If I had to choose a city in Greece to stay in besides Thessaloniki, it would be Ioannina without a second thought. It's a place that won me over, as soon as I set foot in it. A place with unique natural beauty, good food, "lively" everyday life, but a lot of rain!
A few words about the city
Ioannina, also known as Giannina is located in Epirus and is the capital of the regional unit of Ioannina. The city is founded around Lake Pamvotida or Lake of Ioannina, being the seventh largest city in the country! The name of the town is an enigma, as there are many versions, but none is confirmed. However, the main ones are two. The first claims that the name of the city comes from the monastery of St. John the Baptist, which was located there and the second has to do with the name of the daughter of Belisarius (Joanna), General of Justinian. It currently has 65,574 inhabitants within the city and about 112,486 in the greater metropolitan area. It is widely known as the town of silversmiths, which is a great feature of the local culture. Ultimately, it has to pride itself on its multicultural character, its many attractions in the city center, its good food and its lively nightlife, which is due to the countless students studying in Ioannina. Let's meet it.
10) Tzoumerka
The Athamanian Mountains or more commonly known as Tzoumerka constitute the largest mountain range of western Greece, being the southern part of the Pindos Mountain range. This area is considered an unexplored diamond, waiting patiently to be discovered. Green mountains, imposing gorges and impressive waterfalls are only a few of what you will see when visiting the area. In Tzoumerka you will also find attractive traditional settlements with the most important being Kalarrytes, Pramanta, Syrrako, Theodoriana, Melissourgoi, Agnanta, Elliniko, Vourgareli and Kostitsi.
9) Cave of Perama
The cave of Perama is one of the most notable sights of the area. It is located in the village of Perama and is just four kilometers from the center of the city of Ioannina. Worthy of attention is the fact that it is the first cave in Greece that was used for tourism, while according to connoisseurs; it is, moreover, the most interesting. It has 19 species of stalactites and stalagmites, an extremely significant number, while fossilized bones and teeth of the cave bear were found inside. The cave of Perama was discovered accidentally in 1940, during World War II, as the inhabitants of the village were trying to find shelter from the bombings. Finally, at the exit of the cave, 25 meters higher than the entrance, the visitor will have the opportunity to admire the city of Ioannina and Lake Pamvotida from above.
8) Archaeological Site of Dodoni
Ancient Dodoni is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, while the homonymous oracle was, according to Aristotle, the cradle of Greek civilization! It was also considered an important place of worship of Zeus, while many years ago and specifically in the Bronze Age the position of the chief of the Gods was the Goddess Earth or some other female deity related to fertility. Unfortunately, the oracle was destroyed over the centuries, while the Sacred Tree was cut from the root when the worship of Zeus was replaced by Christianity. But the archaeological site of Dodoni is rich in treasures of Greek culture. One of the most important and certainly most imposing sights is none other than the Great Ancient Theater. The Ancient Theater of Dodoni was built in the 3rd century BC from the King of Epirus Pyrrhus, at the foot of Mount Tomarus. It is one of the largest, with a capacity of 18,000 spectators, and best preserved ancient Greek theatres despite the destruction and changes that took place in it until the 4th century, when it ceased to operate. Access to the archaeological site, in which apart from the Ancient Theater there are many ancient monuments that are worth seeing up close such as the Sacred House, the stadium, the Parliament House, the Acropolis and others, is particularly easy as it is located just 22 km from Ioannina.
7) Metsovo
Metsovo is a mountainous traditional settlement with a population of just over 3000 inhabitants. It is located at the eastern end of the prefecture of Ioannina, close to the border with the prefecture of Trikala, on the northern slopes, between the mountains of the largest mountain range of Greece, Pindos. This particular village is an imperative stop for food and walk for those who go depart from the city of Ioannina, since it has been characterized by many as the most picturesque settlement in the country. A cluster of stone-built traditional houses hung on a verdant slope stimulates the senses and offers something truly unique. In Metsovo you will also find many buildings that have been classified as listed. Most important of these are the Monastery of Theotokos, the Monastery of St. Nicholas and the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi in Kiatra Rossia. You will also find other attractions such as the Folklore Museum of Tositsa Mansion, the Evangelos Averov Gallery, the Averofeio Garden and the Watermill of Gina. Finally, Metsovo holds a leading position in quality cheese making, while it has to be proud of its great contribution to the spiritual events of Greece as it is the place of origin of some of the biggest national benefactors such as Stournaris Averov and Tositsas.
6) Jewish Community of Ioannina
Visiting Ioannina it is impossible not to pass a walk through the Jewish part of the city. The city was the "capital" of Smyrnaean Jewry, the center of the then Greek-speaking Jewish World. Since then, the Jews have been constantly residing in Ioannina, maintaining special customs and traditions. Several old Jewish houses survive to this day as cultural heritage monuments, such as the two Houses of Levi, as well as the mansions of Mord Raphael and Moses. The most important of the monuments is the synagogue, which was built in 1826 and is located inside the castle. This particular building is one of the largest and oldest in Ioannina and attracts many tourists from all over the world!
5) The Museums
Ioannina is a city with a rich history, so there are many interesting museums and art spaces that will attract your attention. Without exaggeration both in the city and in its surroundings, you will find not one, not two, but 28 museums! Obviously it is impossible to visit them all at once, so I have chosen for you the most important ones.
