On November 30, AD 60, Roman soldiers bound the Apostle Andrew to an X-shaped cross on a hillside in Patras. For three days he preached to the crowds gathering below, proclaiming Christ until his final breath. Nearly two millennia later, pilgrims still come to this western Greek port city to walk where Andrew walked, to pray where he was martyred, and to venerate the sacred relics returned from Rome's St. Peter's Basilica in 1964.
The third-largest city in Greece sits on the northern coast of the Peloponnese, its modern harbor overlooked by Byzantine ramparts and the glittering domes of Greece's largest Orthodox church. Here, the apostle who first brought Christianity to Greek soil is honored by Catholics and Orthodox alike, his legacy preserved in one of Christendom's most significant pilgrimage sites.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
According to ancient tradition, Saint Andrew arrived in Patras around AD 58, bringing the Gospel to this Roman provincial capital. His preaching drew large crowds, and many converted to Christianity, including Maximilla, the wife of the Roman proconsul Aegeatus. When Andrew refused to sacrifice to pagan gods and continued to preach despite warnings, Aegeatus ordered his crucifixion.
Andrew specifically requested to be crucified on an X-shaped cross (crux decussata), declaring himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ. The distinctive saltire cross, now known as St. Andrew's Cross, became his enduring symbol. For three days he remained bound to the cross, preaching to the assembled crowds before his death on November 30, AD 60.
Andrew's relics remained in Patras until 357, when Emperor Constantius II transferred them to the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. During the Fourth Crusade in 1204, Cardinal Peter of Capua brought the relics to Italy, eventually enshrining them in Amalfi Cathedral. The skull fragment was later transferred to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
In an extraordinary ecumenical gesture on September 26, 1964, Pope Paul VI returned Saint Andrew's skull to Patras as a gift to the Orthodox Church of Greece. On January 19, 1980, portions of the martyrdom cross also returned to Patras. These historic reunifications symbolized growing unity between Catholic and Orthodox traditions while restoring Greece's most precious apostolic relics to their original home.
The modern Cathedral of Saint Andrew was constructed between 1908 and 1974 under the supervision of architects Anastasios Metaxas and Georgios Nomikos. Built in Greek Byzantine style, it is the largest Orthodox church in Greece and the third-largest Byzantine-style church in the Balkans, after the Cathedral of Saint Sava in Belgrade and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia. The cathedral was inaugurated in 1974, marking the completion of a 66-year construction project initiated by King George I.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Patras
Cathedral of Saint Andrew (Agios Andreas)
The monumental Byzantine cathedral rises on the city's western waterfront, its golden dome visible from ships approaching the harbor. Inside, an ornate silver reliquary houses the returned relics: the little finger of Saint Andrew, part of the top of his cranium, and small portions of the cross on which he was martyred. The cathedral's interior features stunning iconography and marble work, with the shrine positioned prominently for veneration by pilgrims.
The cathedral's architecture reflects traditional Byzantine design with Greek Orthodox adaptations. Multiple domes crown the structure, and the bell tower stands as a landmark for the city. The spacious interior accommodates thousands of worshippers during major feast days.
Old Church of Saint Andrew
Adjacent to the cathedral stands the original 19th-century church, built in 1835 and designed by the renowned architect Lysandros Kaftanzoglou. This smaller church marks the traditional site where Andrew preached to the people of Patras. Next to the old church is Saint Andrew's Well, a sacred spring where, according to tradition, the apostle taught and baptized converts. The region around this divining spring was where Andrew was crucified.
The old church offers a more intimate worship space compared to the massive modern cathedral. Many pilgrims visit both structures, tracing the apostle's final days through these connected sacred sites.
Patras Castle
Built in the mid-6th century AD on the ruins of the ancient acropolis, this medieval fortress dominates the Old Town skyline. While primarily a historic site rather than a pilgrimage destination, the castle's commanding position offers panoramic views over the city where Andrew labored and died. The fortification played a strategic role in protecting Christian populations during Byzantine, Frankish, and Venetian rule.
Today the castle hosts cultural events, including theatrical performances in its 640-seat outdoor theater. The well-preserved walls and towers provide context for understanding Patras's layered history from ancient Greek settlement through Byzantine Christendom to modern Greece.
