The island in the middle of the Lake of Ioannina used to be home to the monastery of Agios Pantelaemon until 17 January 1822, when it gained a permanent place in Greek history and legend.

On that day, Ali Pasha, the legendary Ottoman ruler of Albanian descent was executed, at the monastery, by troops sent by the Sultan, from Constantinople, for the crime of insubordination. Ali Pasha had fled to the island after the defence of Ioannina to the 2-year siege by the Sultan's troops had laid on the city started collapsing.

The Turks promised Ali Pasha amnesty, arrived at the island supposedly to hand him the pardon papers that had arrived from the capital, and killed him. His body was decapitated and later buried next to the Fetihie Mosque, up on the castle of Ioannina. His head was taken to Constantinople, shown to the Sultan and then buried in a local cemetery.

Today, the monastery is a museum that tells the story of that day and of Ali Pasha's Ioannina.

You will also find a restaurant that serves local food, including lake seafood and frog's legs, and various gift shops. Boats leave from the quay in front of the castle every 10 minutes.

Lake island
452 21
Ioannina

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One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in, minutes from the lively and full of stylish people city centre. I felt like I was in heaven, fantastic service and huge bedrooms and bathrooms. One of the good things is that it is a short drive from the ancient theatre of Dodoni and about 35 minutes from the Ioanian sea for sanbathing and swimming. Don't forget the amazing and traditional food, excellent.

7th Km. NR Ioannina - Athens 452 21 Ioannina Tel: +302651 093555 Fax: +302651 092595 www.epiruspalace.gr

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It is one of the best guesthouses in the conservation area of Zagoria in Ioannina and more specifically in the small village of Vitsa. It is newly built in traditional style and it is spotless! I love the place for the friendly atmosphere, the excellent traditional cuisine, especially those pies, and that it offers the best of both worlds - shopping, museums and nighlife in Ioannina on one side and river fishing, country walking and climbing on the other. It is only a 20 minute drive from the city and very cheap. Rooms from €48 per night, 3 stars.

Vitsa, Zagoria Ioannina; Tel +3026530 71571

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Built next to the picturesque lake of Pamvotis, a lake of legends and traditions, the hotel is designed in a mansion-traditional style. It is surrounded by extensive lawn gardens and offers a great many modern facilities to its guests, including swimming pool and conference facilities. A few minutes' walk from the buzzing city centre and so close to the excellent nightlife of Ioannina. Rooms from €102, 4 stars.

Tel +306510 59100; Andrew Miaouli and Ikkou Avenue, 45221, Ioannina, GREECE

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It is a 5-star luxurious hotel just outside the city that is ideal for visits to the Dodoni ancient theatre, the Vrelli Museum of the waxworks and one day trips to the Ionian Sea for swimming and sunbathing (approx. 35 minutes drive). Excellent service, gorgeous food and amazing facilities, plus many of the Greek A list stars have stayed here. The prices are quite reasonable, especially considering that Ioannina is not a cheap place, it is actually one of the most expensive places in Greece.

7th Km Ioannina-Athens PO BOX 1045 Tel +3026510 93555, 91072, 91074 Fax +3026510 92595 www.epiruspalace.gr

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