Ioannina, the capital of Epirus, unfolds around the picturesque Lake Pamvotida, which shapes the town’s landscape, climate, and character. This serene lake, with its still waters and small island, serves as a natural landmark and breathes life into the surrounding area. Ioannina’s strong cultural heritage, with celebrated novelists and poets, and its array of year-round artistic and intellectual events invite visitors to explore the intellectual roots of Epirus.
Walking through Ioannina feels like stepping back in time, with hidden corners and enduring legends to discover. Notable sites include the House of Matei Hussein, Veli Pasha’s Ottoman mosque, and the historic city centre, each a unique attraction.
Historically multicultural, Ioannina has been shaped by Christian, Islamic, and Jewish influences, a blend clearly visible in its historic core. The Stoa Louli arcade, once an inn and later a significant mercantile hub for Epirus, is one of the places where these communities thrived together.