The huge citadel overlooking the lake is surrounded by a wall built during the despotate of Epiros (13C) and restored by Ali Pasha, who ruled over Albania and Epiros (1741-1822). It was inhabited by the Turks, and from the 17C by the Jews, but is now almost deserted; it has retained an eastern flavour with its little streets, overhanging roofs and former mosques; Ali Pasha had his palace here on top of the rock.

At the centre of the little town of Métsovo, rising in tiers on a hillside, there is a vast esplanade shaded by huge plane trees; nearby is the Church of Agía Paraskeví, which contains a rich 18C iconostasis (a screen separating the nave from the rest of the sanctuary) carved with flamboyant motifs.

The cave, discovered during the Second World War, extends for 1km and covers an area of 14 800m; water streams continuously down its walls. The caverns are artistically lit to show off the splendid limestone concretions in the form of stalagmites, stalactites including excentrics, curtains, low walls and pools. The bones and teeth of cave bears have been found here. The exit, not the same as the entrance, is the natural opening into the cave; superb views over Ioánnina.

The huge citadel overlooking the lake is surrounded by a wall built during the despotate of Epiros (13C) and restored by Ali Pasha, who ruled over Albania and Epiros (1741-1822). It was inhabited by the Turks, and from the 17C by the Jews, but is now almost deserted; it has retained an eastern flavour with its little streets, overhanging roofs and former mosques; Ali Pasha had his palace here on top of the rock.