Every taverna in Greece has its own story. But some tell the story of an entire place and an entire era.

One such place is Leonidas Liakopoulos' taverna in the village of Lygourio, beside the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus.

The taverna opened in 1953 as a small café. In 1954, the Epidaurus Festival began at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and, at the same time, the taverna became the place where the actors performing at the Festival gathered to eat.

Katina Paxinou left an indelible mark on Greek theatre, on Epidaurus and on Leonidas' taverna. Many of the dishes still served there today are based on her recipes.

Mrs. Kakia Liakopoulou, Leonidas Liakopoulos' wife, preserves those recipes, the stories behind them and, ultimately, the memory that keeps a legendary era alive. 

Leonidas' taverna became what it was always meant to be: a meeting place for actors, directors and leading figures from Greek and international politics and culture.

Historical figures mentioned in the video:

Alexis Minotis (1900–1990): One of Greece's most influential actors and stage directors, renowned for his interpretations of ancient Greek drama and for helping establish the international reputation of the Epidaurus Festival. He directed Maria Callas in landmark productions of Cherubini's Medea.

Karolos Koun (1908–1987): Founder of the Art Theatre of Greece (Karolos Koun Art Theatre), Koun transformed modern Greek theatre by championing contemporary playwrights and creating groundbreaking productions of ancient Greek drama.

Katina Paxinou (1900–1973): One of Greece's greatest actresses and the first Greek performer to win an Academy Award, celebrated internationally for both ancient Greek tragedy and cinema.

Maria Callas (1923–1977): The legendary Greek-American soprano, widely regarded as one of the greatest opera singers in history. Her performances redefined twentieth-century opera and made her an enduring global cultural icon.

Constantine Karamanlis (1907–1998): Prime Minister of Greece and later President of the Hellenic Republic, Karamanlis was one of the country's most influential political leaders in the post-war era, overseeing Greece's modernization and its accession to the European Economic Community in 1981.