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Epidaurus

A theatre of perfect acoustics and a sanctuary of healing

One of the most important sacred sites of the ancient world and a UNESCO World Heritage monument. The ancient theatre of Polykleitos, the Asklepieion, the Athens Epidaurus Festival and the sunken city - forty minutes by car from Palladion.

Distance
~ 40 km
Drive
40 minutes
UNESCO
since 1988
Time needed
Half – 1 day
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Ancient theatre of Epidaurus
Ancient Theatre · EpidaurusArgolida · Greece
History

A sanctuary of healing, a theatre for the ages

Ancient theatre of Epidaurus
01

The Asklepieion

The sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus was the most important healing centre of antiquity. Patients from across the Greek world came here for enkoimesis - the sacred sleep in the Abaton, during which the god would appear in dreams and prescribe a cure. Medicine, religion and the soul were treated as three faces of the same healing.

02

The theatre of Polykleitos

In the mid-4th century BC Polykleitos the Younger designed the theatre. Carved into the slope of Mount Kynortion, with 55 rows of seating for fourteen thousand spectators, it still baffles modern acoustic engineers: a whispered word in the orchestra is clearly heard on the highest row.

03

Rome, Byzantine silence, rediscovery

The sanctuary flourished into Roman times. After the rise of Christianity and the earthquakes of the 6th century AD, the complex was abandoned and buried in soil. Excavations by the Archaeological Society from 1881 gradually uncovered the Asklepieion and brought the theatre back into the light.

04

The Festival and UNESCO

Since 1955 the theatre has come alive again with the Athens Epidaurus Festival. In 1988 the entire sanctuary was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Nearby, Palaia Epidavros preserves a smaller ancient theatre and a picturesque harbour by the sea.

Timeline

Twenty-seven centuries of healing and art

From the founding of the sanctuary to the modern Festival.

  1. 6th c. BC
    Early sanctuary

    Foundation of the sanctuary of Asclepius on the site of an older cult of Apollo Maleatas.

  2. 4th c. BC
    Classical peak

    Polykleitos the Younger designs the theatre, the Tholos and the Abaton of the Asklepieion.

  3. 3rd – 2nd c. BC
    Hellenistic period

    The Asklepieion becomes a pan-Hellenic healing centre; Asklepieia are founded across the Mediterranean.

  4. 2nd c. AD
    Roman period

    The Roman senator Antoninus funds large-scale restoration works across the sanctuary.

  5. 6th c. AD
    Abandonment

    Earthquakes and the rise of Christianity lead to the sanctuary's abandonment.

  6. 1881
    Excavations

    The Archaeological Society of Athens begins systematic excavations under Panagis Kavvadias.

  7. 1955 · 1988
    Festival & UNESCO

    First modern performance in the theatre; in 1988 Epidaurus enters the UNESCO List.

What to see

Nine highlights you should not miss

From the theatre and the Asklepieion to the sunken city - one of the most complete archaeological destinations in Greece.

01Highlight

Ancient Theatre

Fourteen thousand seats, 55 rows and acoustics that carry a whisper to the highest row - a masterpiece of Polykleitos the Younger.

02Highlight

Asklepieion

The most important healing sanctuary of antiquity. Abaton, Temple of Asclepius, Propylaia, gymnasium and guest houses in one organised therapeutic complex.

03Highlight

The Tholos

A circular building, an architectural masterpiece by Polykleitos. Possibly the home of the sacred serpents associated with the cult of Asclepius.

04Highlight

Stadium & Gymnasium

The venue for athletic games in honour of the god, with stone seating and a starting line preserved almost intact.

05Highlight

Archaeological Museum

Surgical instruments, votive plaques recording ancient cures, sculpture and architectural fragments from the sanctuary.

06Highlight

Sanctuary of Apollo Maleatas

An older place of worship on the summit of Kynortion, from which the Asklepieion evolved.

07Highlight

Little Theatre of Palaia Epidavros

A smaller ancient theatre set among orange groves, with summer music performances.

08Highlight

Sunken City

The ancient harbour of Epidaurus is still visible in the shallows - perfect with mask, snorkel or a kayak.

09Highlight

Palaia Epidavros

A picturesque harbour with orange groves, fish tavernas and calm evenings by the sea.

Suggested day

A perfect day in Epidaurus

A gentle plan built around the ancient theatre, with lunch by the sea and - in July or August - an evening at the Festival.

  1. 08:00

    Breakfast at Palladion

    Greek breakfast with local produce before heading out to the archaeological site.

  2. 09:15

    Departure from Argos

    Forty minutes by car through the olive groves of Argolida.

  3. 10:00

    Ancient Theatre

    Early, while the site is still quiet. Test the acoustics from the orchestra with a whisper.

  4. 11:00

    Asklepieion

    Tholos, Abaton, Temple of Asclepius, Stadium - a slow walk through the sanctuary of healing.

  5. 12:30

    Museum of Epidaurus

    Surgical instruments, sculpture and inscriptions recording the testimonies of ancient patients.

  6. 13:30

    Lunch in Palaia Epidavros

    A fish taverna by the harbour - lobster pasta or the catch of the day.

  7. 15:30

    Sunken City

    Snorkel or kayak above the ancient harbour; the sea is shallow and clear.

  8. 21:00

    Festival performance (summer)

    Return to the theatre for an ancient tragedy beneath the stars.

Plan your visit

Practical information

Archaeological site
08:00 – 20:00 (summer)
Winter hours 08:30 – 15:30 · closed on public holidays
Ticket
€12 / €6
Combined for theatre, Asklepieion and museum
Museum of Epidaurus
On site
Same hours as the archaeological site
Epidaurus Festival
July – August
Performances Friday & Saturday, usually 21:00
Palaia Epidavros
15 minutes by car
Harbour, fish tavernas, little theatre
Sunken city
Free access
Kalymniotissa beach · mask or kayak
Best season
Apr – Jun, Sept – Oct
Summer is spectacular for the Festival but hot
Time needed
Half – 1 day
A full day with a swim and dinner by the harbour

* Prices, opening hours and the Festival programme may change - please confirm on the official Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Athens Epidaurus Festival websites.

Getting there

How to reach Epidaurus

Epidaurus lies in eastern Argolida, a forty-minute drive from Palladion. The road crosses olive groves and the mountains of Argolida, with occasional views over the Argolic gulf.

From Palladion / Argos
45 km · 40 min
From Nafplio
30 km · 30 min
From Athens
180 km · 2 hours
Palaia Epidavros
15 km · 15 min

Our reception arranges taxis, car hire and tickets for the Athens Epidaurus Festival. We recommend an early morning departure from Argos.

Frequently asked

What guests most often ask

Is the acoustic really that impressive?
Yes. A whisper, a struck match or a coin dropped in the orchestra is clearly heard on the highest row. Engineers still study how Polykleitos' design achieves it.
How much time do I need for the visit?
Two to three hours for the theatre, the Asklepieion and the museum. Add a swim at Palaia Epidavros and dinner and it becomes a full day.
How do I get Festival tickets?
From the official Athens Epidaurus Festival website (aefestival.gr) - usually opens in April. Our reception is happy to advise.
Do I need a car?
Yes - there is no regular public transport from Argos. We arrange a taxi or car hire from reception.
Is it suitable for children?
Very much so. The theatre's acoustics enchant every age and the visit pairs easily with a swim by the sea.
Stay with us

A base in Argos, an hour from the theatre

Palladion is a family-run, ten-room base in the heart of Argos - forty minutes from Epidaurus. The perfect way to combine archaeology, the sea and the Festival without rushing.

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