This time from me: What to see in Ioannina

Τρίτη 9 Ιανουαρίου 2018

What to see in Ioannina

Ioannina or Yannena is one of Northern Greece's most atmospheric cities. Built at the banks of lake Pamvotida is a place full of history and art. The city is fascinating, ideal for vacation throughout the year. Ioannina has everything: important archaeological sights, a lake and a small island in its middle, surrounded by mountains, intense nightlife and an excquisite traditional cuisine. Ioannina is also known as the city of silversmiths and as gastronomical paradise. It is the perfect blend between history of the old and a sprawling modern city infrastructure built to accommodate tourists of all nations. For centuries, Christians, Jews and Muslims coexisted in the alleys of this oldest, walled part of Ioannina. Ioannina still has cobblestone streets and interesting architecture. As you wander these atmospheric streets, fascinating attractions will catch your eye.

The castle town of Ioannina is the oldest byzantine fortress in Greece and is one of the few castles that is still inhabited. Some important monuments inside its walls are the Its Kale Acropolis there you will see the Fetiche Mosque where you will learn about the story of Ali Pasa and the role that played in the history of the city. The Fetiyie mosque is built at the highest point of the acropolis, where, according to historical sources, previously stood the metropolitan church of Archangel Michael during the late Byzantine period. The Fetiyie mosque became the religious centre of the acropolis throughout the 18th century. Its current form is result of the restoration works carried out during the reigh of Ali Pasha from 1795 onwards. In front of the Fetiyie mosque there are the tomb of Ali Pasa and his first wife. His decapitated body was buried there in 1822, next to his spouse Emine. Other sites that worth a visit are the Byzantine museum with an extensive collection of Byzantine icons, the ammunition depot and a Byzantine silversmithing collection.

Other interesting sites inside the castle walls are the remains of a turkish library,the tower of Bohemond, the Seraglio of Ali Pasha, the Treasury…. and much more.

The whole realm of Ioannina is just breathtaking; it is the perfect picturesque getaway for romantic couples or for a memorable family vacation. And it never gets boring, the clubs and bars are open all through the night with university students thronging in to catch fun. Ioannina boasts of wonderful restaurants and master chefs who would make you delicacies you would live to remember for a long time. Let yourself be captivated by the legends surrounding this beautiful city in Epirus.

Music: "Music by SfxValley"