About the history of Achaea and few things of the big cities of Achaia

History of the area

ACHAEA Achaea The county of Achaea is the northernmost region of the Peloponnese, the most populated county with 300.000 inhabitants. On the northwest side, fertile plains reach as far as the beautiful beaches. The combination of mountainous and coastal scenery makes Achaea unique for its magnificent landscape. The county of Achaea is the main transportation link which connects the whole of the Western Peloponnese, Sterea Hellas and Epiros with Athens and the rest of Greece. The international highway Corinth-Patras-Pirgos runs through Achaea. Another part connects the National road Corinth- Patras, near Aegion, with Kalavrita. Kalavrita, a historical town, can be reached by a unique means of transportation, the rack railway (othontotos), departing from Diakofto. It offers a splendid trip through the Voraekos ravine, with magnificent scenery. Achaean politicians, such as George Papandreou, Panagiotis Kanellopoulos and Andreas G. Papandreou have played an important role in the recent political history of Greece.

PATRA Patras is the capital of Achaea, the biggest city of the Peloponnese. It is located on the eastern end of the Patraikos bay, 220 Km from Athens. Patras is considered the country's gate to the West, its harbor connecting the whole country with the ports of Western Europe. It welcomes thousands of tourists daily arriving from Italy and the rest of Europe. Patras was formed in Mycenaean times by the merging of three rural colonies. Achaeans came from Laconia led by Patreas, after whom the city was named. Patras contribution to the assembly of the confederacy of the Achaean League was decisive (280 BC) as its function was based on equality and democracy. Apostle Andrew preached in Patras, where he was crucified and buried in 68 A.D. During the Roman domination, Patras became the leading power in the Peloponnese, reaching its height in the 2nd century AD. When Constantinopolis became the new capital of the Roman Empire, Patras lost its commercial importance. After the 9th century, it gained new financial prosperity, mainly from silk production and processing. During the Franks Domination, Patras became a barony with head quarters, under the Pope's suzeraintly. In 1460 the Turks took over. Patras was amongst the first to turn against the Turkish occupation, gaining final freedom in 1828. The modern city was built by Kapodistria on its ancient remains.

ANCIENT THEATER Today Patras is one of the most attractive Greek cities. On a hill of the mountain Panachaekon just 800 m. from the coast, built on the ancient acropolis, stands the imposing Castle, a dominant structure overlooking the bay, which magnificent views reaching as far as the mountainous range of Sterea Hellas, opposite. The Ancient Theater can be found on the western fringe of the hill near Saint George's square (Agios Georgios). A remarkable monument, second only to the Odeon in Athens (Herodio) to which it bears structural similarities. It is used for summer theatrical performances and various cultural events. King George's square holds the center of the city, with the dominant features of the Municipal Theater "Apollo" on one side, a replica of the Scale of Milan. It was built in 1827 by the famous architect Chiller. Apart from theatrical performances it is used for "Bourboulia" the famous local ball dancing sessions during the Carnival period.

SAINT ANDREAS The church of Pantokratora (God Almighty) is included in the beautiful sights. The church has been altered several times. During the Turkish domination it was used as a mosque and was later converted into Saint Marcus catholic church. The most significant of all the churches, in grandeur, not only in Patras but the whole of Greece, is Saint Andrew Cathedral, the protector Saint of the city. Next to the imposing new structure stands the old church which was built in 1936 - 43 on the same spot Apostle Andrew was crucified. Other sights worth visiting are Psila Alonia, an interesting and charming square, indeed. The famous 193 steps staircase, at the top of Saint Nicholas (Agiou Nicolaou) street, leads to the castle. German street runs through the old town with attractive old arched houses. At Boukaouri street you can enjoy a steam bath in the famous Hamam (Turkish baths) the only ones left operating in Greece and the second in Europe, after those in Paris. The annual carnival festivities, with the participation of thousands of masquerades, the fantastic processions, floats, dancing and sideshows have become an international attraction. The established International Festival of Patras presents interesting performers from all over the world. Within reach are picturesque and interesting suburbs such as Mintilogli, on one side of the city and Bozaitika on the other. The remarkable monastery of Girokomeo, up in the mountain, the oldest in the Peloponnese and the monastery of Omplos, built in 14 AD are worth visiting. A visit to the famous wine factory Achaia Claus, which has been operating for a century and a half, is of great interest. Achaia Claus, situated in a beautiful spot 5 Km, northeast of Patras, offers a magnificent view of the city and the Patraikos bay.

