The ancient theatre of Epidaurus

Built in a sheltered picturesque bay, Epidaurus boasts both for its natural beauty and for the fact that it has been hosting, for thousands of years, monuments of world cultural heritage and more. The great ancient theatre of Epidaurus is the jewel of the city, visited by thousands of tourists and theatre lovers from all over the world every year.

Accommodation in Epidaurus
See all the photos from Epidaurus and the Ancient Theatre
Map with the locations of the photographs and information on access to Epidaurus.

The Old Epidaurus

Epidaurus or Old Epidaurus is built on the eastern side of the prefecture of Argolida and is washed by the waters of the Saronic Gulf. It has nearby some small but very beautiful beaches such as the beach of Vagionia behind the church of Agios Nikolaos which you can walk to and Yalasi which is a bit more organized with beach volley and sunbeds, 2 km from the village.

In the great ancient theatre of Epidaurus. In the high diazotami with a perfect view.

Returning to Epidaurus, the small and picturesque harbour, between two green pieces of land dominated by orange groves and pine trees, will offer you several accommodation options and taverns with fresh fish and other traditional dishes.

In the seaside Old Epidaurus.

Apart from its natural beauty, Epidaurus is known worldwide for the historical and cultural monuments that were built there thousands of years ago.

According to mythology and Hesiod, Asclepius, the god of medicine, was born there and the Asclepieion was built there, which over the years became the most famous place for the cure of serious diseases in the whole of ancient Greece.

Gradually, many monuments and auxiliary spaces began to be built, the most important being the temple of Asclepius, the Tholos and of course the great ancient theatre.

In the great ancient theatre of Epidaurus, Argolida.

The ancient theatre of Epidaurus

Today, the most attention is naturally drawn to the famous Great Theatre of Epidaurus, which was built at the end of the 4th century BC in order to provide entertainment for the patients who were hospitalized at the Asclepion.

It is one of the best preserved ancient theatres and one of the most important architectural masterpieces of Ancient Greece with unique acoustics and a capacity of 15,000 spectators.

The Epidaurus Festival or Epidauria

Today, attending one of the summer theatre performances of the Epidaurus Festival (more information on the official website: www.aefestival.gr), perhaps even under the light of the full moon, is a unique experience. However, the wider archaeological site has been classified as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

Teaching at the great ancient theatre of Epidaurus

In fact, nowadays (summer 2022) the official name of the festival is the‘Athens Epidaurus Festival‘ (visit the official website for this summer’s performance schedule ).

It is one of the oldest festivals in Europe with a history of over 65 years. It began in 1955 with a legendary performance directed by Alexis Minotis and starring Katina Paxinou in the leading role of Hecuba in Euripides’ Hecuba.

Small ancient theatre of Epidaurus

The small ancient theatre of Epidaurus.

Finally, in Epidavros and even next to the current settlement, is the small ancient theatre, which was discovered only in 1971, It was built in the 4th century BC in the place where the Acropolis of the ancient city was located and has a capacity of 2,000 people.

Today the festival Musikos Julius is organized there where you can enjoy musical performances overlooking the coast of Argolida!