Archaeological Site of Asklipieion at Epidaurus

by
The-ancient-theatre-of-Epidavros

This post is also available in: French

The Archaeological Site of Asklipieion at Epidaurus

The archaeological site of Asklipieion, located 128 km away from Athens in Peloponesse, is considered one of the most important in Greece and was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Center. It is also one of the most popular day trips from Athens.

The-Abaton-or-Enkoimeterion-of-Epidavros
The Abaton or Enkoimeterion of Epidavros

It was the most famous Aslipieion in ancient Greece. People from all over Greece and the Mediterranean arrived there to be cured. Due to its serene location within the mountains and the many springs, it was the ideal location especially for patients with mental illnesses. It covered a big area, offering hostels, gymnasium, baths and a theatre.

view-of-the-Stadium-in-the-Sanctuary-of-Asklepios-at-Epidearus
view of the Stadium in the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus

The Ancient Theatre of Epidavros was built-in the 4th century BC. It was considered to be the best theatrical building in the antiquity and it served as an entertaining place for the ill. It has a capacity of 14. 000 spectators and has great acoustics. Nowadays it is one of the most well-preserved theatres in Greece. Every summer, it is held in the theatre, the Athens Epidavros Festival, where you can have the chance to view a theatrical performance.

The-ancient-theatre-of-Epidavros
The ancient theatre of Epidavros

Apart from the theatre, the visitor will be able to see the remains of some other buildings from the Sanctuary. Some of them are the Hostel, the Greek Baths, the Gymnasium complex, the Stoa of Kotys, the Temple of Artemis, the Temple of Asclepius, the Tholos, the Abaton and the Stadium.

Lastly there is a museum operating on site, which houses many of the finds that were discovered in the archaeological site.

reconstruction-of-the-columns-of-Propylaia-of-the-Sanctuary-of-Asklepios
reconstruction of the columns of Propylaia of the Sanctuary of Asklepios
marble-statue-of-the-Goddess-Hygeia-at-Epidavros-Archaeological-Museum
Inscription-with-Hymn-to-Apollo-and-Aslepios-and-also-an-account-of-the-miracles-of-Asklepios-by-poet-Isyllus-3rd-c-BC

Tickets cost:

Full: 12 €. Reduced: 6 €

Tickets are valid for the Archaeological Museum of Asklepeion Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus.

The archaeological site of Asklipieion can be combined with a visit to the archaeological site of Mycenae and the nearby town of Nafplio.

Book a day trip to Mycenae and Epidaurus from Athens here.

Statues-outside-the-Archaeological-museum-of-Epidaurus
Statues outside the archaeological museum of Epidaurus

 

Have you ever visited the archaeological site of Asklipieion at Epidaurus? Did you like it?

Discover-the-ancient-theatre-of Epidaurus

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. It costs nothing extra to you but helps keep my site running. Thank you for supporting me in this way.

Sharing is caring!

16 thoughts on “Archaeological Site of Asklipieion at Epidaurus”

  2. I’ve been to Greece, but only to Delphi, Athens, and Santorini. I would love to go back and see more–it is so incredible to stand where others stood thousands of years ago and imagine their civilization!

    Reply

    • It is near Athens and you can combine it with a visit to Mycenae and Nafplio. They would all make an amazing day out of Athens!

      Reply

Leave a Comment