Explore Ioannina
Settle up for adventures round and about our city
The Castle
The Ioannina Castle (Greek: Κάστρο Ιωαννίνων) is the fortified old town of the city of Ioannina in northwestern Greece. The present fortification dates largely to the reconstruction under Ali Pasha in the late Ottoman period, but incorporates also pre-existing Byzantine elements.
The castle is located on the southeastern corner of the modern city, on top a rocky promontory jutting into Lake Pamvotis.[3][4] The castle is dominated by its two citadels, already established by the late 11th century as recorded in Anna Komnene's Alexiad: the northeastern citadel, now dominated by the Ottoman Aslan Pasha Mosque, and the much larger southeastern citadel, known also as the Its Kale.
The Museums
Archaeological Museum of Ioannina: It is located in Litharitsa park in the city center and was designed by famous architect Aris Konstantinidis. It includes findings of international fame, from different periods and from the broader area of Epirus.
Byzantine Museum of Ioannina: It is located in the internal citadel of the city castle (Itch Kale) where Ali Passa serai (residence) was. It includes collections of old Christian and Byzantine sculptures, ceramics, books, post Byzantine icons from the prefecture churches (16th to 18th centuries).
Municipal Museum of Ioannina: It is housed in Aslan Passa Mosque (1618) on the NE citadel of the castle, where the Byzantine palaces once were.
Folklore Museum of Ioannina: It is housed in a renovated neoclassic building and includes church items, local costumes, ceramics, traditional works of art etc.
Municipal Gallery of Ioannina: It is housed in Pirsinella mansion and exhibits works of famous Greek painters.
National Resistance Museum of Ioannina: It is housed in a reconstructed mentrese (Muslim School) opposite the Cultural Center of the Municipality of Ioannina.
Pre-revolutionary Period Museum: It is located in the island of Ioannina and is housed in a cell of Panteleimonas monastery where Ali Passa was murdered.
Pavlos Vrellis Wax Museum: It is located in Bizani village on the national road Ioannina-Athens and is housed in a building constructed according to the standards of the traditional local architecture. Its exhibits are of their natural size and impress the visitors with their ductility and expressiveness.
The Nature
At the north-western corner of mainland Greece lies the region of Epirus. Epirus is an ideal destination for both summer and winter holidays, and even though the area is one of distinctive beauty, it has yet to become a popular, touristic destination. If you are a traveller with an appreciation of unspoiled landscapes, and activities that reconnect you with nature, Epirus is without a doubt the place to be!