The Island

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 metres above sea level or 59 metres above the lake’s surface. Its maximum length is 800 metres and its width is 500 metres. 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 17^th 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. In 1820, the clash of Ali Pasha with Sultan Mahmud II resulted in Hurshid Ahmed Pasha turning against him and besieging the city of Ioannina. The Island was protected by a garrison of a thousand Albanians, thus Hurshid launched a bombardment that caused extensive damage. Realising his imminent defeat, Ali took refuge on the island in January 1822. He was ultimately killed in the Monastery of Saint Pantaleon.