Saturday, 10 June 1944. The Axis is collapsing, and World War II is nearing its end. Yet the summer of 1944 proves to be the most tragic in Greece, as the hatred of the defeated Nazis turns against those they deem unworthy of life. These were not only armed fighters or resistance members, but also civilians.
In early June 1944, retreating German occupation forces, passing through the region between Mount Helicon and Mount Parnassus, committed one of the most heinous massacres of civilians in Greece—at Distomo, where 223 innocent people were killed.
On Saturday, 21 June 2025, at 13:00 Athens time, Voice of Greece will broadcast Part II of the “Historical Walks” special dedicated to the Distomo massacre – one of the most horrific Nazi atrocities, 81 years later.
This episode, titled “The Day of the Massacre,” features survivor testimonies and explores the gendered dimension of the brutality, shedding light on the horror of that day. Guest of the show’s host Marilena Katsimi is archaeologist Amalia Papaioannou, curator of the Museum of the Victims of Nazism in Distomo.
The aim of this tribute is to help transform the trauma of the past into a compass for the future.
Part I, titled “Trauma and Memory”, aired on Saturday, 14 June 2025, and is available for listening on the show’s page at vog.ert.gr and ERTecho.
Produced and presented by Marilena Katsimi
Broadcast: Saturday, 21 June 2025, 13:00 Athens time.
