Discover UNESCO: Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus
Thought of as the birthplace of Apollo’s son, the famous healer Asclepius with his serpent entwined rod, Epidaurus once used to be the highest regarded hospital of the world. After the original hill-top sanctuary of the 6th century BC had become too small, an extensive healing center was erected at the current location. Unfortunately all the buildings were destroyed over time and only the Epidaurus Theater remains preserved in place today. In fact, it is not only almost entirely intact, but also considered one of the purest masterpieces of ancient Greek architecture.
Quick Facts
- Epidaurus is an archaeological site, covering the ruins of an ancient healing center, temples and a limestone theater.
- This UNESCO site is located in Argolis, in the eastern part of the former peninsula of Peloponnese in Greece.
- The Temple of Asklepios and the ancient theater date as far back as the 4th century BC and the UNESCO inscription happened in 1988.
- Inscribed by UNESCO is this vast site including the remains of temples, hospital buildings and the well-preserved theater.
- Epidaurus is open from 7.45am to 6.45pm daily from April to October and from November to end of March the times are 8am to 5pm.
- The entrance fee to the Epidaurus area, including museum and theater costs 6 euros for adults and 3 euros on reduced rate.
The ancient Theater of Epidaurus
Entrance Portals and ruined Skene Building of the Epidaurus Theater
Stage Center Point of the UNESCO inscribed Theater of Epidaurus in Greece
Views of the Theater from the upper Rows of the Epidaurus Sanctuary
Epidaurus Theater overlooking the ruined Skene and the Landscapes
Preserved Limestone Seating in the UNESCO Theater of Epidaurus
Why this is a UNESCO Site
The archeological site of Epidaurus, covering the remains of what used to be the most famous healing center of the ancient world is truly one of its kind. The ruins of 160 bedrooms, baths, temples, a gymnasium, a stadium and a well-preserved theater remind of the miraculous healings that once happened here with the help of the ancient gods. Out of the 4th century ensemble of buildings, it is especially the theater, built by Polycletes the Younger of Argos, that is considered an architectural masterpiece. The original Greek, but Roman extended structure is perfected in terms of proportions and performance, transferring unamplified sounds up to last row of spectators.
Thoughts and Observations
Visiting the ruined healing center of Epidaurus and learning about its ancient history was great, but experiencing the acoustics of the limestone theater was definitely unparalleled. Almost entirely preserved, only the single storey stage building called skene missing, it still functioned as well as it did during its time of construction during the 4th century BC. Even from the last row of the seating area it was possible to hear a little whisper on stage, the strike of a match, or the drop of a coin.
This was especially remarkable because the original 34 Greek rows of the theater had been extended by another 21 during Roman times. Until today, the supreme performance of the Epidaurus Theater was tested and enjoyed during select performances with up to 15,000 spectators. Contrary to later Roman theaters with tall stage walls, here is was actually possible, and part of the design concept, that spectators could also enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape.
In this regard, the views enhanced the performances on stage equally as the theater itself enhanced the healing process of the sick. And still today, the preserved theater with its exceptional acoustics and great views definitely enhanced every visit to Epidaurus. For me personally, as someone who is not the biggest fan of archaeological sites with only traces of foundation walls on the ground, the theater was definitely the highlight of the entire trip.
What else to see in Epidaurus
Ancient Tools and Medical Equipment found at the Epidaurus Sanctuary
Foundation Walls of the ruined Healing Center of Asclepius in Epidaurus
Between Athens and Epidaurus
Rock carved Passage of the Corinth Canal, cutting off Peloponnese from Greece
Tips and Recommendations
- Bring enough time with you to see this extensive archaeological site of the sanctuary with all its ruined buildings.
- Stop by the small museum to see ancient surgical tools recovered from the site as well as a statue of Asclepius with his serpent entwined rod and an early Corinthian capital.
- Try to stop by the Corinth Canal between Athens and Epidaurus. This 6.5 km long canal with only 22 meters in width was started to be hand carved in the 7th century BC and not finished until 1893.
Personal Rating
- Go right now
- Definitely go soon!
