Ioannina, Regional capital in northwestern Greece
Description
Ioannina is a regional capital in northwestern Greece located along the western shore of Lake Pamvotis. Stone houses stand along narrow streets that lead to a medieval fortress complex.
History
The settlement gained importance in the 6th century when Emperor Justinian built a fortified structure at this site. Later, Ottoman rulers took control of the town and constructed mosques and public baths within the walls.
Culture
The name derives from Greek Ioannina and refers to medieval churches dedicated to John the Baptist. Visitors see stone lanes with craft workshops where silversmiths and coppersmiths work using traditional methods.
Practical
The town center connects to the island in Lake Pamvotis through regular boat services that depart from the main pier. The old town inside the fortress can be explored on foot, with sturdy footwear recommended due to cobblestone streets.
Did you know?
Residents live within the fortress walls in traditional houses next to Ottoman monuments and Byzantine structures, preserving a living historical quarter. The island in the lake holds monasteries from the 16th century where monastic communities remain active.
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Veli Pasha Mosque
271 m
Archaeological Museum of Ioannina
436 m
Municipal Art Gallery of Ioannina
590 m
Kaloutsiani Mosque
412 m
Zosimaia public library
278 mHistorical Museum of Ioannina Ch. Nikolaou
357 m
Protypo Klassiko Lykeio Ioanninon
416 mNational Resistance Museum of Ioannina
239 mFolk Art Museum of Epirus – "Kostas Frontzos"
361 mFoundation for Epirotic Studies Museum
357 m
Statue of Alexandros Papagos, Ioannina
239 m
Kaplaneion School
498 m
Clock tower of Ioannina
263 mZosimaia Paedagogical Academy
333 mMuseum of Epirot Folk Art
377 mTurkish Cookhouse, Ioannina
360 mLitharitsia Bastion
433 m
Statue of King Pyrros, Ioannina
47 m
House of Kappa Parlapas
330 m
Pyrsinella Mansion
482 mOld City Hall of Ioannina
114 m
Cathedral church of Agios Athanasiou Ioanninon
529 mMedresa at Veli Pasha complex
267 mMemorial: The Escape, Ioannina
62 mMemorial to Liberation of Ioannina, Ioannina
242 m
House of Giotis
484 mOlympias and Alexander sculpture, Ioannina
82 mArchontiko Ioannidi
236 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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