1. City of Patras - Presentation

2. The Region of Western Greece www.pde.gov.gr The 4 th biggest out of 13 regions in Greece, with 7% of the country’s total population 3 Regional Sections (Achaia, Ilia, Aitoloakarnania) Area: 11,350 Km 2 (8.6 % of the total area of Greece) 19 Municipalities 680,190 inhabitants 23.1% unemployment More info: www.e-patras.grwww.e-patras.gr ● Patras ● Athens ● Thessaloniki

3. The city of Patras More info: www.e-patras.grwww.e-patras.gr Capital of Achaia Regional Unit and Region of Western Greece The 3 rd biggest city in Greece 214.580 inhabitants Area: 333.1 Km 2 (125.4 Km 2 urban area) Density: 609 / Km 2 (1303/km 2 urban center) 5 Municipal Units Main Figures

4. The city of Patras More info: www.e-patras.grwww.e-patras.gr Patras 163.446 Vrachneika 5.094 Paralia 9.074 Messatida 11.873 Rio 13.270 HSA, above is the map of Patras where the purple lines are the administrative boundaries of each municipality according to the new “Kallicrates” scheme, which is on effect since 01/01/2011.

5. The city of Patras More info: www.e-patras.grwww.e-patras.gr Patra is located in the western part of Greece and its surroundings as can be seen in the following satellite image: During the Roman period it was a cosmopolitan centre of the eastern Mediterranean region. Patras is a commercial hub, while it’s a busy port is a nodal point for trade and communication with Italy and the rest of Western Europe. The city has two public universities and one Technological Institute, hosting a large student population and rendering Patras a major scientific centre with a field of excellence in technological education.

6. The economy of the city largely depends on a thriving service sector. Its main economic activities include retailing, logistics, financial and the public sector services. Patras suffered a severe problem of deindustrialization during the late 1980s and 1990s; where a number of major productive units shut down in successive order. As a result, the city was taken a great economic hit and a rise of unemployment. However, the University of Patras contributed to the economy using its widely respected service and technology sectors. The area still retains some of its traditional winemaking and foodstuff industries as well as a small agricultural sector, and its industrial area lies approximately 20 km to the south of the downtown area. More info: www.e-patras.grwww.e-patras.gr City of Patras

7. More info: www.e-patras.grwww.e-patras.gr Local Economy More specifically, its main economy is based on the following sectors among others: Administration Center (Capital of West Greece region, and Achaia Regional unit) Tertiary Education Center (University of Patras, Hellenic Open University, Technological Institute). The Computer Technology Institute, the Science Park, the Industrial Systems Institute of Greece and other important research centers are placed in Patras. Health Center (Regional hospital) Banking (Most Greek Banks have their regional headquarters for Western Greece located in Patras). Tourism (The prefecture has 4.800 hotels rooms and 286.000 tourists for 2006, mainly Greeks, that stayed for a total of 634.000 days Retailing (It is a dynamic Metropolitan center with ) Transportation and Commerce (Due to the existence of Port it is an important commercial hub between Greece and Western europe) Manufacturing (TITAN cement factory), Foodstuff (Athenian Brewery. Soft drink Company LOUX, wine company Achaia Clauss), Energy (one of the the largests wind park in Greece, on the Mt. Panachaikon) City of Patras

8. More info: www.e-patras.grwww.e-patras.gr Transportation (Infrastructure) The port. The main gateway to Europe by ship. It manages more than half of the foreign sea-passenger transportation in Greece. It has excellent car- ferry links with the Ionian islands and the major Adriatic ports of Italy. The ring Road. It is newly constructed, 20 km long, was first opened in 2002 The mini ring road is under construction to minimize heavy traffic-related problems in the city centre The impressive Rio-Antirrio Bridge is located to the north of the city and links Peloponnese to mainland Greece. It was completed in 2004. Commuter and Regional Rail. The first links the center of the city with the Northern suburbs (Rio, Ag. Basileios). The regional lines link Patras with other Greek cities (Pyrgos, Kalamata) Regional Bus. Connecting the city of Patras with Athens and other major destinations Airport Araxos. It is located 40km south of Patras. City of Patras

