Ioannina

About Perfecture of Ioannina

Ioannina (pronounced Ya'nena in modern Greek) is located 450 km northwest of Athens, 100 km east of the Ionian Sea coast, and 65 km south of the Greek-Albanian border. The city is surrounded by mountains and lies on the western side of a beautiful lake. It is a lively city of 100,000 inhabitants that carries a long history. The region's multi-ethnic heritage (ancient Greek, Ottoman, and Jewish) is reflected on the multi-cultural nature of its landmarks: within 20 km one may visit the famous ancient theater of Dodona, mosques, and the pittoresque coblestone streets of Old Town. The city is home of the University of Ioannina which consists of 17 departments with a total number of 20,000 students.

The Ioannina City

The combination of innumerable historical monuments and museums with the unbelievable natural beauty of the landscape is a guarantee for the visitors. The castle of Ioannina, the lake with the island, the cave, the fabulous ancient city with its traditional stores and its exceptional market give no other choice to the visitors but attract their attention and captivate them.

Archaeological sites

Dodoni sanctuary, an archeological site of international fame, is located in Dodonea valley few kilometers away from Ioannina. The area is considered to be birthplace of many Greek speaking tribes based on historic sources, as well as findings from the last period of the Copper Age. The sanctuary was dedicated to Naio Zeus and in it had an Oracle area (surrounding the holy acorn tree named Figos), a Theater, a Prytaneum and a Parliament. The most important buildings of the sanctuary were built during the period when Pirros, king of Molossoi reigned, it was also the period that the sanctuary reached the peak of flourishing. Todays archelogical site includes the ancient theater and the ancient house of the oracle.

Ancient Passarona is an archeological site in the area of Ioannina valley which includes ruins of Arios Zeus (ceremonial sanctuary of Molossoi). The temple is located on the foot of Gardiki hill close to Rodotopi village. A fortified citadel, which is identified with ancient Passarona (capital city of Molossoi state) is still preserved on the top of the aforementioned hill. The site is always open for the public and the entrance is free.

Vitsa ruins of an ancient Molossian settlement dating back to geometric and archaic times (8th - 4th centuries B.C.). It includes ruins of houses and of a cemetery. The site is always open for the public and the entrance is free.

Vrachoskepasti Boila is located at the exit of Voidomati river valley, between Klidonia and Aghios Minas villages and preserves fill embankments of Late Superior Paleolithic Era (16.000 - 10.000 B.C.).