Of course, I suggest you start from the Archaeological Museum of Ioannina, which is located in Litharitsia Park and includes findings of international fame from various periods from the wider continental area. Furthermore, very interesting is the Byzantine Museum, located in the area of the inner citadel of the castle (its-kale) and hosts collections of early Christian and Byzantine sculptures, ceramics, books, post-Byzantine icons from churches of the prefecture from the 16th to the 18th century. Next, do not miss a visit to the Municipal Museum of Ioannina, which is housed in the Mosque of Aslan-Pasha, where in its halls are exhibited traditional costumes, collections of woodcarving and silversmithing works, books, furniture, traditional woven works, various utensils etc.. Don’t also miss the Folklore Museum of Ioannina, which is housed in a renovated neoclassical building and includes ecclesiastical objects, local costumes, ceramics, works of traditional art etc.. Finally, I suggest you take a walk from the Pavlos Vrellis Wax Museum, located in Bizani village and all its wax exhibits, made in natural size, impress with their plasticity and expressiveness.
4) Monastery of Panagia Dourachani
The Monastery of Panagia Dourachani is located next to the village of Logades on the eastern shores of Lake Pamvotida, at the foot of Mount Mitsikeli just 11.5 km from the city of Ioannina. It is dedicated to the birth of the Theotokos and what makes it stand out is that this particular monastery is built by an Ottoman! According to legend, in the winter of 1434, the Bey of Roumeli, Dourahan Pasha, going with his army for a war Operation, passed by a chapel located on this spot and lit a candle, as he came from Christian parents. Then, in the fog and snow, he lost his orientation and passed with his army over the frozen lake, without loss. What had happened, he realized when he stepped ashore. He continued the mission as far as Argyrokastro, where he won the battle and on his way back, he went to the iconostasis and built the monastery. But his story does not stop here. In 1825 it burned to the ground, in 1830 it was built on foundations and continued to operate until 1933, when it was looted and deserted. Finally, it has been operating since 1974.
3) Clock Tower
At the most central point of the city, the Republic Square, stands one of the most historic sights of Ioannina, the Clock Tower. An elegant piece of art with a mixture of classical and oriental style, which exudes grandeur and an aura of another era. It was initially constructed in the northern part of the square on the order of Osman Pasha in 1905. However, in 1918, after disasters, it was dismantled in order to be restored and was re-installed in 1925 in its current position. The clock then shows the time in Ioannina inhabitants and is the meeting point for locals and tourists.
2) Castle
The castle of Ioannina and the legends that accompany it, rightly occupy the second place on this list. Cobbled streets, atmospheric alleys and architectural signs of Byzantines, Ottomans, Jews and Gianniotes compose a magical place that one should not miss. The imposing castle of the city was built in 525 AD as part of Emperor Justinian's plan for the fortification of the Byzantine State. Of course, it owes its current appearance to Ali Pasha, who lived in it and rebuilt it during the Turkish occupation. Also, there this enigmatic figure of the Ottoman Empire, met and fell in love with Lady Frosini, the mistress of his son! It is the oldest Byzantine fortress in Greece, which over the years developed into a real metropolis, where next to it developed the entire town of Ioannina. The castle is divided into four sections: the outer precinct, the northwest Acropolis, where the Aslan mosque dominates, the Southeast Acropolis with the famous its kale and, finally, the castle city itself, the old, ornate city of Ioannina. Ultimately, within the walls of the castle, you will also find the Soufari Serai, the kitchen, the Bohemund Tower, the Byzantine Museum, the Municipal Ethnographic Museum of Ioannina and the Fotis Rapakousis Museum.
1) Lake Pamvotida and Islet
At the top could not be anything other than Lake Pamvotida or Lake of Ioannina, as it is widely known. It is one of the loveliest lakes in Greece, with verdant banks that are home to a large part of the local fauna. It is fed with the waters of springs that gush from Mount Mitsikeli and despite various fluctuations in its level; its existence has been continuous in the area for the last 10,000 years! The entire lakeside area is an ideal place for walking, while it is filled with small shops and great restaurants, where fine flavors are combined with the green landscape.
Of course, it is worth it to get on the local boat and visit the Islet, located in the center of the lake. There you will find hospitable people, picturesque cobbled streets, low houses with whitewashed yards and fragrant gardens, small taverns serving local specialties (fried frog legs and eel on charcoal), a plane tree 700 years old and of course the place where Ali Pasha was murdered. At that point there is a museum, where for a symbolic price you will learn everything about the history of the region and the Pasha himself.
How to go
Ioannina can be reached in two ways. The first is to approach the city by road, either by own means of transport Via Egnatia Odos or by a bus. The second is by air. Just 5 km outside the city, operates the National Airport of Ioannina "King Pyrros", where domestic and international flights take place.
Where to stay
Ioannina is a very lively city which attracts tourists throughout the year. The same applies to the whole wider region. If you choose to visit the magical Tzoumerka then your choice is one and none other than Princess Lanassa Hotel. It is a traditional stone mansion of the 18th century, which has been completely renovated and offers everything a modern traveler can ask for!
What to eat
Epirus cuisine is memorable, and that's why food in Ioannina is a delight, from meats and various cheese products to pies and sweets. Plus, the city is famous for its good tsipouro and numerous varieties of wine. The best taverns, you will find them in Dodoni Avenue, in Pargi Square and the old town. Some of the greatest in the city are Mpoukia Mpoukia, Mystagogia, Dodoni and Metsovitiki Folia. For a special souvlaki choose Vlachoi with their unique pie, for crepe Masa and of course for dessert the famous Motley.
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Mouzakidis Pantelis
