Cultural Evenings at Castelli | September 1–3, 2025

November 21, 2025 15 min read

World-renowned personalities gathered at the Castelli Mansion on September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 2025, honoring the Festival’s motto: “With the aura of yesterday, in the culture of tomorrow.” In the enchanting orchard of the historic 15th-century estate in Kampos, the charm and atmosphere of the past met the cutting edge of Science and Culture, creating a unique mosaic of inspiration and knowledge.

Monday, September 1, 2025

The first day, dedicated to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ethical considerations, opened with an online greeting from Panagiotis Roilos, Professor of Comparative Literature at Harvard and President of the European Cultural Centre of Delphi. He discussed human interaction with AI, extending even to the level of holograms.

The session continued with presentations by:

Professor Nektarios Tavernarakis (University of Crete, former Chairman of FORTH), who focused on AI’s contribution to the pharmaceutical industry, personalized medicine, and DNA modification, emphasizing the need for high-quality data.

Professor Spiros N. Pollalis (Harvard Professor and President of Athens College), who spoke about the evolution of computer architecture and the integration of AI in education.

Professor Konstantinos Filis (Institute of International Affairs), who highlighted the political and social challenges of AI, particularly regarding fact distortion and the manipulation of public opinion.

The day concluded with philosophical reflections from Professor Lou Marinoff (City University of New York), who raised questions about the nature and role of AI, and Professor Xiaojun Ding (Xi’an Jiaotong University), who contrasted Confucian and Socratic wisdom in relation to the ethical dilemmas of the new era.

The event was presented by Katerina Gagaki, and the evening closed with a musical epilogue by Nineta Vafia, Fotis Nezis on the piano, and vocals by Sofia Papadimitropoulou.

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

The second day began with a digital greeting from John Chandris, who referred to ELLET (Elliniki Etairia) and Lydia Karra, sharing his memories and love for Chios with the audience.

The program featured:

Nikos Sifounakis (Architect, former Minister of Culture), who spoke about his dual experience as an architect and politician.

Lydia Karra (President of ELLET), who presented the work of the Hellenic Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage.

Niki Boutari (Founder of justenumber.gr), who shared inspiring stories and explained the platform’s mission to promote the message that age is just a number.

Professor Nickolas Pappas (City University of New York) delivered a captivating talk on the relationship between art and technology, demonstrating how new technology influences, rather than dictates, artistic forms. He was followed by Michele Casamonti (Tornabuoni Arte) and artist Nakis Panayotidis, who presented contemporary art through ten keywords and corresponding works.

The event was presented by Katerina Gagaki, and the evening concluded with a concert by soprano Christina Poulitsi.

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

In the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Markos of Chios, Psara, and Oinousses, the final day began with a discussion between journalist Tasoula Eptakoili and Dr. Stelios Papadopoulos. They explored Dr. Papadopoulos’s personal journey and discussed biotechnology and the development of new drugs.

Highlights included:

Dr. Stamatios Krimigis (Professor of Astrophysics and Academician): In his talk titled “Exploring the 9 Planets in 50 Years,” he discussed our solar system, neighboring suns, and the challenges of space exploration, featuring rare images and audio from the Voyager missions.

Dr. Georgios Nounesis (President of NCSR “Demokritos”): He spoke about innovation and frontier technologies, with an emphasis on AI, quantum technology, and quantum computing.

Professor Darwin Caldwell (Italian Institute of Technology): He presented the evolution of robotics and its applications, ranging from daily life to medicine—including specialized surgical tools and systems for musculoskeletal and mobility support.

The event was presented by journalist Korina Georgiou, while the musical finale was performed by Nineta Vafia, Fotis Nezis (piano), and Sofia Papadimitropoulou (vocals).

The three-day Cultural event at the Castelli Mansion, held as part of the 4th Chios Festival (North Aegean Region), successfully united distinguished figures from science, technology, culture, the arts, and entrepreneurship. Their insights highlighted the multifaceted relationship between AI, philosophy, and society. In a setting of immense historical value, the Festival reaffirmed its role as a premier meeting point for ideas and creative exchange.

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