/ |date=29 January 2021 }}: [http://www.patrasport.gr/cms/?page_id=1238&lang=en ''The Port''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022084223/http://www.patrasport.gr/cms/?page_id=1238&lang=en |date=22 October 2019 }}</ref>  In 2011, this port went into operation. Ferries to Italy now dock there.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.patrasport.gr/cms/?page_id=23&lang=en|title=Southern Passenger Port &#124; Οργανισμός Λιμένος Πατρών|website=www.patrasport.gr|access-date=29 June 2019|archive-date=10 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110184803/http://www.patrasport.gr/cms/?page_id=23&lang=en|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The port is connected by a number of daily routes to the Ionian islands [[Kerkyra]], [[Kefallonia]] and [[Zakynthos]], to the port of [[Igoumenitsa]] and to the Italian cities [[Ancona]], [[Bari]], [[Brindisi]], [[Trieste]] and [[Venice]].<ref name="e-patras.gr"/>

===Roads===
A newly constructed, {{convert|20|km|mi|adj=mid}} [[Greek National Road 9|ring road]] (the Bypass of Patras) was first opened in 2002 in order to alleviate heavy traffic throughout the city.<ref name="perimetrikh">{{cite web|url=http://www.ditikiellada.gov.gr/mediaupload/%C1%F1%F7%E5%DF%E1%20%E5%F6%E1%F1%EC%EF%E3%DE%F2/par_patra.pdf|title=Ring Road map|publisher=Dikitiellada.gov.gr|access-date=2012-10-02}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> A mini ring road (known as the "Mini bypass" of Patras) is now complete (2019), alleviating heavy traffic-related problems in the city centre.<ref name="minibelt">{{cite web|url=http://www.ditikiellada.gov.gr/contents.asp?id=289|title=Works under construction in the region of Western Greece|publisher=Ditikiellada.gov.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223161935/http://www.ditikiellada.gov.gr/contents.asp?id=289|archive-date=2009-02-23}}</ref> The mini-bypass is a two lanes mototway bridging the northern city entrance at the Zavlani neighborhood to the eastern entrance at the Aroi, Synora and Upper town (Ano poli) neighborhoods reducing the city centre crossing time to less than 4 minutes drive.

Two large highways were also constructed, connecting the seacoast and the new port with the Bypass of Patras. The first is over the small Diakoniaris river (from Eleftheriou Venizelou street until the Bypass'es exit in [[Eglykada]]), while the second consists of two roads, {{convert|4|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} each, that run in parallel with the [[Glafkos (river)|Glafkos]] river entering at the city' s New Port.<ref>{{cite web |author=Loizos Bailas, Mixalis Kaplanidis |url=http://www.michaniki.gr/newsite/erga_new_35.cfm |title=MHXANIKH AE |publisher=Michaniki.gr |access-date=2009-01-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928043914/http://www.michaniki.gr/newsite/erga_new_35.cfm |archive-date=2007-09-28 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Loizos Bailas, Mixalis Kaplanidis |url=http://www.michaniki.gr/newsite/erga_new_30.cfm |title=MHXANIKH AE |publisher=Michaniki.gr |access-date=2009-01-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928043927/http://www.michaniki.gr/newsite/erga_new_30.cfm |archive-date=2007-09-28 }}</ref> Another project was completed recently, leading to an additional entrance to the downtown area after expanding and widening Kanakari street. This work led to a fast, direct connection of the city's mini bypass road with the city centre.

The highway connection with Athens was recently{{when|date=July 2024}} upgraded to a 220&nbsp;km closed highway (Olympia odos), with a speed limit of 130&nbsp;km/hour, reducing the transit time to 1 hour and 45 minutes. The highway was connected to the Large bypass highway and is expected to extend all the way to [[Pyrgos, Elis|Pyrgos]] by the end of 2023.<ref name="pathe">{{cite web|url=http://www.minenv.gr/4/45/4504/e450401.html|title=Road Axis Patra - Athens - Thessaloniki - Evzoni|work=Hellenic Ministry of Public Works|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213224743/http://www.minenv.gr/4/45/4504/e450401.html|archive-date=2012-02-13}}</ref> Patras will also be the central hub of the [[Ionia Odos]] highway, intended to bridge western Greece from [[Kalamata]] to [[Ioannina]] and the Kakavia border station. The [[Rio-Antirio bridge]] is north of the city and links the [[Peloponnese]] to mainland Greece. It was completed in August 2004.

