An extensive view of Jannina (Ioannina), Greece, mountains beyond

Edward Lear first visited Corfu in the summer of 1848 and was captivated by the island. Lear returned to Corfu in November 1855, with the intention of making the Island his winter home. Lear remained based in Corfu until its cession to Greece in 1864, although he spent most of the time travelling and comparatively little time on the island itself.

Ioannina or Jannina is situated on the western shore of Lake Pamvotis about fifty miles inland from the Greek coast. It is the capital of Epirus in northwest Greece, opposite the island of Corfu. Lear visited Jannina on several occasions from 1849.