Erasmus+: News - 1st KOM

1st KOM
PATRAS LEARNING/TRAINING MEETING
28-31 JANUARY 2020

Welcome to Patras
Patras is the third largest city of Greece and is well known for its beauty. Located on the northern side of the Peloponnese, Patras has a large port with regular ferries travelling to Italy and the Greek Ionian Islands. A large university makes the city even busier with students almost all the year round! When travelling to Patras, you should visit the medieval castle, the large church of Saint Andrew (who is considered to be the protector of the city) and the Roman Odeon. The beach promenade is a lovely spot to stroll around and enjoy a coffee with sea view. Patras is famous for hosting the best Carnival in Greece with many events and a large costume parade. The nice beach resorts in the region are great for family holidays, while its central location is convenient for road trips to Olympia, Nafpaktos, Mesolongi and Delphi.

 Activities on Patras (During your free time according to the agenda)
1. Explore Plateia Yioryiou (George Square) 
Sit and admire the different facades of the banks in the square as well as the neoclassical theater. These are newer buildings as Patras has been rocked by earthquakes as well having been nearly burned to the ground during the War of Independence with the Turks.
Plateia Olga and Plateia Martiou which feature numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops are other areas you should explore.
 
2. Saint Andrew Church and “APOLLON” Municipal Theatre  
In the center of the city, two historical monuments will certainly draw your attention: Saint Andrew Church, one of the biggest churches in the Balkans, and “APOLLON” Municipal Theatre, one of the first opera houses in Europe. It was designed in 1972 by the German architect Ernest Ziller. Since 1988 it permanently houses the Patras Municipal Regional Theatre.  
3. City walks
Walking is the best way to know and enjoy Patras. A stroll through the city will reveal many things to the keen observer. Getting around the inner city is easy, as the city centre is not vast and distances are short. Pedestrian streets, beautiful squares, small shops, cafes and taverns invite one to wander about and enjoy the ambience. The waterfront can be appreciated from numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants. Strolling through its cobbled streets, you will find numerous entertaining venues.
     Psila Alonia is a lovely spacious square with palm trees, many outdoor cafeterias and the statue of Paleon Patron Germanos ―a leading figure in the nation’s struggle against the Ottoman Empire in 19th century. At the end of Agiou Nikolaou St., walk up the steps and visit the Castle, a place steeped in the mist of myths and folklore tales. You may also go to Dassilion, which is a small pine forest overlooking the city, with a cafeteria-restaurant where you can enjoy your coffee or ice-cream with a panoramic view of the city, the harbor and the Gulf of Patras, especially in the afternoon under a magnificent sunset.
     The Skagiopoulio Park is a quite green spot in the heart of the city. The Saint Andrew church, rising majestically, is the biggest and most beautiful church in the Balkans. Also, worth visiting is the Achaia Clauss winery, set in an idyllic place with many vineyards, producers of the famous wine “Mavrodaphni”. The colorful open-air markets in different parts of the city offer harvest-fresh fruits and vegetables.