Additional work was recently announced to begin in 2023 in order to connect via highway the Rion Antirrion bridge with Nafpaktos, Itea, Amfissa and Lamia. This project is expected to reduce the trip to Lamia to 90 minutes and its completion is expexted in 2025.

Patras is bypassed by the [[Olympia Odos]] (A8) motorway, which is also part of the [[European route E55|E55]] route that crosses the [[Rio-Antirio Bridge]], dominating the sealine across the [[Gulf of Corinth]]. 
*[[Greek National Road 5|GR-5]]/[[European route E55|E55]]
*[[Greek National Road 8|GR-8]]/[[European route E55|E55]] and [[European route E65|E65]] (partly [[Panepistimiou Street (Patras)|Panepistimiou Street]])
*[[Greek National Road 8A|GR-8A]]
*[[Greek National Road 9|GR-9]]/[[European route E55|E55]] (partly [[Akti Dymaion]])
*[[Greek National Road 33|GR-33]] (partly [[Kalavryton Street|Kalavryton]], [[Georgiou Papandreou Street]] and [[Akrotiriou Street|Akrotiriou]])
*[[Bypass of Patras]]

===Rail===
A rudimentary [[single track (rail)|single]], [[narrow gauge railway]] track crosses the city and connects it to [[Rio, Greece|Rio]]. In the past regional rail links were provided by the [[Hellenic Railways Organisation]], connecting Patras to Athens and Piraeus as well as to [[Pyrgos, Elis|Pyrgos]] and [[Kalamata]].<ref name="e-patras.gr">{{cite web|url=http://www.e-patras.gr/portal/web/visitors/84|title=Πως θα έρθετε|publisher=e-patras.gr|access-date=2012-10-02|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217152257/http://www.e-patras.gr/portal/web/visitors/84|archive-date=2013-02-17}}</ref> OSE announced the suspension of all the rail service in the Peloponnese in January 2011<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.naftemporiki.gr/finance/story/263478/trainose-diakopi-dromologion-kai-auksisi-komistron|title=ΤΡΑΙΝΟΣΕ: Διακοπή δρομολογίων και αύξηση κομίστρων &#124; naftemporiki.gr|date=23 December 2010|website=www.naftemporiki.gr|access-date=23 September 2019|archive-date=23 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923172149/https://www.naftemporiki.gr/finance/story/263478/trainose-diakopi-dromologion-kai-auksisi-komistron|url-status=live}}</ref> so today the railway track is in use only by suburban trains that connect Patras with the adjacent villages of Rio and Agios Vasileios.

The [[Patras railway station|central passenger train station of Patras]] which is a small building constructed in 1954, lies to the west of the downtown area, between [[Othonos-Amalias Avenue]] and the north port. The main freight station of Aghios Andreas lies further to the south, next to the homonymous church and it is not in use any more. Finally, the old depot of Aghios Dionysios, consisting of about ten tracks, offers basic turntable and roundhouse facilities; it is about {{convert|400|m|2|abbr=on}} long.

A new double [[standard gauge]] railway line, the [[Athens Airport–Patras railway]], is under construction and will link Patras to [[Korinth]] and further to [[Athens]]. The construction works are currently in progress close to the suburbs of Patras,  but the remaining few kilometres till the city centre and the new port are still under study because of various financial and technical problems.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ergose.gr/project/rio_neos_limenas_patron/?lang=en|title=Rio – New Port of Patras|access-date=27 April 2018|archive-date=28 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428094032/https://www.ergose.gr/project/rio_neos_limenas_patron/?lang=en|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2020, the new railway reaches [[Aigio]], {{convert|40|km}} east of Patras.

===Public transport===

Patras is served by buses. There are two transport lines to and from the [[University of Patras]] and some nearby lines to city suburbs such as [[Saravali]], [[Zarouchleika|Glafkos]], and [[Paralia, Achaea|Paralia]]. All the urban bus lines are about 40, with three numbers.{{Clarify|reason=Not sure what could be meant by this sentence.|date=May 2020}}

Commuter rail services have recently been established by [[Proastiakos]], with one line currently connecting Patras, [[Rio, Greece|Rio]], and Agios Vasileios.

