Description of the attraction
Epidaurus is a small fishing village nestled among picturesque olive and orange groves on the east coast of the Argolic Peninsula (Peloponnese). It is known that a settlement here existed and flourished already in the Mycenaean era, and largely due to its convenient location for centuries, it was one of the most important ports of the Peloponnese.
A long-standing legend says that it is Epidaurus that is the birthplace of the son of Apollo, the god of medicine and healing - Asclepius, here most likely in the 7-6th century BC. and the cult of Asclepius was born. The sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus, better known, as well as other ancient Greek temples dedicated to the god of medicine, called "Asclepion", was one of the largest and most revered sanctuaries of the ancient world and existed until the end of the 4th century AD, when Christianity became the official religion of the state, and all pagan temples were closed. Asklepion, and with it a whole complex of monumental structures, was buried under the earth after two devastating earthquakes in the 6th century and finally forgotten.
The first excavations at Epidaurus began only at the end of the 19th century. Archaeologists managed to discover not only the sanctuary of Asclepius, but also the stadium, the so-called gymnasiums, baths, temples of Artemis and Apollo, as well as an ancient theater with stunning acoustics designed for 14 thousand seats - one of the largest and best preserved to this day theaters of the Ancient Greece. The theater was built in the 4th century BC. designed by the famous ancient Greek architect and sculptor Polycletus the Younger, and this is one of the best examples of ancient architecture and the skill of ancient architects. It was believed that going to the theater has a beneficial effect on the mental and physical health of Asklepion's “patients”.
The Epidaurus Theater and the Asclepius Sanctuary are important historical sites and are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In the summer, the stage of the ancient theater, like many centuries ago, comes to life, inviting its guests to enjoy magnificent theatrical performances.
