GREECE PELOPONNESE ACHAIA PATRAS FORTRESS

Remarkable is the Fortress of Patras in many aspects. Built in the second half of the 6th century AD on the ruins of the ancient acropolis, it reflects the vicissitudes of Patras' rulers: Byzantines, Franks, Palaiologues, Venetians, Turks. - In 1828, Patras was liberated and the fortress came under Greek control.

Also noteworthy: free entrance to the fortress with very kind guards.

As you come to the vast inner court there are quite a lot of architectural members lying around. Most easily to recognize are ancient Ionian column drums and much later stone fragments with crosses and other Christian symbols.

Above: Mighty walls, bastions and towers of the castle that was in continous use as administrative and military centre until the second World War. - Below left: Loopholes near the main gate.

Above: Aesthetics in the military installation. - Below left: Interesting are the different construction types of the walls of different periods, here with multi-coloured brickwork. - Below right: These are (probably) the remains of the mosque inside the castle.

Below: The views from the fortress to the city of Patras and the sea beyond are just awesome.