Regional bus links are provided by the [[KTEL (Greece)|KTEL]] bus company and connect the city to most of Greece.

===Air===
Seasonal civilian air transport is provided by the military [[Patras Araxos Airport]], about {{convert|40|km|abbr=on}} from the city's centre.

==International relations==
Patras is a pilot city of the [[Council of Europe]] and the [[European Commission]] '''[[Intercultural cities]]''' programme.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/culture/Cities/patras_en.asp |title=Intercultural city: Patras, Greece |last=[[Council of Europe]] |work=coe.int |year=2011 |access-date=22 May 2011 |archive-date=28 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528113752/http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/culture/cities/patras_en.asp |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Twin towns — sister cities===
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Greece}}
Patras is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.e-patras.gr/portal/web/common/134|title=e-patras.gr - Αδελφοποιημένες Πόλεις|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026114130/http://www.e-patras.gr/portal/web/common/134|archive-date=2009-10-26}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|
*{{flagicon|SRB}} [[Aleksinac]], Serbia
*{{flagicon|BIH}} [[Banja Luka]], [[Bosnia-Herzegovina]]<ref name="Banja Luka twinnings">{{cite web|url=http://www.banjaluka.rs.ba/front/category/64/|script-title=sr:Градови партнери|access-date=2013-08-09|work=Administrative Office of the City of Banja Luka|language=sr|trans-title=City of Banja Luka - Partner cities|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110917132032/http://www.banjaluka.rs.ba/front/category/64/|archive-date=2011-09-17}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Ancona]], Italy
*{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Bari]], Italy
*{{flagicon|LIB}} [[Byblos]], Lebanon
*{{flagicon|POL}} [[Bydgoszcz]], Poland<ref name="Patras fraternize cities"/>
*{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Canterbury, New South Wales|Canterbury]], Australia
*{{flagicon|MDA}} [[Chişinău]], Moldova
||
*{{flagicon|ROU}} [[Craiova]], Romania
*{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Debrecen]], Hungary<ref name="Patras fraternize cities"/>
*{{flagicon|CYP}} [[Famagusta]], Cyprus<ref name="Patras fraternize cities">{{cite web |title=Patras Municipality - Fraternize Cities |url=http://www.e-patras.gr/portal/web/pressoffice/367 |publisher=Patras Municipality |access-date=4 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730030515/http://www.e-patras.gr/portal/web/pressoffice/367 |archive-date=30 July 2012 }}</ref>
*{{flagicon|ROU}} [[Focşani]], Romania
*{{flagicon|ALB}} [[Gjirokastër]], Albania
*{{flagicon|UKR}} [[Kharkiv]], Ukraine
*{{flagicon|CYP}} [[Limassol]], Cyprus<ref name="Patras fraternize cities"/><ref name="Limassol twinnings">{{cite web|url=http://www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy/twin.html|title=Limassol Twinned Cities|access-date=2013-07-29|work=Limassol (Lemesos) Municipality|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401221134/http://www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy/twin.html|archive-date=2013-04-01}}</ref>
||
*{{flagicon|NMK}} [[Ohrid]], North Macedonia
*{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Reggio Calabria]], Italy
*{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Saint-Étienne]], France<ref name="Patras fraternize cities"/>
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Savannah, Georgia|Savannah]], US<ref>[http://www.sister-cities.org/directory/IntllistingsResults.cfm] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100123031307/http://www.sister-cities.org/directory/IntllistingsResults.cfm|date=23 January 2010}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|CRO}} [[Split (city)|Split]], Croatia
*{{flagicon|LTU}} [[Vilnius]], Lithuania
*{{flagicon|PRC}} [[Wuxi]], People's Republic of China<ref name="Patras fraternize cities"/>
*{{flagicon|Russia}} [[Kaliningrad]], Russia<ref>{{cite web|url=https://translate.yandex.com/translate?url=https://ria.ru/society/20150403/1056393887.html&lang=ru-en|title=Online site translation into English and other languages – Yandex.Translate|website=translate.yandex.com|access-date=6 September 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502115743/https://translate.yandex.com/translate?url=https%3A%2F%2Fria.ru%2Fsociety%2F20150403%2F1056393887.html&lang=ru-en|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://greece.greekreporter.com/2015/04/01/russian-sailing-ship-docks-in-patras-for-twinning-with-kaliningrad/|title=Russian Sailing Ship Docks in Patras for Twinning with Kaliningrad - GreekReporter.com|first=A.|last=Makris|date=April 2015|access-date=6 September 2017|archive-date=13 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713220014/http://greece.greekreporter.com/2015/04/01/russian-sailing-ship-docks-in-patras-for-twinning-with-kaliningrad/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}

