....and the castle.
Once you get into the town, it is very pleasant.
Apparently the first human remains found here go back 38,000 years. But the thing that makes Ioannina famous is it's part played in the Byzantine period and its fame for producing scholars during the period of Greek Enlightenment which followed.
We decided to visit the castle and the Old Town which unfortunately has been "redeveloped" under a European Union grant into something resembling a modern housing estate ringed with occasional pieces of antiquity.
However, one of the sleepy residents didn't seem to care what the EU did, or does for that matter.
As we approached the castle we saw this ancient tree providing shade for a kiosk.
An interesting fact emerged as we read more about the history of Iaonnina - "The city was conquered in 1082 by the Normans under the leadership of Bohemond of Taranto, who repaired the existing city walls in order to repel the offensive of emperor Alexios I Komnenos (r. 1081–1118). Alexios I nonetheless recovered the city in 1108." So not only did the Normans conquer England in 1066, but they were very active in the east too!!
The castle is surrounded by lovely lanes which reflect the style of life lived in the past. Many of these lanes house very interesting restaurants and what looks like a very active night life.
More to come.......
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