The Its Kale is the upper, inner fortress of Ioannina's old castle district, built up by successive rulers — Byzantine, Norman, Despote, Ottoman — and reaching its final form under Ali Pasha in the early 19th century. The walls and gates are still largely intact, surrounding a quiet hilltop with grass, cypresses, and a view down over Lake Pamvotis.
Inside the citadel you'll find the Byzantine Museum in the former barracks, the Fethiye Mosque with its minaret still standing, the tomb attributed to Ali Pasha, and the small but excellent Silversmithing Museum in restored Ottoman buildings. Half a day here is one of the best uses of Ioannina time.