- Go if you are around
- Stop by if you are bored
- Consider missing it
The sanctuary of Epidaurus really was an interesting place to visit, especially due to the impressive structure of the ancient theater. Experiencing the acoustics of the theater alone seemed already worth the entire visit.
Getting There
Epidaurus is located about two hours away from Athens and is best reached by car while crossing the Corinth Canal along the way. Alternatively, there are public buses leaving from Nafplio, the former Greek capital which is also worth a visit, and tour operators like Key Tours offer convenient day trips directly from Athens.
Can you imagine that this ancient theater works perfectly without any amplifier?
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Felt nice going through your article as always, there are similar monuments in India like Hampi,Belur, Golgumbaz etc where in acoustic sounds could be heard with the touch of a finger, slap of fingers or palms, especially the musical notes emanating from sculpted stone columns! the world is full of wonders irrespective of culture cast or creed; it shows ancient people had more knowledge and civilised than us!
Thank you very much dear Srinivas! Unfortunately I was not able to visit Hampi or the other places you mention yet, but from all I have heard they must be amazing as well. It truly is fascinating to think how developed ancient cultures were already, especially in terms of construction. But the though of hearing actually classical music in one of these places like Epidaurus seems simply magical…
Impressive how something built so long ago is still in good shape today … excellent photos!
James recently posted…Scotland’s Surprising Past: Historical Tourist Attractions In The Orkney Islands
Thank you very much James, it’s really great to hear that you like the Epidaurus photos! This really is a wonderful place to visit and you are right, it’s simply impressive and amazing to see the ancient theater and how well it still functions…
This is absolutely gorgeous – and love all the fascinating information you’ve put with it. Would really love to visit – such an incredible historic site.
Sarah Ebner recently posted…Travelling Times: Our Top Places to visit in 2014
Thank you very much Sarah! It’s really great to hear that you appreciate the information about the UNESCO site of Epidaurus. Definitely visit the theater when you get the chance, it really is a fascinating historical place…
Incredible that it’s still so well-preserved! Will keep this in mind for my future travels, sounds like a fascinating piece of history!
Leah of The Mochilera Diaries recently posted…Year in Review: 2014 in Photos
Epidaurus really is incredible Leah, you are right! Especially the ancient theater is worth the visit, so definitely keep it in mind when you make to Greece…
So interesting! I love these kinds of historic sites. This one looks like an old beauty!
Marissa recently posted…A Zambian Christmas Unlike Any Other
Thank you very much Marissa! It’s great to hear that you like historical UNESCO sites like the Epidaurus sanctuary with its magnificent theater…
A very happy new year to you! with lots of exciting travel, hope you come to India and I would like to be your cleaner , navigator, cook and a friday man!
Thank you very much for your kind offer, dear Srinivas! Let’s see if I will be able to travel India again this year. In any case, I am wishing you a wonderful and happy new year as well…
Seeing sites like this always impress me. The craftsmanship and thought that has gone into creating such a masterpiece is incredible. To think that we struggle to recreate such wonders today with all our technological advances means that these individuals were fantastically talented. Yet another UNESCO site I really must add to my list!
Tam Gamble recently posted…English Afternoon Tea Indulgence
One of the reasons I love reading travel blogs is to find out about places I’ve never before heard of or known about – like Epidaurus! These ruins look so impressive. Really interesting to read the history behind this place too
Shikha (whywasteannualleave) recently posted…The Crown Lanta Resort & Spa – A Luxury Hotel in Koh Lanta, Thailand
I had seen the photo of this wonderful theater on Google+, and wondered where it was. I just found your article that went with it. Thank you so much for all the fine info.
My Family originally came from the western part of the peninsula near Piraius though with the exception of those of us who emigrated to the US, most have moved to Athens.
You’ve given me some fascinating history here. Thank you so much.
The Corinth Canal is an awesome achievement. Too bad I missed out on this experience. Will check it out next time I’ll be in the Athens area!
You have been to Epidaurus without stopping at the canal? That’s a shame, it’s definitely worth the stopover and as you said, a truly remarkable achievement over such a long period of time…
Wow! What a beautiful place and not many tourists!
You are right Alain, Epidaurus is definitely a great UNESCO site to visit…