Patras was proclaimed Cultural Capital of Europe for 2006. This commemorative volume highlights important aspects of the development of the town and the intellectual and artistic expression of its inhabitants, giving prominence to the role it has played over time: that is, from the period when its mythical founder, Patreus, laid its foundations, to the present day, when it is a populous, vibrant city with a busy harbor, the 'capital' of the Peloponnese and an open gateway leading to Italy and the West in general. This volume is filled with beautiful full-color photographs and crisp drawings that help to illustrate the history of this remarkable place. English translation by David Hardy. Distributed for Kotinos Editions.