Ioannina is the capital of the Greek region of Epirus. It is about 500m above sea level on the western shore of Lake Pamvotis.
Please watch the video of our visit here!!!
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationFounded by the Romans, Ioannina was the center of the Despotate of Epirus, which was frequently harassed from outside.
Again and again, it was subject to attacks by the Serbs and Byzantines until 1430 where it went to the Ottoman Empire for 500 years. With its narrow streets and crooked buildings, Ioannina radiates today a strong oriental flair.
End of the 18th Century, Ali Pasha took over the rule of in Epirus. The native Albanian ruled practically independent of the Sublime Porte – the Ottoman government – and counted on an army of 100,000 men which were recruited partly from Albanian and Greek resistance fighters. France and Britain had independent embassies at his court.
That Ali Pasha was aware of his power showed the example that he let drown Frosini, the favorite wife of his son with 16 other women in the lake, because they refused to be part of his harem. Although Ali paid his tribute, Sultan Mahmud II sent an army which arrested him in his fortress over a year. With cunning he was lured on the island where he was shot in the Panteleimon monastery. He was buried in a mausoleum in the citadel.
Other attractions in the city include the Aslan Pasha Mosque and the Clock Tower. The city is known for its metal processing and especially for silver jewelry.
Please read on > Monodendri – Destinations in the Zagoria
Pin it for later
Text, photos and Video: Copyright © myVideoMedia