Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Archaeological Museum of Patras
MUSEUM
( 26104 20645; cnr Amerikis & Patras-Athens National Rd; 8.30am-3pm Tue-Sun)
This space-age museum, with shiny metallic domes and contemporary buildings, is the
country's second-largest museum. Its collections - across three themed halls (private life,
public life and cemeteries) - feature objects from prehistoric to Roman times (including
extraordinary mosaics, sarcophagi and jewellery) from Patra and surrounds. The museum
also includes a particularly significant collection of Mycenaean swords. Note that the
museum is located 7km out of town.
Kastro
CASTLE
( 8.30am-3pm Tue-Sun)
The
kastro
stands on the site of the acropolis of ancient
Patrai. The Romans were the first to build a fort here around AD 550, but the present
structure is of Frankish origin, remodelled many times over the centuries by the Byzanti-
nes, Venetians and Turks. It was in use as a defensive position until WWII. Set in an at-
tractive pencil-pine park, it is reached by climbing the 190-plus steps at the southeastern
end of Agiou Nikolaou. Great views of Zakynthos and Kefallonia are the reward.
Church of Agios Andreas
CHURCH
(Agiou Andreou)
Seating 5500 people, this church is one of the largest in the Balkans. It
houses religious icons and paintings, plus St Andreas' skull, along with part of the cross
on which he was crucified.
Hammam
BATHHOUSE
( 2610 274 267; Boukaouri 29; 9am-9pm Mon-Sat winter only)
This
hammam
(Turkish
baths) is a privately run venture, but you can scrub up as the Turks did before you in AD
1500.
Festivals & Events
program features a host of minor events leading up to a wild weekend of costume
parades, colourful floats and celebrations in late February or early March. The event
draws big crowds, so hotel reservations are essential if you want to stay overnight. Dates
change annually, so check the website.
Sleeping
