Ioannina: The Enchanting Jewel of Epirus

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Yia sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Πώς είστε;
  [Pos iste?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;
  [Kala. Esis?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;
  [Milate Agglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menou, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!Στην υγειά σας!
  [Stin igia sas]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosso, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voiθia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fiγe!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astinomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε ένα γιατρό!
  [Kaleste ena giatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Emai arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agorasoo...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kito]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akrivo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να χαμηλώσετε την τιμή;
  [Borite na hamilosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (10)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dio]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Εφτά
  [Efta]
• 8Οκτώ
  [Okto]
• 9Εννιά
  [Ennia]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Borite na mou dixete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για ....)
  [Ena isitirio (gia ....)]

Ioannina, the capital of the Epirus region in northwestern Greece, was founded in the 6th century AD by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The city’s strategic location near Lake Pamvotis made it an important center for trade and defense throughout its early history.

In the early 13th century, Ioannina became part of the Despotate of Epirus, a Byzantine successor state. Under the rule of Michael I Komnenos Doukas and his successors, Ioannina experienced significant growth and development, becoming a center of culture and learning.

Ioannina fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1430 and remained under Ottoman control for nearly five centuries. During this period, the city became a melting pot of cultures and religions, including Greeks, Jews, and Muslims. Notable landmarks from this era include the Aslan Pasha Mosque and the Fethiye Mosque.

The late 18th and early 19th centuries saw Ioannina flourish under the semi-autonomous rule of Ali Pasha of Tepelena. Ali Pasha, known for his ambitious and ruthless policies, transformed Ioannina into a major political and economic hub. His residence, the Ali Pasha’s House, is now a museum showcasing this period.

Ioannina played a significant role during the Greek War of Independence (1821-1830). Although the city did not initially join the revolt, it became a focal point of resistance against Ottoman rule. Ioannina was finally incorporated into the modern Greek state in 1913 after the Balkan Wars.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Ioannina, including industrialization and modernization. During World War II, Ioannina was occupied by Italian and later German forces. The Jewish community, which had thrived for centuries, was decimated during the Holocaust.

Today, Ioannina is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The city is home to several museums, including the Archaeological Museum of Ioannina and the Byzantine Museum. Its vibrant traditions, such as the annual Ioannina Festival, celebrate the diverse history and cultural mosaic of the region.

Ioannina is well-connected to various parts of Greece. The nearest airport is Ioannina National Airport (IOA), which has regular flights from Athens. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach the city center. Alternatively, you can travel by bus from major Greek cities like Athens and Thessaloniki; the KTEL bus service offers comfortable and frequent routes. For those who prefer driving, Ioannina is accessible via the Egnatia Odos motorway.

Ioannina is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. Public buses operated by Astiko KTEL Ioanninon are available for getting around the city and its suburbs. Taxis are also plentiful and relatively inexpensive. For more flexibility, consider renting a car, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding region, including the beautiful Zagori villages.

The official currency in Greece is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Ioannina, including in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or local markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals.

Ioannina is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. While Ioannina does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number, for immediate assistance. Ioannina has several hospitals and medical facilities, including the University Hospital of Ioannina, which provides comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches or monasteries, dress conservatively and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Kalimera' (Good morning) or 'Kalispera' (Good evening) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ioannina like a local, visit the local markets, such as the Ioannina Central Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Greek goods. Spend time at the lakeside area, enjoying a coffee at one of the many cafes while taking in views of Lake Pamvotis. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's rich history and culture. Don’t miss a visit to the island on Lake Pamvotis, which offers a unique glimpse into Ioannina's past, including the Ali Pasha Museum.