The ancient theatre of Epidaurus, an architectural masterpiece designed by Polykleitos the Younger, an architect from Argos, represents a unique artistic achievement through its integration into the overall Sanctuary of Epidaurus. It is heralded for its perfection in its proportions and acoustics. The theatre has been revived thanks to the annual Athens and Epidaurus Festival which has been held here since 1955 to familiarize audiences with ancient Greek thought and celebrate the works of ancient Greek playwrights.
Every year from June to August, the ancient theatre of Epidaurus comes alive with a full program of theatre, music and dance as part of the annual Athens and Epidaurus Festival. If you’re visiting Athens during these summer months, this is the ideal way to see this ancient site in all its glory, renowned for its exemplary acoustics. From Sophocles’ ‘Oedipus’ to Aristophanes’ ‘The Clouds’, there is something special about seeing an ancient Greek tragedy, drama or comedy on the same stage where they were performed in 440BC!
THE SANCTUARY OF EPIDAURUS
The Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus is a remarkable testament to the healing cults of the ancient world and the emergence of scientific medicine. Situated in the Peloponnese, in the region of Argolis, the site comprises of a series of ancient monuments spread over two terraces and surrounded by a preserved natural landscape. Among the monuments of the sanctuary is the striking Theatre of Epidaurus, together with the Temples of Artemis and Asklepios, the Tholos, the Enkoimeterion and the Propylaia, comprise a coherent assembly of monuments that illustrate the significance and power of the healing gods of the Hellenic and Roman worlds.
The Sanctuary of Epidaurus is one of the most complete from antiquity (with the theatre, the Temples of Artemis and Asklepios, the Tholos, the Enkoimeterion, the Propylaia, the Banqueting Hall, the baths as well as the sport and hospital facilities) and is an eminent example of a Hellenic architectural ensemble of the 4th century BC. The form of its buildings has exerted great influence on the evolution of Hellenistic and Roman architecture. Tholos influenced the development of Greek and Roman architecture, particularly the Corinthian order, while the Enkoimeterion stoa and the Propylaia introduced forms that evolved further in Hellenistic architecture. The complicated hydraulic system of the sanctuary is an excellent example of a large-scale water supply and sewerage system that illustrates the significant engineering knowledge of ancient societies. Historical source: UNESCO
General admission: 12 euros
Free admission days: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, Last weekend in September, first Sunday from November to 31 March, 28 October
Opening hours:
Nov – Feb: 8:00am – 5:00pm | March: 8:00am – 6:00pm | April: 8:00am – 7:00pm | May – August: 8:00am – 8:00pm | Sept: 8:00am – 7:00pm | Oct: 8:00am – 6:00pm
EASTER – Good Friday: 12:00noon – 7:00pm | Holy Saturday 8:00am -3:00pm
CLOSED: 1 Jan | 25 March | 1 May | Easter Sunday| 25 & 26 Dec
Click on the appropriate performance below
OEDIPUS – 21 June 2019 & 22 June 2019
ORESTEIA – 28 June 2019 & 29 June 2019
THE SUPPLIANTS – 5 July 2019 & 6 July 2019
OEDIPUS REX – 12 July 2019 & 13 July 2019
IPHIGENIA IN AVLIS – 19 July 2019 & 20 July 2019
ELECTRA & ORESTES – 26 July 2019 & 27 July 2019
THE CLOUDS – 2 August 2019 & 3 August 2019
PROMETHEUS BOUND – 9 August 2019 & 10 August 2019