In 1788, Ali Pasha, the ruler of Ioannina, laid the foundations for his palace (saray) in a prominent position within the castle walls. From here he could look out towards the lake. Foreign visitors were impressed since the palace was equipped with courtyards, baths, servants, and luxurious apartments for Ali and his family. The main reception hall was adorned with Byzantine columns and chaise longues made by Gobelins in Paris. The end of Ali Pasha, who dared to defy the Ottoman Sultan, also marked the end of the saray. It became an administrative center and when it was destroyed by fire in 1870, it was replaced by a military hospital. This was also demolished to make way for a Royal Kiosk in 1958. Today it houses the Byzantine Museum of Ioannina.