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Theater of Epidaurus

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Theater of Epidaurus, part of the Sanctuary of Asclepius in the Peloponnese, is widely regarded as the most well-suited and best-preserved ancient Greek theater. Designed in the 4th century BC by the architect Polykleitos the Younger, it is celebrated for its extraordinary symmetry and flawless acoustics, which allow even a whisper from the orchestra to be clearly heard in the highest rows of seats. The theater was originally constructed to host musical and dramatic contests during the Asklepieia festivals, intended to aid in the healing process of the patients at the adjacent sanctuary. The semicircular limestone cavea consists of 55 rows and can accommodate up to 14,000 spectators. Despite its monumental scale, the structure blends harmoniously into the rolling landscape of the Argolis region. Rediscovered under layers of earth in the 19th century, it was meticulously excavated and restored. Today, it serves as the prestigious venue for the Epidaurus Festival, where ancient Greek dramas are performed in their original setting, showcasing a timeless fusion of mathematical precision and artistic vision.

Location: Greece
Top sights: Epidavros Ancient Theater · Archaelogical Museum of Epidavros · Katagogion
Nearby: Palea Epidhavros (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	10	10	13	15	20	25	28	28	24	20	16	12
Rain mm	80	70	56	32	25	22	14	10	32	53	76	92

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Visitors can freely walk around the impressively well-preserved rows of seats in the ancient theater and personally test out the phenomenal acoustics. Next to the theater, the fascinating ruins of the Sanctuary of Asclepius can also be explored.

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Typical hours

The archaeological site is generally open year-round from the early morning hours until late in the afternoon. During the summer, visiting hours are often significantly extended to allow visitors to take full advantage of the more pleasant evening hours.

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Photography

A photograph taken from the very top edge of the theater best captures the enormous scale and well-suited symmetry of the magnificent structure. The surrounding pine-covered hills also provide a beautiful and deeply natural backdrop for your wide-angle shots.

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Time needed

For the theater itself, an hour is often enough to experience the acoustics and make the climb to the very top. If you also wish to explore the small museum and the extensive ruins of the sanctuary, it is better to plan for two to three hours.

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Combine with

The beautiful port town of Nafplio, with its impressive Venetian fortresses, is an excellent base for excursions to Epidaurus. The ancient ruins of Mycenae are also in the same region and are excellent for a combined historical day tour.

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Getting there

The complex is set in the rolling hills of the Argolid and is most comfortably reached with your own rental car. A large, often nicely shaded parking lot is readily available to visitors right in front of the main entrance to the excavation site.

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Insider tip

Stand exactly in the marked center of the round stage and have someone listen carefully from the top tiers. Even a whisper, the tearing of a piece of paper, or the dropping of a coin can be heard crystal clear all the way to the very last row.

Geography

Coordinates

37.59610, 23.07920

Facts

The theater was built around 340 BC using local limestone.
The exceptional acoustics are created by the precise mathematical arrangement of the tiers.
There are 34 lower rows and 21 upper rows of seats, totaling 55.
The theater's seating capacity is estimated at approximately 14,000.
The Epidaurus Festival has been held at the venue since 1954.
It is a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Asclepius.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Epidaurus<1 km · NWExplore →

Palea Epidhavros8 km · NEExplore →

Karnezeika11 km · SExplore →

Kantia13 km · SWExplore →

Asini14 km · SWExplore →

Dryopi15 km · EExplore →

Vivari16 km · SWExplore →

Solygeia20 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Theater of Epidaurus (6)

Epidavros Ancient Theater

The ancient Greek theatre in Epidaurus is famous for its excellent acoustics and seated 14,000 spectators.

Archaelogical Museum of Epidavros 🏛 museum

The archaeological museum in the Peloponnese displays finds from the Sanctuary of Asclepius.

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Katagogion🏛 museum

The Katagogion was a guesthouse in ancient Epidaurus, where pilgrims and visitors stayed.

Archaeological site of Sanctuary of Asclepius, Epidaurus

The healing shrine of the god Asclepius in Argolid, a major ancient sanctuary.

Epidaurus Asclepeion

The Asclepeion of Epidaurus was an ancient sanctuary and health resort with temples and treatment rooms.

sanctuary of Apollo Maleatas

The sanctuary of Apollo Maleatas near the Asclepieion was a cult site.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the theater of Epidaurus still in use?

Yes, ancient drama performances are regularly held there in the summer.

What is special about the acoustics?

You can hear a coin dropping on the stage all the way to the top row.

How much is the entrance fee?

Entrance to the entire archaeological site costs about 12 euros.

Is the theater accessible?

Access to the lower level is possible, but climbing the steps is not.

What are the opening hours?

In summer, usually from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, shorter in winter.

Theater of Epidaurus: where is it located?

Theater of Epidaurus is located in Greece.

Theater of Epidaurus: what is there to see?

Highlights include Epidavros Ancient Theater, Archaelogical Museum of Epidavros, Katagogion.

Theater of Epidaurus: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

Theater of Epidaurus: why is it worth visiting?

The Theater of Epidaurus, part of the Sanctuary of Asclepius in the Peloponnese, is widely regarded as the most well-suited and best-preserved ancient Greek theater.

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Theater of Epidaurus

Best time to visit & climate