It is the fourth largest city in Greece and this year Patras is the European Capital of Culture. The city's cultural roots stretch back to the Peloponnesian war, through several Roman emperors and it was a centre of cultural exchange and creation in the 19th century. While the majority of scheduled events fall under the "artistic" heading in the form of exhibitions, concerts and performances, the issue of Europe is centre-stage. In 2006 Patras aims to use culture to drive European integration forward.