The largest church in Patras, dedicated to its patron saint, with a rich history of faith, architecture, and pilgrimage.
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The gateway of faith in Patras
The new Church of Saint Andrew stands adjacent to the older one, and the decision for its construction was made in the early 20th century. Its design resulted from an international competition, with the winning proposal submitted by the French architect Émile Robert.
The foundation stone was laid on January 1st, 1908, by King George I, and construction began using reinforced concrete — a groundbreaking material at the time. However, issues with the foundations, high construction costs, and aesthetic disagreements over the non-Byzantine style of the original plans led to significant delays.
In 1934, the central part of the church was constructed but remained incomplete for decades. In 1945, the architectural plans were revised to adopt a more Byzantine style. After years of continued work, the church was finally inaugurated on September 26, 1974, by the Bishop of Patras, Nikodimos, and the Archbishop of Athens.
The interior decoration follows the Byzantine tradition, featuring iconography that enhances the grandeur of this imposing monument. Alongside the old church, it attracts thousands of pilgrims from Greece and abroad.
The church is dedicated to Apostle Andrew, the patron saint of Patras. According to ecclesiastical tradition, the Apostle preached the word of Christ in Achaia and in Patras, where he was crucified near the coastline in 66 AD, during the reign of Nero. Through his miracles and teachings, he attracted many followers, and from his prison cell he ordained Stratokles as the first bishop of Patras.
His relic was transferred to Constantinople in the 4th century, while his skull was safeguarded in Italy for centuries. It was officially returned to Patras on September 26, 1964, by the Roman Catholic Church.
The worship of Saint Andrew has remained alive through the centuries, with miraculous accounts and a strong presence in the collective memory of the city. Faith, architecture, and history come together in the new church of Saint Andrew — one of the most important ecclesiastical monuments in modern Greece.
