Additional Information
| Number of guests | 1, 2 |
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Wednesday, June 5th
Excursion to the Island in lake Pamvotis (visit to Ali Pasha Museum & Philanthropene Monastery)
Departure at 16.00 from Grand Serai Hotel and return at 18.00 (transfer, boat ticket, entrance fees, guide are included)
The Island is located at the northwestern part of the lake, opposite the settlement of Amfithea. It covers an area of 200 acres and the maximum altitude is 520 meters above sea level or 59 meters above the lake’s surface. Its maximum length is 800 meters and its width is 500 meters. The western side of the Island is swampy, while the rest of the island is rocky and mostly forested. The settlement was established in the 17th century. During the reign of Ali Pasha, the Island experienced a rapid decline due to the heavy taxation imposed on its residents, whereas its monasteries were almost abandoned.
The Ali Pasha Museum
The museum introduces visitors to stunning works of art which are typical of the renowned silversmiths of Epirus: weapons, jewels, household and everyday articles, ceramics dated from the 17th to the early 20th century, representations of an authentic winter room (ontás) or the drowning of Kyra-Frosini, caves where historical events of WWII are presented, paintings, lithographs and objects of ethnological interest. The showcases of the museum are rife with unique historical artefacts, such as the famous gold-plated kariofili (rifle) of Ali Pasha, the silver sword of national enefactor Apostolos Arsakis, the authentic tsimbouki (water pipe) of Ali Pasha, or the genuine silk dress of Kyra-Vassiliki.
St Nicholas Monastery (alternatively called Spanos Monastery or Philanthropene Monastery)
The Philanthropene Monastery (or Spanos Monastery) was built in 1292 by Michael Philanthropenos, an offspring of the prominent and noble Byzantine family originating from Constantinople. Together with the other six monasteries of the Island, they form a small monastic center, which has existed since the times of the Despotate of Epirus, reaching its heyday in the 16th century. During the 16th century, the town of Ioannina developed into the most significant cultural and economic center of north-western Greece. Naturally, the Lake Pamvotis’ Island benefitted greatly from this rise in culture and economy.
| Number of guests | 1, 2 |
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