AEGIO Aegio, the second largest town in the county, is built on the ancient town, a prestigious location and has been inhabited, continually, since prehistoric times. It was here that Agamemnon gathered the Greeks to decide about the expedition against Troy. The town became the Aechaeans religious center and after 276 BC, the basis of the Achaean League. In 1209 a barony was founded by the Franks based in Aegio (Vostitsa). The town was one of the first to be liberated from Turkish occupation, in 1821. In this town, which is divided into an upper and a lower section, the old district near the shore is interesting; an enormous plane tree noted by Pausanias on his travels still reigns supreme. From the famous square Psila Alonia, one can enjoy the fabulous views of the Corinthians bay and the coast line of Sterea Hellas. By the coastal road stands Panagia Tripiti (Zoodohos Pigi - Life giver Spring) a church built in a cavity of a huge rock. The Virgin Mary's icon is believed to have miraculous powers. The old Market, designed by Chiller and the Cathedral are considered exceptional sights, not to be missed.

DIACOFTO The trip on the funicular railway resembles a journey in a dream. Once the train has left the tranquil, peaceful landscape of Diakofto, it delves into the deep gorge of the Vouraikos river that runs down from Helmos. The railway line cuts through the amazing wild beauty of the Vouraikos ravine, making it a breathtaking experience all along for the traveler who is unaware of the incredible, Greek landscape. Before long the little train is clutching the rails with its "teeth". The higher you go the better you appreciate nature's silent work. Enormous rocks, boulders gnawed by time, trees hanging from the mountain slopes call forth awe and admiration. The first stop -- pause for breath -- is at Treklia for a quick cup of coffee; then on to the village of Zahlorou at an altitude of 642 m. This traditional village possesses a rare natural beauty.

SKI CENTER The Helmos Ski Center lies 14 km. from Kalavrita on the main peak of Helmos. It has two lifts to an equal number of lodges and slopes. Lift A goes up to 1800 meters, while Lift B serves the higher peak (2440 m.). From the higher lodge one can see the Gulf of Corinth, gleaming like a huge lake; from the ridge of the mountain, Neraidorachi, almost the whole Peloponnese lies at your feet. It is from Neraidorachi that one makes the descent to the waters of the river Styx. According to myth, the Styx marked the entrance to Hades. Its parents were Night and Erebus. Today the locals call it "Mavroneri" (Black Water), because of its color in the depths of the ravine where it flows. The ancient Greeks believed it to be the fountain of immortality of the gods.

The cave of the lakes - KASTRIA A half-hour's drive from Kalavrita, near the village of Kastria, will bring you to the cave of the lakes. A narrow passage takes you into a first small cave that broadens into an enormous cavern 2 km. long with 15 miniature lakes formed by natural dams. The stalagmites and stalactites with their extraordinary shapes, the iridescent colors, the immense boulders, the small waterfalls and the tiny lakes with their natural dams stimulate and delight the imagination. And now let's take a trip to the cool green villages where one can see antiquities (Klitoria, Likouria) or vestiges of Franks and Byzantine rule. Each village has a precious gift to offer, something truly beautiful. You'll find so many springs on the way. Here and there wayside shrines. Sometimes a flock of sheep will block your passage on the road and you'll hear the cautionary growl of the sheepdog, but the friendly nod of the shepherd will accompany you to the nearest hamlet. Near by the village Pagrati, there is the famous "vine branch" of Pausanias, with very big branches, dating back to thousands of years. After that you'll spy villages climbing up a ravine (Aroania, 930 m.), others smothered in fir trees (Kertezi, 1050 m.). The houses are all made of stone, with roofs of tile. If you look hard, you'll even find traditional houses with towers. All the villages have their main square, fountain with gushing water, little cafe or tavern. Kertezi is renowned for its bean soup and glorious wine. And each place has a story to tell, whether about its Byzantine church and miraculous icon, its local castle or distant myth. Whoever you meet will greet you like a dear old friend. And it won't take long before you really are friends. It will be hard to drag yourself away. The country folk are a warm presence in Achaia. Their tables are laden with bread, olives, cheese, wine and kindness.