Patras was selected as main motif for the €10 Greek [[Euro gold and silver commemorative coins (Greece)#2006 coinage|Patras 2006 commemorative coin]], minted in 2006. This coin was designed to commemorate an event signaling an enlightened course for Patras and serving as a reminder of the way in which culture can stimulate the economy and promote development, when Patras was appointed European Capital of Culture. On the obverse is the logo for Patras 2006 around the words "European Capital of Culture".

===Consulates===
The city hosts [[consulates]] from the following countries:{{Citation needed|date=March 2018}}

{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|
*{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Diplomatic missions of Austria|Austria]] 
*{{flagicon|BEL}} [[Diplomatic missions of Belgium|Belgium]] 
*{{flagicon|DEN}} [[Diplomatic missions of Denmark|Denmark]] 
*{{flagicon|EST}} [[Diplomatic missions of Estonia|Estonia]]
*{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Diplomatic missions of France|France]]
*{{flagicon|FIN}} [[Diplomatic missions of Finland|Finland]]
*{{flagicon|GER}} [[Diplomatic missions of Germany|Germany]]
*{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Diplomatic missions of Hungary|Hungary]]
*{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Diplomatic missions of Italy|Italy]] 
||
*{{flagicon|NOR}} [[Diplomatic missions of Norway|Norway]]
*{{flagicon|PHI}} [[Philippines]]
*{{flagicon|ROM}} [[Diplomatic missions of Romania|Romania]] 
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Diplomatic missions of Russia|Russia]] 
*{{flagicon|SPA}} [[Diplomatic missions of Spain|Spain]]
*{{flagicon|SWI}} [[Diplomatic missions of Switzerland|Switzerland]]
*{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Diplomatic missions of Sweden|Sweden]] 
*{{flagicon|UKR}} [[Diplomatic missions of Ukraine|Ukraine]]
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[Diplomatic missions of United Kingdom|United Kingdom]]
|}