Roman Odeum
This 2nd-century AD Roman theater, discovered accidentally in 1889 during port construction, stands on the western side of the city center. Built before the Odeum of Athens, it was restored to its original shape by 1956. While primarily an archaeological monument, it contextualizes the Greco-Roman world in which Andrew preached.
The Odeum now serves as the chief venue for the Patras International Festival each summer. Standing in this ancient structure where Romans once gathered for performances, pilgrims can better envision the pagan culture Andrew confronted with the Gospel message.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of Saint Andrew — November 30
The liturgical feast of Saint Andrew, commemorating his martyrdom in AD 60, draws pilgrims from across Greece and beyond. Divine Liturgy is celebrated with particular solemnity in the cathedral, and the relics are exposed for special veneration. Both Orthodox and Catholic faithful gather to honor the apostle who brought Christianity to Greek lands.
Processions through the city streets recreate Andrew's final journey to the crucifixion site. Church bells ring throughout Patras, and special services continue throughout the day. Many pilgrims arrive days in advance to participate in preparatory prayers and vigils.
September 26 Anniversary
A special observance marks the anniversary of the return of Saint Andrew's skull from Rome in 1964. This ecumenical milestone is celebrated with prayers for Christian unity, remembering Pope Paul VI's historic gesture of reconciliation. The anniversary emphasizes shared veneration of the apostle across denominational lines.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Airotel Patras Smart Hotel ⭐⭐⭐ — Located in the new port within easy walking distance of the cathedral, this modern hotel offers 51 rooms with free Wi-Fi, private parking, and Greek breakfast. Solar heating and thermal frontage provide energy efficiency. The convenient location places pilgrims steps from Saint Andrew's shrine. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Moxy Patra Marina ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — A contemporary Design Hotels property located 0.45 miles from the cathedral with exceptional ratings. The waterfront location provides marina views and easy access to both pilgrimage sites and the city center. Modern amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness center, and rooftop bar. Reserve this hotel
Mediterranee Hotel ⭐⭐⭐ — Budget-friendly option just 0.44 miles from the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. This comfortable hotel features air-conditioned rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, and convenient access to pilgrimage sites. An excellent value for pilgrims seeking simple, clean accommodations near the shrine. Reserve this hotel
Castello City Hotel ⭐⭐⭐ — Located an 8-minute walk from Psila Alonia Square in the heart of the city. This hotel features a shared lounge, terrace, and bar, providing a comfortable base for exploring both sacred sites and the broader city. Air-conditioned rooms and modern amenities cater to contemporary travelers. Reserve this hotel
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Araxos Airport (GPA), approximately 45 km southwest of Patras, serves seasonal international flights, primarily from Ryanair. KTEL Achaia buses coordinate with flight schedules (approximately €10, 45 minutes). Taxis cost €50-60. Athens International Airport (ATH), 215 km away, offers far more international connections with direct bus service to Patras.
By Bus: KTEL buses operate direct service from Athens Airport and Athens city center to Patras (approximately 3 hours, €20-25). Buses depart hourly from Athens Kifissos Bus Station. The Patras KTEL station is centrally located near the cathedral. FlixBus also operates Athens-Patras routes with competitive pricing.
By Train: Greek Railways (TrainOSE) connects Athens to Patras with regular service (approximately 3.5-4 hours, €15-20). The scenic route passes through Corinth and along the northern Peloponnese coast. Patras railway station is located near the port area, a short walk or taxi ride from the cathedral.
By Ferry: Patras is Greece's primary western port with ferry connections to Italy (Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, Venice). Superfast Ferries, Minoan Lines, and ANEK Lines operate overnight crossings. The port terminal is within walking distance of Saint Andrew's Cathedral, making Patras an ideal arrival point for pilgrims combining Italian and Greek sacred sites.
By Car: From Athens, take the A8/E94 (Athens-Patras National Road) westbound (approximately 215 km, 2.5 hours, toll road). From northern Greece, follow the E55 south through Corinth. Parking is available near the cathedral and throughout the city center (metered street parking €1-2/hour, municipal lots available).
