Ioannina is a city in the northwest of Greece and capital of the prefecture of Epirus. The city of Ioannina is built at the western shore of Lake Pamvotida. The natural environment, the climate and character of the town are defined by this stretch of water the area’s trademark. The lake, with its still waters and its small island, is a natural monument, around which the entire area lives and breathes. The strong cultural traditions of the town, home to a number of great novelists and poets, and the artistic and intellectual events which are organized throughout the year, give visitors the opportunity to get to know the roots of the intellectual life of Epirus.
The town’s most popular landmark. You’ll find yourself on a small island in the middle of a beautiful fjord, where the water is smooth as glass and your surroundings are spectacular. The routes around the lake offer exquisite scenery and plenty to explore. Is an experience to suit all kinds of traveller there is much to see, much to learn about, and there is the serene calming effect of the lake.
The imposing castle of Ioannina was built in 528 AD by the Emperor Justinian, and was an ambitious expression of the might of the Byzantine Empire. It is the oldest Byzantine fortress in Greece with significant influence over the history of the town which grew around it.
You can find several attractions to visit. One of the top attractions in the region is of course the islet, called Nisaki which is found at the north-eastern shore of the lake, near the village of Amphithea. where. One of these attractions is the Island Museum, where you can find information about the region and its history. Before been converted to what it is nowadays, it was the Monastery of Saint Panteleimon and later the place where Ali Pasha spent the last years of his life, hiding and waiting for a pardon from the Sultan. The Islet also features several taverns, traditional bakeries and gift shops.
Ioannina is very well-known for its traditional bakeries and baklava sweets. People in Ioannina have traditionally been silversmiths, making handmade silverware, such as jewellery, cutlery and ornaments. If you visit Ioannina, you should not forget to visit these silver shops.
