By Nicolas Bard

In the northwestern part of Lake Pamvotida, just opposite the settlement of Amphitheas, and surrounded by the high mountains of Pindos, lies the small and fairytale islet of Ioannina. There are about 200 permanent residents today, and is one of the two inhabited lakes of our country, along with Agios Achillio Prespa. The island is small, around 200 acres, and is at an altitude of 520 meters above sea level. The west side of the island is swampy, while the rest is rocky, with a forest covering its largest surface.

The only settlement of the island is located in its northern part, and today it has 110 houses. It is a declared traditional settlement, as it is built, among other things, following the traditional continental architecture, with the characteristic slate roofs. Since 1926 it has been a separate community, and nowadays, with the “Kallikratis” program, it is a municipal unit of the Municipality of Ioannina. The few residents who stay there mainly deal with tourism and fishing. In the dense morning fog, the fishermen take off their nets, where they have caught the gravings and butterflies, which will later deliver to the trader on the opposite coast. Those who stay there have a boat and know how to fish, but also to survive …

History

Historical references to the island begin in the 13th century, when the first monasteries were founded on its surface. The first monastery founded on the island was the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos of the Charity (13th century) and its cathedral was built in 1292, as stated in an inscription at the entrance of the temple. The owner of the monastery is mentioned by Michael Philanthropinos, who had also served as Metropolitan of Ioannina. Around the same time, the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Diliou (or Stratigopoulos) was founded by the Byzantine family of the Generals. Since the 16th century the monastic community on the island flourished, resulting in another five monasteries! Initially the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Methodius, which was later renamed Agia Eleousa, and the Prodromos Monastery, while in the 17th century was followed by the Monastery of St. Panteleimon, the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Sotira and the Prophet Elias Monastery, which is built on the high point of .

The settlement of the island was created in the 17th century, and according to local tradition the first inhabitants came from Mani, but this was not confirmed. At the time of Ali Pasha the island was declined, due to the great taxation imposed, and the monasteries were almost abandoned. In 1820, Ali broke up with Sultan Mahmut II, sending Hursit Mehmet Pasha, who besieged Ioannina. Ali had placed the island of Thousands of Albanians on the island, resulting in it being bombed by Hursit and suffering major disasters. In January 1822, Ali, now defeated, fled to the island, and specifically to the Monastery of St. Panteleimon, where he was assassinated on January 17 or 25.

In 1872 it operated at the Eleousa Monastery of Hierarch, which was closed in 1922. The island was a separate community in 1926. Today the island is mainly based on tourism development and is connected to Ioannina with frequent small ships, which carry many visitors. The main sights of the island include the renovated monasteries and the Ali Pasha Museum, which is housed in the Monastery of St. Panteleimon.

Taking the boat from Molos to Ioannina to cross the island, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view of the city, the castle and the Paralimni road with the centuries -old plane trees, through the heart of the lake. The boat will leave you in a small port, behind some dense reeds, and from there you will follow the cobbled path to the settlement and historic monasteries of the island. Far from the bustling center of Ioannina and the modern city, the island seems detached from the rest of the world and has its own rhythms, while preserving its traditional identity gives it unparalleled beauty and charm. The islet is an ideal walking destination, as you can turn it all on foot, and if you are “bold enough” you can also try the famous frogs, which is the specialties of the area. The only sure thing is that this ride will be unforgettable.