Local Transport: The cathedral is easily accessible on foot from most city center hotels. Public buses connect major areas of Patras. Taxis are readily available and affordable for short trips within the city.
📚 Further Reading
Books:
Stewart Lamont, The Life of St Andrew: Apostle, Saint and Enigma — Comprehensive biography exploring Andrew's ministry, martyrdom, and enduring legacy across cultures and centuries.
Vassilios Bakoyiannis, Apostle Andrew: His Life and His Miracles — Greek Orthodox perspective on Andrew's mission to Greece and the miracles attributed to his intercession, drawing from ancient literature. (2023)
Online Resources:
Catholic Encyclopedia: Saint Andrew — Authoritative entry covering biblical accounts, early traditions, and the historical development of Andrew's veneration.
Vatican General Audience on Saint Andrew — Pope Benedict XVI's 2006 catechesis on Andrew as the "Protoclete" (first-called apostle).
🔗 Useful Links
Cathedral of Saint Andrew Official Site — Mass schedules, feast day celebrations, and pilgrimage information (Greek language).
Visit Greece: Patras — Official Greek tourism information covering history, attractions, and practical visitor details.
Archaeological Museum of Patras — Greece's second-largest museum, showcasing Roman Patras and regional history from prehistory to late antiquity.
KTEL Achaia Bus — Regional and intercity bus schedules and booking for Patras and surrounding areas.
🥾 Pilgrim Routes
St. Paul's Greece Pilgrimage Trail — Multi-city pilgrimage routes through Greece often include Patras as part of comprehensive tours visiting Corinth, Athens, Delphi, Meteora, and Thessaloniki. Catholic tour operators including 206 Tours and Catholic Journeys offer guided 7-12 day itineraries combining Saint Andrew's martyrdom site with other Pauline missionary locations. These organized pilgrimages typically include daily Mass, English-speaking guides, and coordinated transportation.
Ecumenical Pilgrimage Network — Patras serves as a symbolic destination for ecumenical pilgrimages focusing on Christian unity, given the historic return of Andrew's relics from Rome and the shared veneration by Catholic and Orthodox faithful.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Corinth (135 km east) — Where Saint Paul established one of early Christianity's most influential communities and wrote two canonical epistles. Ancient Corinth's archaeological site includes the bema (judgment seat) where Paul faced Roman authorities.
Athens (215 km east) — Greece's capital where Paul delivered his famous Areopagus address. The Cathedral of St. Dionysius the Areopagite honors the city's first bishop converted by Paul's preaching.
Meteora (280 km north) — Gravity-defying monasteries perched atop towering rock formations. Six active Orthodox monasteries welcome pilgrims to experience Byzantine spirituality in stunning natural settings.
Delphi (190 km northeast) — Ancient sanctuary site and medieval Christian settlements in the shadow of Mount Parnassus. The monastery of Hosios Loukas, a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserves exceptional Byzantine mosaics.
Mystras (180 km south) — Fortified Byzantine town in the Peloponnese featuring medieval churches and palaces. This remarkably preserved settlement offers insight into late Byzantine religious and cultural life.
Olympia (90 km southwest) — Ancient Olympic sanctuary and nearby Byzantine churches. While primarily an archaeological site, the region's Christian heritage includes early medieval monasteries and shrines.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah.' He brought Simon to Jesus." — Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience on Saint Andrew, June 14, 2006
To walk the streets of Patras is to follow in the footsteps of the Protoclete, the first-called apostle who immediately shared his discovery of the Messiah. Andrew's missionary zeal brought Christianity to Greek soil. His willing martyrdom on the saltire cross testified to a faith stronger than Roman authority. And the return of his relics from Rome speaks to a healing of ancient divisions, a movement toward the unity for which Christ prayed.
The pilgrimage to Patras is a journey to Christianity's Greek roots, to the place where East met West in Andrew's preaching, where philosophy encountered revelation, where an apostle's blood sanctified this harbor city. To venerate his relics is to touch the apostolic succession itself, to pray where generations have prayed, and to ask Andrew's intercession for the same evangelistic courage that led him from Galilee's shores to this final witness in Patras.
