Patras

Patras is the regional capital of Western Greece and the third-largest city in Greece. It is situated on the north coast of the Peloponnese, facing the Gulf of Patras, about 200 kilometers west of Athens. The city is a major commercial and transport hub, with the port serving as a gateway for ferry connections to Italy.

The city lies near the Achaea plain at the western entrance of the gulf. The Rio–Antirrio Bridge connects Patras to Antirrio on the mainland, crossing the gulf and linking the city with the Peloponnese by road.

Patras has ancient roots and was a principal city of Achaea in classical times. It later grew under Roman and Byzantine rule and remained an important urban and trade center. The city hosts the Patras Carnival, one of the largest in Greece, and maintains a year-round cultural program. The University of Patras, established in the mid-20th century, is a major academic center in the region.

Notable landmarks include the Roman Theatre of Patras, the Patras Archaeological Museum, and Saint Andrew's Cathedral. The city also hosts the Patras International Festival and maintains a busy port and commercial facilities that support regional commerce and industry.

Economy and demographics: Patras serves as an economic hub for western Greece, with activities centered on port trade, manufacturing, education, and services. It acts as a gateway for tourism to the Peloponnese and the Ionian Islands, drawing visitors for its cultural events, historic sites, and coastal setting.