Ioannina Castle

The castle is strategically positioned on a rocky promontory that juts into Lake Pamvotis and is dominated by two principal citadels established by the late 11th century. The smaller northeastern citadel covers approximately 6,000 square meters, while the southeastern citadel, known as Its Kale, is significantly larger, encompassing around 30,000 square meters.

The northeastern citadel retains partly Byzantine walls and features a grand southern gate flanked by the “Upper Tower,” a large circular fortification that historically housed local governors and rulers of the Despotate of Epirus. Within this area stood a palace and a church dedicated to Saint John, the latter demolished in 1618 to make way for the Aslan Pasha Mosque complex. This mosque ensemble, which includes the mosque itself, the founder’s tomb (türbe), a traditional Islamic school (madrasah), and a communal kitchen, survives intact today and serves as the Municipal Ethnographic Museum. Nearby structures include the Turkish Library, likely linked to the madrasah, an Ottoman bathhouse known as a hamam, the Soufari Sarai cavalry barracks built during the final years of Ali Pasha’s rule (1815–1820), and a bath complex dating to the Byzantine period.

Its Kale, the larger southeastern citadel, stands as a fortress within the old town and is traditionally said to have been founded in 1082 by the Norman leader Bohemond. Excavations have revealed that the Tower of Bohemond, a large circular tower at the citadel’s center, rests on foundations dating back to the Hellenistic era. Byzantine structures formerly within this area included residences for city officials (archontes), the cathedral of the Taxiarches, and the church of the Pantokrator.

Starting in 1788, Ali Pasha transformed Its Kale into his principal residence, erecting an expansive two-storey palace characterized by numerous windows overlooking Lake Pamvotis. This palace complex served as the administrative heart of his domain until its devastation during the siege of 1821–22 and eventual demolition in 1870. Archaeological investigations have revealed the layout of the palace, with the selamlik (reception and public areas) situated on the northern side and the private harem quarters to the south. Surviving ruins mainly belong to the southern portion, including remains of the Tower of Bohemond.

Among the extant palace structures is the square “Treasury” building, whose original function is not confirmed but has been restored and now hosts an exhibit on the local tradition of silversmithing. Adjacent vaulted spaces were adapted as the Church of the Holy Unmercenaries. Other well-preserved features include the palace kitchens from the early 19th century, currently used as a communal dining space, and a gunpowder store northeast of the Fethiye Mosque, now repurposed for educational activities. Excavations have also uncovered the ruins of another large Byzantine circular tower and a sizable two-storey building likely serving either as barracks or an additional palace section, which today functions as a cultural venue. A small bath complex to the north further enriches the castle’s archaeological landscape.

The Fethiye Mosque, situated at the highest point on the eastern side of Its Kale, occupies the site of the former Byzantine cathedral. Originally constructed after the Ottoman conquest in 1430, it was rebuilt in an impressive form in the 17th century. Ali Pasha’s refurbishment around 1795 gave the mosque its current appearance. Within are the tombs of Ali Pasha and one of his wives, enclosed behind an iron lattice. An inscription within the complex commemorates the rebuilding of Its Kale under Ali Pasha’s direction in 1815, marking this period of significant renewal for the fortress.