Epirus is a mountainous area in the northwest of the Greek mainland. The Pindos mountains dominate much of it. There are many rivers which make the mountains more dramatic with deep gorges. The north of Epirus is the Albanian border, and the Zagori region with many small villages; one of the larger ones being Konitsa. To the west is Igumenitsa on the sea. To the south is Arta where the land becomes less mountainous.
Rivers mean bridges and Epirus has a wonderful range of bridges, often semi-circular stone bridges, built hundreds of years ago. Originally, they were needed to connect the villages; now, a very different type of bridge carries a motorway.
Towards the middle of Epirus is Ioannina, the main town. It is on the south side of Lake Pamvotida with mountains to north and east. It has much Ottoman and Greek history.
The Kokkorou or Noutsou Bridge
A stone bridge in the Zagori area, built in 1750. It crosses the river Voidomatis. (Ap23)
Konitsa Bridge from south side of river Aoos.
This stone bridge was built in 1871. It has a span of 35.6m and a height of 19.25m. (Ap23)
View up the river Aoos from the crown of the Konitsa bridge.
The Aoos is one of the many rivers through the mountainous Zagori region. (Ap23)
Potamia motorway bridge for the Egnatia Highway between Ioannina and Metsovo
A modern bridge through a historic area, crossing the meandering Arachthos river. (Ap23)
View ffrom Elliniko to the mountains Athamanon & Tzoumerka.
On the left is the sculpture garden of the Theodoros Papagiannis Museum of Contemporary Art. (Ap23)
Igumenitsa Bay, an arbour and view towards Corfu. in the distan
Igumenitsa provides the ferry connection between the Greek mainland and Corfu, and also to Italy. (Ap23)
Mavili Square, Ioannina.
Silhouettes on Lake Pamvotida, beside Ioannina, with Perama behind. (May23)
Ioannina beside the lake.
Lake Pamvotida, mountains and a Judas tree. (Ap23)
The medresse in Ioannina
The east end of the Ottoman school beside the Aslan Pasha Mosque. (May23)
Inside the Aslan Pasha Mosque.
The Aslan Pasha Mosque in Ioannina is now the Municipal Museum. This is inside the prayer hall looking towards the mimbar. (May23)
Aslan Pasha Mosque in Ioannina
The mosque sits on top of cliffs overlooking Lake Panvotida. As seen from the boat going out to the island. (Ap23)
One of many monasteries on the island in the lake beside Ioannina
Monastery of Panagia Eleousa on the island in Lake Pamvotida, close to Ioannina in Northern Greece, with the mountains of Zagori behind. (Ap23)
Fishing boat and tackle.
Home for a fishing boat on the island in Lake Pamvotida beside Ioannina. (Ap23)
Sculpture beside Lake Pamvotida
A sculpture by Theodorus Papagiannis in Ioannina. (May23)
Storks in Kalpaki.
Storks are encouraged to nest at the top of a telegraph pole on the high street. Sparrows also make use of the facility. (Ap23)
