The ancient city of Patras was originally formed by the unification of three Mycenaean villages: Aroe, Antheia and Mesatis. After the Dorian invasion a group of Achaeans from Laconia, led by Patreas, established a colony and the city took its name from their leader.During the ancient years, Patras remained a farming region but during the Roman invasion it became an important port.

At some time during the reign of Emperor Nero, St.Andrew came to Patras to preach Christianity Here he met a martyr’s death by crucification. From then on he was considered the protector of Patras and nowadays there is a magnificent big church, built in his honor, on the exact place of his crucification. During the Byzantine period Patras continued to be an important port as well as an industrial center. Patras was invaded by the Turks in 1460. The first period of Turkish rule (1460 –1687) was a miserable one but from 1715 and on there was a revival of trade and so in the 18th century it became a prosperous town again economically based on agriculture and trade. Later Patras played an active part in the Independence struggle against Turks (1821).