Legends, myths and history.
Ioannina is the capital city of Epirus Region. It extends around Lake Pamvotis, the only lake in Greece with an inhabitant settlement on its island.
In antiquity, the region was famous for the oracle of Dodoni, which was dedicated to the cult of Zeus. Olympias, wife of King Phillip II of Macedon and mother of Alexander the Great, served as priestess at the oracle.
The Castle of Ioannina dominates the hill above the lake. It was originally built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD. The fortified citadel had been the military and commercial center of the city for the next ten centuries and was reinforced after the Ottoman occupation, in the 15th century.
From 1788 until 1822, the undisputed ruler of the wider region was the Ali Pasha. He ruled controversially, connecting Ioannina diplomatically, commercially and financially with the European countries, but brutally suppressing any opposition. He became notorious when he ordered the execution of 18 women by drowning in the Lake.
In 1821, the Greeks upraised against the Ottoman rule, but Ioannina city was liberated only in 1913, after a deadly battle at Fort Bizani. This was the first Greek city involved with the WWII and the one that hosted the headquarters of the Greek Army when the Greco-Italian War broke out. The occupation, the holocausts, the resistance and the liberation in 1944, marked the city’s history.
Ioannina is a lively city surrounded by scenic landscapes, ideal for endless walks. The residents preserve their cultural heritage, embrace their history and prepare a sustainable future.
Doucas Tours & Travel offers holiday packages in the city of Ioannina, all year round.
Access to the city of Ioannina: By plane from Ioannina Airport (IOA) or by car from Thessaloniki or Athens.
The packages include:
- Accommodation in selected hotels of all categories.
- Car rental or Transfers from/to Ioannina airport.
- Private city tour with a licensed tour guide.
- Tailor-made Day-by-Day itinerary.
This program applies to Individuals. Request a quotation.
