Patras
The city of Patras, the capital city of the Prefecture of Achaia and of the Region of Western Greece, is located in the NW Peloponnese; it has a population of a quarter of a million and is linked with all the major cities of Greece and Europe via land, sea and air.
It is an interesting and attractive city for residence, where the archaeological sites are blended harmoniously with the contemporary and lively rhythms. The citys history goes back to prehistoric times and the Mycenean civilisation. The city was created with the union of three agricultural districts (Aroe, Anthia and Messatis) and was named after Patreas, leader of the Achaians who settled in the area during the 12th century BC. In the 3rd century BC the Achaians formed the famous Achaian Confederation, which brought the city to prominence. During the Roman times the city flourished, since it won the favour of many Roman emperors and became a cosmopolitan centre.
In the 1st century AD Saint Andrew lived, taught and martyred in the city and since then he is considered as its Patron Saint. During the 19th and 20th century, Patras became an important commercial and industrial centre and the main exporting node of Greece to Western Europe.
Today the city of Patras is an important cultural centre where the University plays a leading role.
University of Patras
The University of Patras is spread over an area of about 650 acres, near the ferrying coast of Rion - Antirion. The University Campus includes buildings of a total surface area of 170.000 m2, where the 22 Departments of the University of Patras and the Administrative Services are located. The large and traffic regulated University Campus also includes the University Hospital, the Central Library, the Publishing House, the Athletic Centre, a swimming pool, museums, a bookstore, a restaurant, cafeterias and kiosks, as well as a Bank for national and international transactions with an Automatic Transaction Machine (ATM).
Acommodation :
There are thirty-eight (38) hotels of all classes, located along the shore region from the city of Aegion to Calogria beach. These offer a total of 2.198 rooms and accommodation for 4.282 visitors. Information may be obtained at the local Greek Tourist Organisation office, which is located at the centre of the city, at 26 Philopimenos St.Tel.: (+302610) 622141.
Transportation :
By Air :
Patras is connected by air mainly through the International Airport of Athens. The airport of Araxos (about 30 km west of Patras) is also used for charter flights. The Olympic Airways offices in Patras are situated at 17-19 Aratou St. [Tel.: (+30261) 222.901-3]
By Ship :
Patras is the western gate of Greece to Italy and Western Europe. More than 50 ship-services every week link the city with the major Italian ports and the Ionian Islands. Port Authority [Tel.: (+30261) 341.002]
By Train :
There are daily services to and from Athens as well as all the major offshore cities of the Peloponnese. The trip to Athens lasts about 3,5 hours, by the Intercity express train. The Train Station (OSE) is located in the town centre,near the harbour and the coach station. [Tel.: (+302610) 273.694]
By Coach:
Patras is linked with the capital city of Athens with regular coach services, every 30 mins (it takes about 2,5 hours to reach the capital). There are also daily coach services to all major cities of Greece, the Ionian Islands and the well-known archaeological sites (Olympia, Delphi, Kalavryta). The Coach Station (KTEL) is located at the centre of Patras, at 2 Zaimi St. and Othonos Amalias St. [Tel.: (+302610) 623.886-8]
City bus - Taxi:
There is a dense network of city buses, which links the centre of Patras with all areas of the city and its suburbs. Bus No 6 links the ferrying coast of Rion as well as the down town area with the University Campus, within which the Conference and Cultural Centre is located. Services of this bus run every 10΄. There are, also, about 1000 taxis in Patras, available around the clock. [Radiotaxi Express Tel.: 1300, (+302610) 450.000, 346.590]
