PeloPonnese
ACHAïA
PeloPonnese
SIGHTS
& A
CTIVITIES
PeloPonnese
PAT
r A (PAT
r A S)
feat that links the city with western conti-
nental Greece, it’s worth making the most
of Patra’s saving grace: the most diverse eat-
ing and nightlife scene in the Peloponnese,
helped by the presence of Patra’s 20,000
university students.1 Sights & Activities
oArchaeological Museum
of Patras MuSEuM
(%2610 420 645; http://www.patrasmuseum.gr;
Patras-Athens National rd 38-40; admission €4;
h8.30am-3pm Tue-Sun) This space-age muse-
um, the country’s second largest, displays a
thorough collection of regional objects from
prehistoric to Roman times across three
vast themed halls: Private Life, Public Life
and Cemeteries. You may spot some extraor-
dinary mosaics, barnacle-encrusted ampho-
rae, duck-shaped askos vessels, coin hoards,
a gold ring decorated with a tiny phallus,
oil lamps featuring erotic scenes, elabo-
rate marble sarcophagi, Mycenaean bronze
swords from warrior burials and four skulls
with funereal wreaths intact.
The museum is several kilometres north
of the centre.Kastro CASTLE
(h8.30am-3pm Tue-Sun) F The kastro
stands on the site of the acropolis of an-
cient Patrai. The Romans were the first to
build a fort here around AD 550, but the
present structure is of Frankish origin, re-
modelled many times over the centuries by
the Byzantines, Venetians and Turks. Set in
an attractive pencil-pine park, it is reached
by climbing the 190-plus steps at the south-
eastern end of Agio 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.z Festivals & Events
Patras Carnival CArNIVAL
(www.carnivalpatras.gr) Patra’s citizens party
hard during the annual Patras Carnival. The
program begins in mid-January, and fea-
tures a host of minor events leading up to a
wild weekend of costume parades, colourful
floats and celebrations in late February or
early March.4 Sleeping
Prices double at Carnival time; book well in
advance.Pension Nicos HOTEL €
(%2610 623 757; cnr Patreos 3 & Agiou Andre-
ou 121; s/d/tr €30/40/55, s/d without bathroom
€25/35; aW) This 1960s-style budget option
on a busy street has flaking shutters on the
outside, but inside Nicos runs a tight ship
with clean rooms on several floors and a
roof terrace.oCity Loft Boutique Hotel APArTMENT €€
(%2610 223 552; http://www.cityloft.gr; Valtetsiou 6;
1-/2-/3-person apt €75/110/130; paW) Sleek
and stylish apartments in white or black on
a quiet side street several blocks north of
the main square. Perks include high-quality
bed linens, king-sized beds with orthopaedic
mattresses, balconies and a small, attractive
garden.Maison Grecque BOuTIQuE HOTEL €€
(%2610 241 212; http://www.mghotels.gr; 25 Martiou 116;
s/d/ste incl breakfast €65/85/180; aW) This
smart boutique spot has a touch of ‘sleek
Greek’ pretension. Each room is decked out
uniquely (with an original ceiling fresco or
two thrown in) – think dark hues with me-
tallic touches. A couple of the rooms have
very small windows. The rest, however, are
sophisticated and smart. It’s a five-minute
walk from the pedestrianised centre.Hotel Byzantino HOTEL €€
(%2610 243 000; http://www.byzantino-hotel.gr; riga
fereou 106; s/d/tr incl breakfast €75/85/100;
aW) In a restored neoclassical building on
the lively main pedestrian street, this small
hotel features appealing rooms with fancy
bedsteads, wooden floors and period furni-
ture. There’s a popular cafe downstairs.5 Eating & Drinking
Trendy cafes, bars and restaurants line the
pedestrianised Riga Fereou (Michalakopou-
lou), the surrounding side streets and Agiou
Nikolaou. Cheap student eateries are along
Gerokostopoulou.Labyrinthos GrEEK €
(%26102 26436; Poukevil 44; mains €6.50-12;
hnoon-5.30pm & 8.30pm-1am Mon-Sat; Wv)
Inside the rough stone walls of this 80-year-
old family restaurant, you can expect classics
such as briam, dolmadhes and beef casse-
role, as well as roasted lamb sweetbreads and
intestines for the adventurous epicurean.