|
 The greater part of the
prefecture of Ioannina
is made up of mountainous masses, part of which belong to the Pindus range.
The plateau of Ioannina and the lake of the same name (ancient Pamvotis)
occupy the central part of the prefecture. Major rivers (Arachthos, Aoos,
Voidomatis, Kalamas, Louros, Akeronas) cut across the prefecture, in which
two important national forests Vikos Aoos and Vallia Kalda have been
created to protect the rich flora and fauna and diverse ecosystems.
The city of Ioannina is the
capital of the prefecture as well as of the administrative region of Epirus.
It is located on a plateau on the west side of Lake Ioannina. In the early
13th century, it was the capital of the Despotate of Epirus. Between 1788
and 1822, Ioannina was the centre of the Albanian-born despot Ali Pasa. The
attractive city continues to be the commercial and cultural centre of Epirus
and is renowned for its fine embroidery and metalwork.
 Among the many attractions for
the visitor to Ioannina is the fortress with walls dating from the 11th
century, the 19th century cathedral of St. Athanasios with its beautiful
iconostasis, the Aslan Pasa Mosque built in 1618 and now used as a museum
with rich collections, the Fetiche Pasa Mosque with the tomb of Ali Pasa,
the Byzantine Museum and the Archaeological Museum with finds from the
ancient towns of Epirus as well as ancient Greek and Roman reliefs. The
small island in the lake, with its monasteries, picturesque alleyways and
beautiful scenery, is also a major attraction for visitors.
Just 4 km. from Ioannina is the
Perama Cave, considered to be one of the most spectacular in Europe. With
marvellous stalactites and stalagmites, the cave is a labyrinth of passages
extending for over 1 km. To the south of Ioannina (22 km.) lies Dodoni, the
most important archaeological site of the prefecture. The Theatre, with a
seating capacity of 17,000, the Vouleutirio, the Prytaneio and the Stadium
complement the Sanctuary, which is considered to be the oldest Oracle of
Greece.
 Metsovo, which lies 64
km. NE of Ioannina, is one of the most picturesque villages of Greece. Built
amphitheatrically on one of the highest peaks of Pindos at an altitude of
1,160 m., it is one of the few places in the country where traditional
costume is still worn. Visitors to Konitsa (64 km. N), built on the thickly
wooded slopes of Mt. Trapezitsa at an altitude of 630 m., can admire the old
traditional houses and visit the Folklore Museum, the Mosque of Sultan
Suleiman and a Venetian castle. Outside Konitsa, the largest and highest
stone bridge in Greece spans the river Aoos. Northwest of Ioannina lies the
spectacularly beautiful region of Zagori with its magnificent scenery and 46
picturesque villages. A large part of the region is taken up by the Vikos
Aoos National Forest, the flora and fauna of which is protected by
international conventions. The natural beauty of the oak-dominated region of
Pogoni in the NW of the prefecture attracts many visitors. Deeply steeped in
tradition, the area is also renowned for its saints day celebrations which
retain a unique authenticity. The snow-covered peaks and deep gorges of
Tzoumerka is a paradise for lovers of river and mountain sports (kayaking,
rafting and mountaineering), a place where the visitor can appreciate the
grandeur of nature. One of the most beautiful villages of Epirus Zitsa (24
km. NW of Ioannina) is surrounded by vineyards which produce the famous
wines of the region. A popular wine festival is held annually in the last
week of August. In the east, on the border with Grevena prefecture, Vallia
Kalda is the most important national forest in Greece. With 80 species of
birds and one of the last habitats in Europe for the brown bear, it is on
the list of the 12 most sensitive places in the world in need of immediate
protection. |
