The history of the prefecture of Ioannina dates back to the Palaeolithic era (33000 - 8000 BC). Passing through the hands of various conquerors, during the 18th-19th century, Ioannina witnessed a great deal of intellectual, economic and cultural growth, thus promoting the educational level and its development. The high mountain ranges and canyons, the rapidly rushing rivers, the dark lakes, the mountainous villages and the stone bridges form a wild and natural landscape which is rich in colour and irregular forms – similar to that of a most beautiful mosaic.