Patras and the Adriatic Sea :: Geography Greece History Papers

Patras and the Adriatic Sea Problems with format PATRAS ?Patras is a port city located in the Northern Achaia, standing as the gateway to the West for all of Greece. As the third largest Greek city, Patras plays an important role as the center of administrative and commercial activity for Western Greece. Standing in Northwest Peloponnese, Patras has become the link between the European Union and the East because of its prime geographic location. The climate is mild year round, but retains the same four seasons experienced in the United States. The city is over 3000 years old and has always had a unique culture because of its connection with Italy and the Ionian Islands. The footprint of the city was developed in very organized quadrants by Kapodistrias in 1829, and is separated into upper and lower portions. The upper is the original city, and extends down from a castle built during the 6th century. The castle was built upon the ruins of the acropolis on an extension from mount Panachaico. The inside of the castle has been converted into a park, providing the best view of the city on a clear day. ?The old city consists of Patras? wealthy and important homeowners and is less spontaneously scattered upon the hillside. Despite having a 3000-year history many of the old structures have been ruined, although the upper section is today well decorated with neoclassic homes. The entire city was burned and destroyed by the Turks during the 19th century war of Independence. The more organized lower section drops down to the coast and includes the cathedral and the port. The cathedral is very colorful and is named after the city?s patron, St. Andrew, rising high into the air and resting on the remnants of an old Christian Basilica. It sits next to an older church that stands on the remnants of a burnt down Byzantine church (dept. of computer engineering and informatics). The square of George I is the center of the low city and is one of many squares and parks in the area. Another largely famous park is Psila Alonia, ?the balcony? of Patras, a smaller square of palm tress encompassing a sundial. History: ?The name of the region, Achaia, comes from the Achaias that forced out the Ionians living in the region during the Mycenaean period. One of the Achaian leader?s sons was named Patreas, the eventual chief of the Achaians and the root of the city?