Home Destinations Europe Greece Peloponnese Sights Epidauros

Epidauros Review

Read our Peloponnese sights reviews. Or post your own.

Epidauros

Address: Off Hwy. 70 near Ligourio, Epidauros
Phone: 27530/23009
www.culture.gr

Category: Arts/Performance Venues, Archaeological Sites
Location: Epidauros

Write a review

Fodor's Review:

The Sanctuary of Asklepios remains world renowned for one thing: the Theater at Epidauros, the best-preserved Greek theater anywhere because it was covered up sometime in antiquity and had to be dug out. Built in the 4th century BC with 14,000 seats, the theater was never remodeled in antiquity, and because it was rather remote, the stones were never quarried for secondary building use. The extraordinary qualities of the theater were recognized even in the 2nd century AD. Pausanias of Lydia, the 2nd-century AD traveler and geographer, wrote, "The Epidaurians have a theater in their sanctuary that seems to me particularly worth a visit. The Roman theaters have gone far beyond all the others in the world…but who can begin to rival Polykleitos for the beauty and composition of his architecture?" In addition, the acoustics of his theater are so perfect that even from the last of the 55 tiers every word can be heard. Test this fact out during the summer drama festival, with its outstanding productions.

The condition of the rest of the Sanctuary of Asklepios, dedicated to the god of healing and the most important healing center in the ancient world, does not match the theater but is in the midst of a decades-long restoration project. Some copies of its sculptures are in the site museum, but the originals are in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. An exhibit of ancient medical implements is of interest, as are detailed models of the sanctuary and blueprints. Heading south from the isthmus on Highway 70, don't take the turnoffs for Nea Epidauros or Palaio Epidauros; follow the signs that say "Ancient Theatre of Epidauros."

Cost: EUR 6
Open: May-Oct., daily 8-7:30; Nov.-Apr., daily 8-5

Find more sights in Peloponnese »