Theatro Epidavrou, the stone theatre of Epidauros

Theatro Epidavrou is the ancient stone theatre at the Sanctuary of Asklepios near Epidauros in Greece, a late classical structure laid out on the slope of Mount Kynortion that still serves as a performance space as well as an archaeological monument.

Stone tiers on the slope of Mount Kynortion

The theatre known as Theatro Epidavrou forms part of the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus in the Argolis region of the Peloponnese, set into the natural slope of Mount Kynortion above a broad plain of fields and low hills.Sanctuary of Asklepios Its cavea, the stepped seating area, is laid out in concentric stone tiers which follow the curve of the hillside, creating a broad arc of benches around a central orchestra where performances take place.central orchestra

Theatro Epidavrou belongs to the group of Greek theatres built in stone during the second half of the fourth century BC, and is generally attributed to the architect Polykleitos the Younger, whose work links it to the high classical traditions of Greek art.Polykleitos the Younger The seating rises above the orchestra in a broad fan, divided into wedge-shaped sectors by stairways, with stone benches that were designed to accommodate many thousands of spectators at once.

Late classical design and enduring acoustics

Theatro Epidavrou dates to the late fourth century BC, a period when Epidaurus was flourishing as a centre of healing and pilgrimage under the cult of Asklepios.late 4th century BC The theatre is laid out with the canonical components of a Greek performance space: the concave cavea for the audience, the circular orchestra at ground level, and the stage buildings behind, aligned to work with the natural slope of Mount Kynortion.concave, orchestra and stage

The stone seating of Theatro Epidavrou is known for the clarity with which sound from the orchestra reaches the upper benches, a property discussed in accounts of its acoustics.acoustics Performances of ancient drama continue to be staged here under festival programmes, so the theatre functions both as a monument of late classical Greek architecture and as a working auditorium where spectators still occupy the same stone tiers as in antiquity.festival performances

Theatro Epidavrou within a World Heritage sanctuary

Theatro Epidavrou stands within the wider Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, which includes temples, stoas and other buildings linked to the cult of healing, laid out in a sheltered valley in the Argolis regional unit of the Peloponnese.Epidaurus Since 1988 the sanctuary, together with the ancient theatre, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognising its importance as an exceptionally preserved ensemble of classical Greek architecture and religious landscape.UNESCO World Heritage

Theatro Epidavrou is built of local stone, with the cavea set into the hillside and the performance area opening towards the surrounding terrain, so visitors experience both the ancient architecture and the wider landscape of the Peloponnese in a single view.local stone on Mt Kynortion Standing on the upper tiers, the line of sight takes in the orchestra below and the outlines of the sanctuary buildings beyond, giving a sense of how the theatre formed part of a complex dedicated to ritual, healing and civic gathering.

Visiting Theatro Epidavrou: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• Theatro Epidavrou lies within the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of Asklepios in the Argolis regional unit of the Peloponnese, reached by road from the direction of Corinth or Nafplio via Epidaurus and Lygourio.
• The approach to the cavea involves walking across the archaeological site and climbing stone steps on the slope of Mount Kynortion to reach the higher seating tiers.
• The site is in Greece; the official language is Greek and the currency is the euro.

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Frequently asked questions about Theatro Epidavrou

Where is Theatro Epidavrou located?

Theatro Epidavrou is located within the Sanctuary of Asklepios near the town of Epidaurus in the Argolis region of the Peloponnese in Greece.

What can visitors expect on a visit to Theatro Epidavrou?

Visitors encounter a large ancient stone theatre built into the slope of Mount Kynortion, with extensive seating tiers, a central orchestra and views across the sanctuary landscape.

What makes Theatro Epidavrou distinctive among ancient theatres?

Theatro Epidavrou combines late fourth-century BC design by Polykleitos the Younger, renowned acoustics and an enduring role as both a World Heritage monument and a working performance venue.