9. More info: www.e-patras.grwww.e-patras.gr Culture and Sport Events European Cultural Capital 2006 Athens Olympic Games 2004. Partly organised the soccer events. World Rythmic Gymnastic Championship 2007 International Childrens Games 2003 European Women Basketbal Championship 2003 Rhythmic Gymnastic European Championship 1997 World Wrestling Championship 2001 Patras International Circuit Kart (Annually) City of Patras PATRAS in TRANSITION: From a secondary sector urban area to a tertiary sector metropolitan area

10. The municipal council makes all decisions on issues that concern the municipality except on those issues that fall under the jurisdiction of the Mayor or the Mayoral Committee. The municipal council consists of 41 Members. The members of the municipal council are divided into municipal parties depending on the political party with which they have been elected.municipal councilmunicipal council consists of 41 Memberselected City of Patras More info: www.e-patras.grwww.e-patras.gr The Mayor is assisted by Deputy Mayors. The Deputy Mayors are majority councillors appointed by the Mayor.Deputy Mayors The Municipality is administered by the municipal council, the mayoral committee and the Mayor according to the Municipal and Community Code. Municipal Administration

11. Apart from its departmental structure comprising of nine directorates each with its corresponding departments, the Municipality of Patras has created other sectors with the aim of raising the cultural level of the city founded by the mythical Patreas. The City of Patras with its lengthy history stands out for its significant role in the political and social events of our country. Its geographical location, its natural beauties and the mentality of its citizens, have all contributed in establishing Patras as the metropolis of Peloponnese and Western Greece. In order for Patras to become a city that can meet contemporary requirements, the Municipality has founded the following organizations and enterprises. Municipal Administration More info: www.e-patras.grwww.e-patras.gr

12. DEYAP (Patra Municipal Enterprise for Water and Sewage Management). The Body responsible for the city's water supply and sewage systems City of Patras DI.PE.THE. (Municipal and Regional Theatre of Patra) The Apollon Theatre built by Ernest Chiller is one of the architectural jewels of the city centre. It stages plays that meet the theatrical needs of Patra audiences. Municipal Enterprises & Organizations More info: www.e-patras.grwww.e-patras.gr

13. The Municipal Health and Welfare Organisation has been developed to a great degree together with social care, with the Parents' School the Food Bank, the Refuge for Single Mothers, activities for the Disabled, Centres for Senior Citizens etc, making the citizens' of Patra feel that they have the care and support of the Municipal Authority. Municipal Enterprises & Organizations More info: www.e-patras.grwww.e-patras.gr

14. The Municipal Library serves the quest for knowledge and research needs of pupils, students, scholars and citizens Municipal Library – Cultural Organization of Patras consists of: Municipal Music. The Band and the Bandina add rhythm and colour to all celebratory events The Municipal Conservatorys an institution that offers the children of Patra the opportunity to study music, and some of its students have moved on to become accomplished musicians. Municipal Enterprises & Organizations More info: www.e-patras.grwww.e-patras.gr

15. Patras Carnival The Patras Carnival, Patrino karnavali is the largest event of its kind in Greece and the biggest in Europe. It has more than 160 years of history. The events begin on 17 January and last up to Clean Monday. The carnival of Patras is not a single event but a variety of events that includes balls, parades, hunting of hidden treasure, kids’ carnival etc. City of Patras Municipal Enterprises & Organizations More info: www.e-patras.grwww.e-patras.gr

16. City of Patras The Patras Municipal Enterprise for Development S.A. (ADEP Α.Ε.) constitutes the Municipality's main mechanism for the utilization of European and national programs and is a model development body in the greater Achaia Prefecture. With initiatives and actions that cover a broad spectrum of issues (environment, employment, local economy, tourism etc) and strategic partnerships with all local development bodies and services, it has been established as a development lever for the area since 1993 when it was founded. Municipal Enterprises & Organizations