IOANNINA
Other sites worth seeing are the old parts of the town with the city walls and the picturesque narrow lanes, the Litharitsia, an old structure dating back to the days of Ali Pasha now fully restored and functioning as a cafeteria and restaurant. The Tourist pavilion is built in the local traditional style and stands on a hill offering a splendid view of town with its lake. There are also the buildings of the area Divisional garrison and the Zosimaia Academy of Studies. Places of interest
Amphitheatrically arranged on the shores of Lake Pamvotis, 500 m asl, loannina lies 450 km from Athens and has a population of about 100,000. Its natural beauties and historic monuments attract a large number of visitors. At the centre of the city, adjacent to the 'Litharitsia' park, stands the modern archaeological museum, within which are exhibited antiquities of all periods from all over Epirus: Kastritsa, Dodone, Vitsa in Zagora, the Necromanteion (oracle of the dead) at Acheron and elsewhere. The Byzantine Museum is located in the large inner bastion (Its Kale) of the Fortress, in the building erected on top of the ruins of the central building of Ali Pasha's serai. Displayed in its seven galleries are finds from excavations (sculptures, coins, pottery' of the Early Christian to the Posbyzantine period, as well as icons and ecclesiastical treasures (keimelia) dating from the 16th to the 18th century.
loannina today is an important centre of gold- and silversmithing and woodcarving. Its jewellery and woodcarvings are distinguished for their refined workmanship and artistic delicacy, inspired by traditional subjects and styles. It is still the major commercial hub of the region, with numerous cultural events and one of Greece's largest universities. Its thriving economic and intellectual life, distinguish loannina among the cities of Creece. There are unlimited opportunities for sport, open to all, with facilities for swimming, rowing, canoing and kayaking, as well as tennis courts and athletics tracks. For the gourmet there is a wide choice of tavernas and restaurants, to satisfy all tastes, with menus ranging from local specialities to Creek nouvelle cuisine. Perama Mouzakei Nissi |
The
town of Ioannina has been built at an altitude of 500 m above sea level and 436 km
distance from Athens. It is the largest town in Ipiros and the capital of the area. The
town is located along the shores of a lake, known in ancient times as Pamvotis and
renowned for the beauty of its natural surroundings. It has a modern archaeological museum
which exhibits finds from all over Ipiros. These come from the Classical era, Byzantine
and post-Byzantine times. It also houses a notable art gallery. In addition, there is the
Municipal Museum housed in the former Aslan Tzami mosque, which contains exhibits of
historical and folkloric character, the Folkloric Museum itself, the Archives of the
School of Philosophy of the Ioannina University, exhibiting local national costumes, tools
and implements etc., as well as the folkloric collection of the Society of Ipiros Studies.
In the so-called 'Treasury', alongside this museum, is a collection of gold
and silverwork - religious and secular objects -, for which Epirus has been famous from
the 15th century to this day. 'The Municipal Museum, in the former Aslan Pasha mosque, in
a prominent position at the northeast edge of the castle, also houses a collection of
silverware, as well as textiles, folk costumes, G. Karaiskakis's damascened sword and
other artifacts. The exhibits represent the city's three communities during the Ottoman
Occupation: Christian, Jewish and Muslim. In the Folklore Museum of the Society of Epirote
Studies are examples of Epirote folk art, gold- and silversmithing, embroidery, textiles,
household vessels, traditional local costumes etc. The Society's hill-top tourist pavilion
offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city with its lake and islet.
