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Castle · Patras, Grécia Ocidental
Kastro Patron
Castle erected in the 6th century on the ancient acropolis of Patras, used by Byzantines, Franks, Venetians and Ottomans, with walls, gardens and views of the gulf.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Kastro Patron
The castle of Patras stands on a low hill in the upper town, about 800 metres from the sea, on the site of the ancient acropolis. The first fortress was built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian after the earthquake of 551, reusing stones from older buildings, and the castle remained in use until World War II.
Its history is that of the Peloponnese. The Byzantines held out there against sieges by Slavs and Arabs; the victory over the siege of 805 was attributed to Saint Andrew. After the Fourth Crusade in 1205 the Franks took the castle and dug a moat around it. It passed to a Latin archbishop and to the Venetians, returned to the Byzantines in 1430 with Constantine Palaiologos, the future last emperor, and was taken by the Ottomans in 1458.
The complex has an outer triangular curtain wall with towers and gates, and an inner citadel in the northeast corner, also surrounded by a moat. Between the walls there is a garden with trees and benches. Among the reused stones is the torso of a Roman marble statue that locals call Patrinella, a figure of the city's legends.
From the walls you can see the lower town, the port, the gulf of Patras and the mountains of mainland Greece on the far side.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 45 minutes to 1h30.
Best time
In the late afternoon, for the view of the gulf with the low sun. Check opening times before going up.
How to get there
It's in the upper town, about 15 to 20 minutes on foot from praça Georgiou I, climbing the stairways, such as the one on rua Agios Nikolaos. The Roman odeon is on the way. There are also city buses and taxis to the entrance.
Tip
Walk up the stairways and descend via the Agios Nikolaos stairway, which has the sea view at the end of the street.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kastro Patron
Who built the castle of Patras?
The Byzantine emperor Justinian, after the 551 earthquake, built it on the old acropolis. Franks, Venetians and Ottomans reinforced it later.
How to get up to the castle of Patras?
On foot via the stairways of the upper town, about 15 to 20 minutes from Georgiou I Square, or by city bus and taxi.
What is the Patrinella?
It is the torso of a Roman marble statue repurposed in the city walls, a figure of local legends.