AGIA LAVRA The monastery of Agia Lavra 5 km. from Kalavrita, is built at a point which commands a view of the whole Vouraikos river valley. Constructed in 961 at an altitude of 961 meters, it once also had 961 monks. It was here, from the present building dating from 1689, that the call for "freedom of death" first rang out in 1821, commanding Greeks to defend their heritage and throw off the Turkish oppressors. The revolutionary banner was raised in the garden under the historic plane tree. The monastery church has a fine carved icon screen, frescoes damaged by fire and the icon of Agia Lavra. Apart from the revolutionary banner, the relies include a very old Gospel, a gift of Catherine the Great; gold crosses; reliquaries and a valuable collection of early Christian and ancient objects. On a hill opposite, a monument to the heroes of the Revolution of 1821 looks down over the monastery.

KALAVRITA Kalavrita the persecuted little town, which has so much written history of heroic events, is built at an altitude of 756 m., at the foot of the Aroania mountain, on the ancient Kynetha site. It is an interesting area for lovers of nature, history and sightseeing. Agia Lavra, 7 km. from Kalavrita, is the monastery where the oath was taken to turn against the Turks, in 1821. It was founded in 10 AD. The original building was burned down in 1585 by the Turks and only two aisles of the church were saved. It was transferred to its present site in 1689 and after being destroyed twice, it was reconstructed into its present state. It is the symbol of the Greek Revolution of 1821. In the same monastery the standard of Revolt is kept among other important historical and religious treasures.

MEGA SPILEO The monastery of Mega Spileo is easily reached from Kalavrita. It is a historic monastery, one of the greatest and most attractive of all. The seven floor structure hides a huge cave of Helmos, at an altitude of 924 m. According to a legend, the monastery was founded in the 4th century by two monks from Salonica, on the spot, where Efrosini, a shepherd girl but with blue blood in her veins, discovered a miraculous icon, depicting the Virgin Mary. The icon was made of wax and mastic by Luke the Evangelist. It is kept in a cave in the church Panagia Chrisospiliotisa. The original building of the monastery was destroyed and rebuilt many times before the final reconstruction in 1943. Many icons adorn the church dating from 1653. The visitor will also be able to admire rare manuscripts, vestments of the clergy, byzantine gospels and excellent pieces of handicrafts in gold and silver, kept in a vestry. The 17th century monastery church has wonderful, if damaged frescoes, mosaic floors and a bronze door with relief decoration. The icon of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child in her right arm is a relief made of wax and mastic, attributed to St. Luke. The monastery museum contains holy relies and treasures, an icon screen of great age, carved wooden crosses, venerable manuscripts, Gospels, and the like. The silhouettes of the monks with their long hair, full beards and erect figures testify that another way of life -- the ascetic way, so different from our own -- reigns here. During the Second World War, Kalavrita went through the darkest moments of its existence, experiencing the horror of fascism. On the 13th December, the German invaders gathered all the town's males in the square, executed them and then set the town on fire. Not far from Kalavrita, on a slope of the mountain, the Sacrifice Memorial stands, erected in commemoration of their death. Those 1300 dead boys and men and the persecuted town will, always, remind the visitors of the monstrosities of the war and will expose the menacing face of fascism to the world. Helmos superb skiing center, located 14 km. from Kalavrita, equipped with the latest technology, offers lovers of skiing unforgettable moments.