The museum is built on the site of a former vaulted artillery structure within the fortress walls.
Epirus silversmiths were historically known as 'mastori' and developed a distinct, itinerant guild system that operated across the Ottoman Empire.
The collection includes traditional silver 'kiostekia,' which are decorative chains worn on waistcoats.
Silversmithing in Ioannina flourished due to the city's role as a major trade hub under the influence of Ali Pasha.
The museum utilizes modern digital mapping to show the historical migration routes of Epirus artisans.
Some exhibits explain the 'savvat' technique, a specific method of blackening silver to highlight intricate engravings.
The museum building was designed to avoid damaging the historical masonry of the castle walls.
The Silversmithing Museum in Ioannina is housed within the western bastion of the Itch Kale acropolis inside the historic Ioannina Castle. It is part of the Piraeus Bank Group Cultural Foundation’s network of museums and focuses exclusively on the history and technology of Epirus silversmithing from the 15th to the 20th century. The exhibits illustrate the technical methods of shaping, decorating, and surface finishing metalwork. Visitors can explore the role of silversmiths in local society and the broader trade networks that connected Ioannina to markets in the Balkans and Europe. The museum displays original tools, period jewelry, traditional costumes with silver elements, and ecclesiastical artifacts. An integrated audiovisual installation demonstrates the craft processes through interactive media. The building itself is a modern intervention designed to integrate into the Byzantine defensive architecture.
The elevated viewing terrace overlooking the fortress walls and Lake Pamvotis.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Itch Kale area to view the Byzantine Museum located nearby.
The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users, which is rare for older castle structures.
Check the museum's official website for temporary exhibitions, which often rotate and highlight specific local collections.
Attempting to visit on Tuesdays, as many state-run and foundation museums in Greece close on that day.
Closed every Tuesday.
