Ioannina
IONNINA. Built at the edges of Lake Pamvotis, Ioannina
is a beautiful traditional town that combines in a unique way
the historical memories
with the reality of a contemporary town. It is the town of legend,
tradition and silver makers. In the green waters of the Lake,
the legendary tales of Ali-Pasha and Kira-Frosini take life,
while
in the traditional alleyways of the Castle the memories of Byzantine
past and yesterday's history are dominant. The town is first
mentioned in the 9th C as episcopacy yet again others believe
that it was founded by Emperor Ioustinianos. In
the 13th C it was an important town of Epirus domain and had
flourished economically, that situation prevailed over the
next centuries. In 1430 the town was surrendered to the Turks
under
an agreement. By the end of 19th century, beginning of 20th,
the town became the capital centre of Ali Pasha domain, his
period of legacy coincides with the biggest economic and cultural
flourishing
of the area. Treasures of the towns history which appeal to
the visitors are its monuments: The Castle, this Island's Monasteries
with wonderful wall paintings, the Turkish church, old wealth
houses, the Jewish Synagogue.
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Castle
Most of today's castle of Ioannina was built during Turkish rule and within
it there are older, Byzantine buildings. Inside the castle there are two
acropolis. In the north-east Acropolis the Royal estates of the Byzantine
sovereigns were built. Today at the top, Aslan Pasha 's mosque dominates.
(1618).The Second Acropolis, to the south-east is known as Its-Kale, meaning
interior fortress. At the centre and at the place where in the 19th century
Ali Pasha serai (residence) was, nowadays one finds the Byzantine Museum
and near it, the Fetihe Mosque (1795) and Ali-Pasha's tomb. Inside the castle
between the houses of the area is found Sufari Sarai (a riding school of
Ali Pasha), the Turkish library, the Jewish synagogue, the ruins of a Byzantine
bath, the house of Pasha Kalos (in the castle walls). Evidence of the Byzantine
Past are expressed in the so-called tower of Voimoundos in the south-east
acropolis and the Tower of Thomas, to the right of the central entrance of
the castle.
Ioannina Island
The island of Pamvotis Lake is today one of the most picturesque sites in Ioannina
combining natural beauty with rich historical tradition. It was a big religious
and monastic centre during late Byzantine times and Turkish occupation, a fact
manifested today by the monastery's great artistic and historical value.
Monastery of Philanthropinon
The monastery of Philanthropinon is one of the most important post- Byzantine
monuments of Greece. The temple, dedicated in the St. Nikolaos, was built
the 1292. The representation of ancient Greek Philosophers ( 16th C) is of
great interest.Panteleimon Church
The church was founded in the 15th C. Today's temple is a result of restoration
clone in 19th C. To the south one sees the cell where Ali-Pasha was murdered;
here, one finds today the Museum of Pre-Revolutionary Capitals Era. Another
cell to the north provides a home to the library and minutes of the Island's
Monasteries. Other Monasteries that may be visited include Strati gopoulou
Monastery, Prodromos Monastery, Eleousa Monastery and the Monastery of Metamorphosis
of Sotiras.
Museums
Archaeological Museum
Located in Litharitsa Park at the centre of the town. In its exhibits one sees
findings from the greater Epirotic land, such as Palaeolithic tools, from Kokkinopilos,
Asprochaliko, Kastritsa, findings from Dodoni ruins, from ancient habitats
and cemeteries of Vitsa, Oracle of Acheron etc. In the Museum 's exhibits are
included headstones, architectural items, inscriptions as well as an interesting
collection of coins coming from many places and periods. (Address is Square
of 25th of March.)
Byzantinemuseum
Located within the Castle, in the great interior Acropolis (Its Kale). Among
the collections, findings include excavated objects, sculptures, icons, ceramics,
coins etc., originating from different areas of Epirus, dated from Paleochristian
Period and up until 19th C. Near the Museum, the so-called Treasury' contains
an exhibition about Silversmithing, an artisanal craft farm that was highly
developed in Epirus. Address : Ioannina Castle.
Municipal Museum
The Municipal Museum of the town is housed in the Turkish mosque of Aslan Pasha.
Valuable traditional costumes and jewellery from different areas of Epirus,
works of silver and ceramic art, woodcraft furniture feature amongst its exhibits
and cover a period from 18thC till 20thc. In the mentrese (hieratic school)
the Rapakousi collection is displayed. (Address : Municipal Museum, Ioannina
Castle)
Folk Art museum
The Folk Art Museum was founded under the auspices of the Company of Epirotic
Studies. Objects of Epirotic traditional art (weavings, woodcraft, items of
silver etc.) items found in churches, objects of domestic use, ceramic art,
local costumes etc. are among the precious collections. (Address : Folk Museum,
Wch. Aggelos str 42).
Vrellismuseum
Located near the main entrance of the castle, it is also an important wax museum
containing a collection of wax images from the ancient and more recent Hellenic
history.
The museum of Pre-Revolutionary Period.
Located in the island and housed in the cells of St. Panteleimon Monastery
where Ali Pasha was murdered in 1822. In its collection are included exhibits
from Pre-Revolutionary Period, souvenirs from the Ali-Pasha era (letters, costume
of Kira- Vassiliki etc)
The museum of National Greek Resistance
Located in the restored mendrese (hieratic school) near Veli-Pasha Mosque opposite
the Municipal Cultural Centre.The Municipal Gallery
Includes important works of Hellenic modern artists and is housed at Pircinella
Manor house.
Cultural activities
Cultural activities take place in the town all year round. At any time of the
year visitors to Ioannina can enjoy an interesting range of cultural events
and entertainment.
Athletic activities
Ioannina town bas modern gyms, an enclosed swimming pool sport complex, football,
tennis, basketball grounds etc. In Pamvotis Lake, Panhellejic and Balkan races
of sailing, skiing, etc. take place. Operating under the marine association,
in Limnopoula, there is a school of swimming, rowing, canoe, kayaking etc.
There is also an association of hang-gliding fans and a gliding school. The
climbing association organizes: excursions every Sunday to nearby mountains.
In Ioannina there are annual races such as the Epirotic rally and motocross races etc.
Source:
Prefectural Committe of Tourist Promotion - GNTO
Prefecture
of Ioannina |
