Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Epidaurus

Name: Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Address: Εθνική Οδός Ισθμού - Αρχαίας Επιδαύρου, Epidaurus, 210 52, Greece
Telephone: +30 2753 022026

#1 among attractions in Epidaurus

Concerts and shows, Top attraction, Historical place, Arenas and stadiums, More...

Gallery (8)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Carole Raddato / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC0 / George E. Koronaios / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Poliocretes / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / darkobajic / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Joyofmuseums / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / LBM1948 / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rvjansen22 / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the serene landscape of the Peloponnese in Greece, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is a marvel of classical architecture and a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Greek civilization. Renowned for its exceptional acoustics and harmonious proportions, this theatre is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved of its kind.

Constructed in the 4th century BCE, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus was designed by the architect Polykleitos the Younger. With a capacity of up to 14,000 spectators, the theatre was primarily used for dramatic performances and religious festivals in honor of Asclepius, the god of medicine. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see attraction for visitors to Greece.

The theatre's design is a testament to the ancient Greeks' mastery of acoustics. Remarkably, even the faintest sound made at the center of the orchestra can be heard with perfect clarity by all spectators, regardless of their seating position. This natural amplification is the result of the theatre's carefully calculated dimensions and the use of limestone, which enhances the sound quality.

Visitors to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus can explore the site and enjoy its tranquil surroundings. During the summer months, the theatre comes to life with the annual Epidaurus Festival, featuring a variety of classical plays. Attending a performance under the starry sky, with the ancient stone seating echoing the actors' voices, is an unforgettable experience that transports one back to the time of Sophocles and Euripides.

When planning a visit, it is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes as the theatre sits within a larger archaeological site that includes the Sanctuary of Asclepius. The site is open to the public, with entrance fees and opening hours varying by season. It is located about two hours' drive from Athens, making it an ideal day trip or a stop on a broader tour of the Peloponnese region.

Local name: Αρχαίο θέατρο Επιδαύρου Architectural style: Ancient Greek architectureCoordinates: 37°35'46"N, 23°4'46"E

Address

Εθνική Οδός Ισθμού - Αρχαίας ΕπιδαύρουEpidaurus 210 52 Greece

Contact

+30 2753 022026

Website

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Epidaurus

Day trips

Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus, Temple of Asclepius, Apollo Maleatas, Epidaurus.

~1740 ftW
Museum, Archaeological museum
Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus, Asklipio
9 min walk • Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus is a museum in Epidaurus, in Argolis on the Peloponnese peninsula, Greece. The museum, noted for its reconstructions of temples and its columns and inscriptions, was established in 1902 and opened in 1909 to display artifacts unearthed in the ancient site of Epidaurus in the surrounding area.
~1750 ftNW
Temple
Temple of Asclepius, Asklipio
9 min walk • The Temple of Asclepius was a sanctuary in Epidaurus dedicated to Asclepius. It was the main holy site of Asclepius. The sanctuary at Epidaurus was the rival of such major cult sites as the Sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia and Apollo at Delphi. The temple was built in the early 4th century BC.
~370 ftS
Temple
Apollo Maleatas, Asklipio
2 min walk • The sanctuary of Apollo Maleatas is located on a low hill on Mount Kynortion, east of the sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus. At the peak of the hill was a small Early Helladic settlement, which was never built on in later periods.
~1300 ftNW
City,
Epidaurus, Asklipio
7 min walk • Epidaurus was a small city in ancient Greece, on the Argolid Peninsula at the Saronic Gulf. Two modern towns bear the name Epidavros: Palaia Epidavros and Nea Epidavros.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus?

Nearby attractions include Apollo Maleatas, Asklipio (2 min walk), Epidaurus, Asklipio (7 min walk), Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus, Asklipio (9 min walk), Temple of Asclepius, Asklipio (9 min walk).