Patras

Patras (anciently Pateai) stands in the north of the Morea at the entrance to the Gulf of Corinth. It became an archiepiscopal see in the 4th century, and has been from a very early date an important fortress. It was twice besieged by the Spaniards in the 16th century, and in the Greek War of Independence played an important part. It was much injured by an earthquake in 1820. From its harbour, which was much improved in 1880, large quantities of currants, as well as olive oil and wine, are exported.