Patras

The impressive 'Rio-Antirio bridge', officially the Charilaos Trikoupis bridge after the statesman who first envisioned it, is the World's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridge. It crosses the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, linking the town of Rion on the Peloponnese to Antirion on mainland Greece. You can walk across it for free. On the Patras side, there are the most popular strip of clubs and cafes along the water to visit. On the Antirio side, right next to the bridge are historical ruins that you can tour.

The museum, which opened in 2009, has startling architecture, including an entrance made of silver-hued titanium that is shaped like a flying saucer on steroids (or an enormous antacid tablet). In yet another attempt to lure the unwilling into museums, this one has what is described as an "aerial corridor," which will whisk visitors above the exhibits, as they give passing glances at whatever catches their fancy. If you go through the museum room by room, you'll see themed exhibits on private and public life from antiquity through the Byzantine epoch. Entire period houses have been reconstructed and a necropolis is on view.

The Roman Odeon is on the west side of Patras. It was built before the Odeon of Athens and there was a statue of Apollo inside it. The Odeon of Patras was severely destroyed by successive invasions, wars and earthquakes. It was almost buried under the remains of other buildings and ground. It was in 1889, when the Odeon was found by accident while some workers were digging up the ground for the construction of the port. The restoration of the Odeon continued until 1956, when it regained its original shape. Along with the restoration process of the Odeon, the nearby areas were declared as archaeological sites. The Roman Odeon today functions as the chief venue for the Patras International Festival, held every summer. The Odeon has a capacity to hold 2,300 people, with all basic facilities of a theatre such as hollow, orchestra, proscenium, scene and wings.

On a green-clad hill, eight km southeast of Patras' centre, are located the facilities of Achaia Clauss winery, distinguished as one of the topmost tourist sites of the region. Its founder, Bavarian Gustav Clauss, arrived in Patras in 1854 to work in a German company dealing with exportation of raisin. During an excursion, he visited this region that charmed him with its natural beauty. He bought a small vineyard just to produce some wine for self-consumption and he ended up to the establishment of this Castle-Winery that survives intact till now. In 1861 he founded Achaia Clauss Co and the excellent quality wines, including Mavrodaphne of Patras, conquered both Greek and international market. The stone-made buildings, the large oak carved barrels with one century-old Mavrodaphne, the traditional cellar where visitors are welcomed as well as the unique landscape with the breathtaking view attract approximately 200,000 visitors per year.

Inside this church, which was built in the 20th century, are preserved the remains of St. Andrew the Apostle. They are in a small chapel to the back right of the church as you face the front. The remains of his X-shaped cross are kept behind it. Although the present (substantial, but undistinguished) church was built after World War II, the mosaics give a vivid picture of old Patras. It's important to dress appropriately to visit the cathedral, a major pilgrimage shrine thanks to the presence of St. Andrew's skull in an ornate gold reliquary to the right of the altar. Visitors will find several pleasant cafes in the shaded park across from the cathedral.

which offers a good view of the city. The castle of Patras was built in the second half of the 6th century AD on the ruins of the ancient Acropolis. In AD 805 the inhabitants of the city were besieged in the castle by the Slavs and Saracens and their victory, considered a miracle of the city's patron Saint Andrew, was important for repelling the barbarian invasions in Peloponnese. In the following centuries the castle, which remained continuously in use until the Second World War for the defense of the city, as well as an administrative and military centre, was captured by the Franks, Venetians, Palaiologoi and Turks. The castle consists of a triangular outer enclosure reinforced with towers and bastions, which was originally protected by a deep moat and an inner enclosure rising on the NE angle and protected by a moat as well. The building phases distinguishable today on the castle provide evidence for the works carried out by each of its conquerors as repairs and provisions according to the development of military science. The original construction is visible today mainly along the north wall, but remains of it exist on all three sides of the curtain indicating that the original medieval fortification had more or less the same perimeter. To reach the castle one can either travel up the vast staircase or take the short drive to the top. Once reaching the historic site, visitors have the ability to sit and enjoy the view over refreshments.

"The Faro" is the symbol of the city. The lighthouse has a cafe underneath it with a large television where they broadcast mostly soccer games for people to come and watch while enjoying a beverage of their choice. There is a playground right outside of the cafe for children to play in. The cafe is next to the water, so one can sit next to the windows and enjoy the waves crashing against the wall.

The Turkish hot baths are still in use.