Párga

Parga lies on the Ionian coast of Epirus, beneath a castle overlooking its bay. First recorded in 1318, the town sought Venetian protection in 1401 after its inhabitants overthrew their governor. Thereafter it was governed from Corfu as a Venetian foothold on a coast increasingly surrounded by Ottoman territory. Raids and disputes over the farmland between Parga and neighbouring Margariti troubled the town under Venetian rule. After the fall of the republic in 1797, Parga passed through French and British hands. In 1819 the British transferred it to Ali Pasha of Ioannina. Unwilling to remain under his rule, many inhabitants departed for Corfu; Ali Pasha brought new settlers to the deserted town.