myenglish: Ioannina

Ιoannina: a journey in a magical land

Ioannina, the capital of Epirus, spreads out around amazing Lake Pamvotida. The natural environment, the climate and character of the town are defined by this area of water – the area’s trademark. The lake, with its still waters and its small island, is a natural monument, around which the whole area lives and breathes. The strong civilizing traditions of the town, home to a number of great novelists and poets, and the artistic and intellectual events which are organized every year, give visitors the opportunity to get to know the roots of the intellectual life Epirus.

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The castle town of Ioannina

The imposing castle of Ioannina was built in 528 AD by the Emperor Justinian, and was an ambitious expression of the might of the Byzantine Empire. It is the oldest Byzantine castle in Greece with significant influence over the history of the town which grew around it. Over the years it evolved into a thriving centre with a highly developed intellectual life. Ali Pasha, that enigmatic symbol of Ottoman rule, lived here. His great love for the lady Kyra – Frosini resonates still as an entire part of the history of the town. The castle is divided into four sections: the outward wall, the northwestern citadel, which is dominated by the Aslan Mosque, the southeast citadel of Itch-Kale and finally the actual castle town - the old, walled town of Ioannina.

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TRADITIONAL DISHES & DRINKS

Ioannina is a city, where one can find innumerable restaurants, taverns and raki places with traditional Greek dishes but also recipes from the international cuisine. There are a lot of choices that satisfy all tastes. Original dishes, such as frog legs, eels, trout and all kinds of fish wait the fish lovers. Local exquisite meat cooked traditionally in earthen vessel waits those who show preference in meat. But even those who love pasta will be satisfied by the local specialties from traditionally home made local noodles. So, the dishes that wait for you to enjoy are rich and very tasteful, but the raki or the wines with which you can accompany your food are exceptional as well. Those who prefer the fast and easy food will find many fast-food places and pizzerias in each corner of the city.