A series of projects implemented or implemented to be implemented highlight the cultural reserve of Patras and reinforce the city’s cultural heritage, which is estimated to contribute to its further development as a pole of attraction for cultural tourism, while marking the efforts to acquire Patras.
Last project implemented, It was a great deal of importance in the Castle of Patras, that is, the southwestern Venetian circular bastion and the southeastern Ottoman Polygonal bastion.
Along with the projects in the Castle, projects are being implemented at the Roman Conservatory and in its surroundings, which have a total budget, more than 800,000 euros. Upon completion of the project, a fully restored and accessible monument will be delivered to the public, as stated in the act of integration.
Also recently completed The Roman Stadium Restoration and Rights Projects of Patras adjacent to the Roman Conservatory. In particular, in addition to the initial study of fastening and restoring the monumental remains, additional studies were carried out at the implementation of the project, necessary for the complete restoration and completion of the emergence of the stage and its surrounding area, which is now accessible to all.
Work has also begun to restore the old Municipal Hospital, adjacent to the castle and the Roman Conservatory. The building is a work by Danish architect Ch. Hansen and operated as a hospital from 1872 to 1973, and by decision of the Ministry of Culture the building complex was described as a historical- preserved monument.
In addition, work has been completed by the Municipality of Patras for the reconstruction of the three historical scales, Agios Nikolaos, Gerokostopoulou and Patras, which connect, the Castle, the Roman Conservatory, the Roman Stadium and the Upper Town with the center of Patras.
Indeed, the scales have been designated by the Ministry of Culture as historically preserved monuments and are landmarks of the city.
At the same time, the redevelopment projects in the Upper Town, where the aforementioned historical monuments are almost completed and include a surface area of about 170 acres.
The castle
As the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, pointed out during the ceremony for the performance of the restored bastions, “The Castle of Patras It is an archaeological palimant because it is the depiction of the story, The memory and cultural continuity of our country, “adding:” Through the restoration of the two bastions we attribute a monument to high symbolic and historical value, which functions as a landmark for the city, as a cultural pole, but also a development resource. “
At the same time, he noted that “the two bastions, erected in the 15th century, are typical examples of the transitional period of fortification architecture and rescuing the construction identity of each era, namely the circular geometry of the Venetians and the polygonal strong fortification of the Ottomans.”
Indeed, as he characteristically stated, “during the work of fastening, restoring and reinforcing the foundation, the risk of collapse and significant archaeological residues were disclosed from earlier phases of the fortification, while the surrounding area was designed to be accessible and accessible.”
The project was implemented by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaia, with a total budget of 1,200,000 euros, from the resources of the Regional Operational Program of Western Greece-NSRF 2014-2020 and the recovery and resilience fund.
Also said that “The projects are part of a wider strategic plan to highlight the fortress monuments of Western Greece, With the aim of creating cultural routes and strengthening cultural tourism “, adding that” the Castle of Patras is already included in the cultural route “Castle Network from Byzantium to Ottomanism”, in the context of the broader project “Cultural Routes”, implemented by the Directorates Culture. “
The story of the castle
According to the “Odysseus” junction of the Ministry of Culture, the Castle of Patras is located on the slopes of Mount Panachaikos. Its foundation is placed in the 6th AD. century on Justinian. Its construction was carried out with ancient Acropolis building material that was at the same spot and had already collapsed.
The history of the castle is centuries -old and closely linked to the history of the city. In the 9th century Patras was attacked by the Slavs and Saracens by land and sea. The invaders are defeated and their defeat is attributed to the patron saint of Saint Andrew. In 1205, the Franks led by Godfrey Villeardouino occupy the city and the castle. Patras is given as baronia to William Aleman and belongs to the Principality of Achaia, based in Andravida. At the same time it becomes the seat of the Latin Archbishop, which gradually gains great political power. In 1408 the Pope granted the city for a rent to the Venetians for 5 years.
In 1428 Constantine Paleologos releases the castle, whose walls are repaired and additions are made. In 1458 the city was handed over to the Turks and gradually the castle turns into an administrative center, as the military defense of the area is transferred to the Castle of Rio. During the period 1687-1715, Patras becomes one of the 4 provinces of the Republic of Venice and is occupied by the Turks from 1715-1828. In 1828 the French General Mati -season releases the area. The castle is suffering great damage to the Orlophics. From 1950 to 1975 the Castle belonged to the Municipality of Patras and was subsequently granted to the Ministry of Culture – 6th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities and operates as an archaeological site.