7th Hellenic Forum on Bioactive Peptides

Patras is the capital city of the Prefecture of Achaia and of the Region of Western Greece. The region covers the North-Western part of Peloponnese and the Western part of the mainland and due to its geographical position is the transportation centre between the European Union and the East. It is basically a mountainous area. The existence within and the proximity of very important monuments of ancient times, most notably ancient Olympia, Delphi, Epidaurus, Mycenae, makes the region especially attractive. The year-round mild climate provides many opportunities for outdoor activities.

For more information please visit Patras Infocenter or the Municipality of Patras.

HISTORY OF THE CITY & PRESENT STATUS

The area's fertile soil is suitable for almost every kind of vegetable and crop. Fresh fruits, especially oranges and lemons and vegetables abound along with the production of olive-oil, as the area hosts a rich vegetation of olive and citrus trees. The region is an important agricultural area for all Greece and its vineyards produce the finest wine in the country. The weather offers contrast, with four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are lively. Summers are hot and dry, but the Mediterranean sea offers a lot to do and enjoy. In the winter, the ski-centre in the town of Kalavryta, an excellent resort in the near mountains, attracts many tourists from all over Greece. The impressive mountains of Helmos and Erymanthos offer many opportunities for eco-tourism, climbing and other recreational activities.

Extensive waters are suitable for the development of aquaculture. The above, along with a large proportion of the young population in comparison to the rest of the country, in a way counteract the lack of investment in industry, particularly in the city of Patras and its metropolitan area. However, there is an effort to establish Patras as a high tech centre. In that effort the University of Patras plays an active role. History Patras, the host city of the University, has a history of more than five thousand years, as archaeological excavations have shown. Indeed its existence goes back to pre-historic times and flourished during the later Helladic or Mycenaean period. The city was created from the union of three agricultural districts; Aroe, Anthia and Messatis, which still exist today under the same names. When, around the 12th century BC, the Achaeans living in Argos and Sparta felt the full force of the Dorian invasion, left their land and moved in the area where they settled after defeating the Ionians. The area until then was called Ionia.

Since then the prefecture has been called Achaia and the city took its name from Patreas, the son of Prevgenes, leader of the Achaeans. In 700 BC, the Achaeans participated in the foundation of the Greek colonies in Sicily. During the Hellenistic period is extended as the population rises. In 280 BC, Achaia became member of the famous Achaean League, which was the first form of representative government. During the Roman period, the city played a main role, mainly due to its port, after the destruction of the port of Corinth. In 14 BC the emperor August establishes a colony and the city flourished as trade increased. The privilege was given to Patras to mint its own coins.

Consequently it won the favours of many Roman emperors and became a cosmopolitan centre. In early Christian times the city became pre-eminent. Saint Andrew taught and martyred here. Ever since, Saint Andrew has been the Patron Saint of the city. During the Byzantine period Patras prospered, mainly due to the production of silk. During the same period, it became the subject of attacks by the Arabs and the Slavs. In 1205, it was conquered by the Franks and, in 1460, it was plundered by the Turks.

In 1821 the struggle for independence from the Ottoman empire started from the region. In the last century the city became famous as major raisin exporting centre and as an industrial base and quality manufactured goods. The city has been always at the centre of political events and it is worth mentioning that eight Greek Prime-ministers were either born or raised in Patras. The continuity of different civilisations and various cultural influences make the city rather unique. Modern times Patras is a vibrant city with a population of around a quarter of a million with something to offer to everyone. Very attractive and exciting, full of things to do, it successfully combines the advantages of a modern city with the charm of one with a very long history. Its inhabitants have many opportunities as the city provides many cultural and recreational venues. Its waterfront, beautiful squares and many traditional and neo-classical buildings captivate the visitor.

Patras is built under the shadow of a Byzantine castle, standing loftily on the hill above the city dominating its highest part. The names of many neighbourhoods, the same as in very ancient times, remind one of past history and glory. In the surrounding area, unrivalled calm, vast and sandy beaches and enchanting shores, offer the delight of water and aquatic-sports and at the Marina there is the Patras Yacht Club. Along the very attractive coastline, there are many picturesque seaside villages with taverns, offering fresh fish and traditional dishes. The possibilities of daily excursions are many and a variety of places near-by to visit, admire and enjoy, such as the islands of Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Ithaki, as well as many coastal resorts.

The city has a range of hotels, restaurants, indoor and open-air cafeterias, late night clubs with live music or just a good atmosphere, all within easy reach from the centre. In Patras, you can discover a wide choice of entertainment to suit your taste. The centre of the city is well served by excellent shops, department stores and many boutiques, all within easy reach. Many small stores are also found throughout the city. The Museum of Patras is small, but with some significant treasures. There are also the Historical and Ethnological Museum and the Press Museum. There are two football stadiums and several indoor basketball courts which host the local teams as well as visiting teams from other cities. Two municipal swimming pool provide facilities for swimming and water polo teams. The Tofalos Sports Centre hosts a number of international sporting events year-round.

Patras is a major port for Greece and the Mediterranean as a whole, and it is considered Greece's gate to the West. It is also the main commercial and administrative centre for Western Greece with rail and road links to Athens and other major cities. The city has become a major industrial centre since the middle of the 19th century and a major raisin exporting centre. In recent years investment in industry dropped considerably and several industrial companies were shut down leading to a significant rise in local unemployment. There are still a number of industrial enterprises, mainly in the areas of food processing, textiles, cement and paper. In addition, there are a good number of service enterprises. Tourism represents another source of economic life, although Patras is considered a passage rather than a resort centre. Fishing is also important.

Several new major projects are completed, like the Rion-Antirion bridge connecting Patras with mainland Greece, or are in process as the regeneration of its waterfront, the  the national road by-pass, the new harbour, etc., that are expected to change the City and its environment significantly, in the years to come. Local authorities and people expect the University to play a leading role in helping the city define its character in the early part of the 21st century.