On Saturday, May 3rd at 13:00, “Historical Walks” with Marilena Katsimi takes us on a journey to Paxoi — the small Ionian island of rare beauty and layered history.
Guest of the episode is Spyros Bogdanos, former mayor of Paxoi for twelve years and a dedicated researcher of the island’s history and folklore. Through his insights, we uncover hidden facets of Paxoi’s past — from its roots in antiquity and the impressions left by early 19th-century European travelers, to its renewed fame thanks to the hit television series “Maestro.”
Bogdanos discusses the island’s rich cultural intersections — from the modest Orthodox and Muslim communities of Ottoman Epirus to the refined cultural legacies of Venetian, French, and British rule that shaped not only Paxoi but all the Ionian Islands before their unification with Greece in 1864.
The conversation also traces the 20th century and reflects on how this small yet resilient island evolved into a cherished travel destination, without losing its soul.
The episode is enriched with archival field recordings of local musicians from the celebrated ERT3 program “Each Place and Its Song” by Giorgos Melikis.
Hosted and produced by Marilena Katsimi
