This episode of “Wander Words” took us to the village of Athanasios Diakos. Known in earlier times as Ano Mousounitsa, the village was renamed after the legendary freedom fighter, as it is believed to be the birthplace of his father.
It is one of the most beautiful villages of mainland Greece, nestled on the slopes of Mount Vardousia, surrounded by firs, chestnut trees, plane trees, and the rich greenery of the Greek landscape. The central square – with its church and the bust of the hero—is a gathering place for those seeking an escape from the routine and stress of the city, while for some, including guests of the program, it has become a permanent home.
Helping us get to know the village were Dimitris Ravanis, from the family that introduced the place to Greeks everywhere through its remarkable traditional cuisine and famous kaimaki ice cream, and Angelos Dimitrakopoulos, who settled permanently in the village a few years ago and, together with his wife, transformed their way of life.
We closed the program with a look at the two mountain refuges of the EOS Amfissa and the Athens Hiking Club, both built just below the summit of Mount Vardousia.