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Ioannina

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THE REGION OF EPIRUS AND THE CITY OF IOANNINA

The city of Ioannina, with a population of approximately 100,000 inhabitants, is the capital of the region of Epirus and spreads around the shores of lake Pamvotis. It is located 450 km northwest of Athens, 280 km southwest of Thessaloniki and 70 km east of the port of Igoumenitsa in the Ionian Sea. In a few hours driving distance, the visitor can enjoy both the beauty of the mountainous nature of Epirus as well as the magnificent seashores of the Ionian Sea.

 

History of the city and sightseeing

The city of Ioannina was first mentioned in 527 AD by the historian Prokopios who wrote about the founding of the city, the new Evroia, by the Emperor Justinian I (527- 565). Justinian I was the first of many conquerors who reconstructed Ioannina’s well-known Castle (city walls). However, it was not until 879 AD that the name Ioannina was used for the first time in the Acts of Constantinople. The city flourished in time, becoming an important financial and cultural centre. During the Byzantine times it was referred to as “the Metropolis of Knowledge”.

The Castle of Ioannina was under Norman (11th century) and later Byzantine rule and finally surrendered to the Turks in 1430. In 1611, after a failed Greek revolutionary movement led by the bishop Dionysios the Philosopher, the Christians were thrown out of the Castle, their homes were destroyed and the city began to grow outside the Castle walls.

The city of Ioannina became a significant financial, intellectual, cultural and educational centre under the rule of Ali Pasha, when it was granted administrative privileges and freedom of religion. A legendary figure, Ali Pasha expanded his influence throughout northern Greece and southern Albania and became a threat to the Sultan. He was beheaded by the Sultan’s forces in 1822, on the Island of Ioannina in Lake Pamvotis.

Ioannina was liberated from the Turks and annexed to the Greek State in 1913. Today, the city of Ioannina is a modern urban centre with a distinctly humane character, in a stunning natural setting. It is well-known for its silver crafts, jewellery and sweets. The Castle, the Lake, the Island (in the Lake), the Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Museum, the Cave of Perama, the Vrellis Wax Museum and the nearby Dodoni oracle, ancient theatre and archaeological site, attract visitors throughout the year.

 

Useful information

Ioannina is connected by bus to Athens (6 hrs), Thessaloniki (2 1/2 hrs), Igoumenitsa (50 min.) and other main cities of Greece (Patras, Volos, Larissa, Kalamata, etc.). There is also a connection with Italy and Corfu (Kerkyra) by boat from the port of Igoumenitsa. The city has an airport, 4 km from the city centre and 10 km from the University Campus, with daily flights to Athens (50 min).