==Gallery==
<gallery class="center">
File:Andreas Londos Flag 1821.svg|The flag raised by [[Andreas Londos]] in Patras at the outbreak of the [[Greek War of Independence]].
File:Prise de Patras dans le golfe de Lépante par le général de brigade Schneider, le 4 octobre 1828.jpg|''Surrender of Patras to [[Antoine Virgile Schneider|General Schneider]]'' by [[Hippolyte Lecomte]].
File:Patrascentralsquare.JPG|Postcard with [[Georgiou I Square|King George I Square]] in the late 19th century.
File:O ΠΑΝΑΧΑΙΚΟΣ.jpg|A view of [[Panachaiko]] mountain.
File:ΒΟΥΝΤΕΝΗ 02.jpg|Inside the [[Mycenaean Greece|Mycenaean]] cemetery of [[Skioessa|Voudeni]], outside the city
File:Patra9.jpg|Pantanassa church
File:Patras Medieval Aqueduct 1.jpg|Ruins of the [[Roman and Medieval Aqueducts of Patras|Roman and Medieval Aqueducts]]
File:Roman bridge, constructed in the 2nd-3rd century AD over the river Kalliaios and part of the public road (via publica) connecting Patra with Aigio, the best preserved two-arched bridge in Greece, Patras, Greece (14331225575).jpg|Part of the Roman bridge over river Kallinaos
File:Patrasso olim Neopatria - Coronelli Vincenzo - 1687.jpg|Illustration of Patrasso, 1687
File:I Katalipsi ton Patron - by Hess.jpg|''[[Athanasios Kanakaris]] during the [[Siege of Patras (1821)|Siege of Patras]]'' by [[Peter von Hess]] (1821)
File:Fortress in Patras, Greece (5248409953) (2).jpg|[[Patras Castle]], 1890
File:Patras City 02.jpg|Fountain in [[Georgiou I Square]]
File:Alampra.jpg|''Alhambra'' [[mansion]], [[Trion Navarchon Street]]
File:Patra10.jpg|Pantokrator church, uptown district
File:Catholic Church of Saint Andrew Patras1.JPG|Catholic Church of Saint Andrew
File:Δικαστικό μέγαρο - Πάτρα.jpg|The courthouse
File:Palamas Serao Hoyse.jpg|The house where [[Kostis Palamas]] and [[Matilde Serao]] were born.
File:Ginis House2.jpg|[[Tzini]]'s house (1832), Maisonos & Agiou Nikolaou street
File:Οικία Κωνσταντίνου Πραπόπουλου.jpg|[[Prapopoulos Bros s.a.|Prapopoulos]] building
File:Villa Crove1.JPG|''Villa Crove'' at the old English (''Egglezika'') district of Patras
File:FarosPatra.jpg|[[Patras Lighthouse]]
File:Πάτρα, Μονή Αγίου Νοκολάου- Παλαιομονάστηρο (Μπάλα).jpg|Entrance of Agios Nikolaos (Bala) Monastery (Paleomonastiro)
File:Golfo de Patras 02.jpg|View to the [[Gulf of Patras]]
File:Sunset of Patras 05.jpg|City view from Agiou Nikolaou steps
File:Panagitsa river 12.jpg|A view of [[Panagitsa (stream)]] in 2011.
File:Remparts - Paros - Médiathèque de l'architecture et du patrimoine - APMH00025808.jpg|The castle of Patras, photograph of the 19th century
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[Patras Carnival]]
*[[University of Patras]]
*[[University of Peloponnese]]
*[[Apollon Theatre (Patras)]]
*[[List of settlements in Achaea]]
*[[Panachaiko]]
*[[Cities in Greece]]

==References==
{{notelist}}
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
*{{Wiktionary-inline|Patras}}
*[http://www.patras.gr The official website of the city] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813140826/http://www.patras.gr/ |date=13 August 2006 }}
*[http://www.carnivalpatras.gr official website of the Carnival of Patras] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315223308/https://www.carnivalpatras.gr/ |date=15 March 2021 }}
*[http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/main_cities/patras Patras] The Official website of the Greek National Tourism Organisation
* [https://press.ert.gr/politismos/afieroma-toy-archeioy-tis-ert-sti-diethni-imera-moyseion-18-ma-oy-2/ EΡΤ, ET1 TV,"Post-Museum" documentary] - [http://9dim-patras.ach.sch.gr/images/2018-19/2018_11_25/video/mouseio.mp4 "The Patras New Archaeological Museum"]
*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/19qerjBsukR9EkrIHnbVJrlQcQrKMjdU9/view] "The Glaraki's School Complex  of Patras"

{{Geographic Location (8-way)
|Centre = Patras
|North = [[Rio, Greece|Rio]]
|Northeast = 
|East = [[Panachaiko|Panachaicon]]
|Southeast = 
|South = [[Paralia, Achaea|Paralia]] and [[Messatida|Messatida/Messatis]]
|Southwest = 
|West = [[Gulf of Patras]]
|Northwest = 
|image = 
}}

{{Kallikratis-West Greece}}
{{Patras div}}
{{Capitals of Peripheries of Greece}}
{{Patras}}
{{Landmarks of Patras}}
{{Streets and squares in Patras}}
{{European Capital of Culture}}
{{Authority control}}

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[[Category:Patras| ]]
[[Category:Cities in ancient Peloponnese]]
[[Category:Populated places in Achaea]]
[[Category:Municipalities of Western Greece]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Greece]]
[[Category:Greek prefectural capitals]]
[[Category:Greek regional capitals]]
[[Category:Mediterranean port cities and towns in Greece]]
[[Category:Coloniae (Roman)]]
[[Category:Roman towns and cities in Greece]]
[[Category:Roman sites in Greece]]
[[Category:Municipality of Patras]]
[[Category:Greek city-states]]
[[Category:Territories of the Republic of Venice]]