 Rio
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Rio is located 9 km from Patras and has essentially developed into one of its suburbs. It serves as a key transportation hub connecting the Peloponnese with mainland Greece.
The Rio–Antirrio Bridge, completed in 2004, links the Peloponnese with western continental Greece. Additionally, there are ferries that transport travelers to the opposite shore of Antirrio.
In Rio, you will also find the Rio Castle, or Kasteli of Patras, built atop the ruins of an ancient temple of Poseidon. It was constructed by Sultan Bayezid II in 1499. In 1533, it was captured by the Genoese, but later that same year, the Ottomans regained control. In 1687, Francesco Morosini besieged and captured the castle, causing significant damage to its walls. At that time, new towers were added, giving the castle its present form. The Church of Zoodochos Pigi was also built during this period.
The castle returned to Ottoman control in 1715, and during the same period, it was used as a prison. In 1828, it was handed over to the French under Maison, and from 1831 until 1912, it served as a military and civil prison. Today, the castle hosts cultural events and is open to tourists.
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