Epidavros

The theater of Epidavros

The Sanctuary of Asclepius
Little indeed is left of the most important sanctuary of Asclepios which was formed mainly during the 3rd and 4th centuries B.C. In the centre of the enclosure stood the temple dedicated to the healer god Asclepios himself.

Surrounding it were colonnades where the sick could rest and take cures. One such colonnade, known as the Avaton or Enkimitirion where patients would spend the night seeing visions of Asclepios in their dreams and thus become cured.

Places of worship among which the Tholos, designed by the architect Polyklitos Junior, was renowned for its decorative sculptures.

Outside the enclosure stood the dwellings of the priests, the doctors, a gymnasium, baths, etc.

The stadium
To the S.W. of the sanctuary was the 5th century B.C. stadium in which athletic and musical contests were held every four years. At the S.E. end was the Katagogion, by far the largest building in the entire compound. It served as a guest house with no less than 160 rooms for visitors who were healthy. In Roman times, hot baths were added to the faculties available.

The open-air theatre
Stands to the S.E. and is the best preserved theatre ιn the whole of Greece. It was the work of the architect Polyklitos Junior (4th century B.C.), built of limestone, it can seat 12,000 spectators.

Every summer it comes alive. Attending a performance of ancient drama in this theater is almost a mystical experience. Never to be forgotten. A catharsis of the soul.

At Epidaurus the actors don’t need to shout or speak loudly. The acoustics are so perfect that the merest whisper can be heard in the last row.

Museum
This exhibits pieces from the Tholos and the temple of Asclepius, gypsum casts from pediments (sculptures by Timotheos), Roman portrait statues, inscriptions, medical and surgical instruments and ex-votos. Many of the Inscriptions are, in fact, prescriptions for medicines and descriptions of cures, valuable texts, without doubt, as far as the history of medicine is concerned and sometimes amusing as well.