Epidaurus is a small fishing village nestled among picturesque olive and orange groves on the eastern coast of the Argolic peninsula (Peloponnese). It is known that the settlement here existed and flourished already in the Mycenaean era, and largely due to its convenient location for centuries it was one of the most important ports of the Peloponnese.
A long-standing legend says that Epidaurus is the birthplace of the son of Apollo, the god of medicine and healing - Asclepius, here most likely in the 7-6th century BC and originated the cult of Asclepius. The sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidaurus, better known, as well as other ancient Greek temples dedicated to the god of medicine, under the name "Asklepion", was one of the largest and most revered sanctuaries of the ancient world and existed until the end of the 4th century AD, when the official religion of the state became Christianity, and all pagan temples were closed. Asklepion, and with it a whole complex of monumental structures, was buried under the thickness of the earth after two devastating earthquakes in the 6th century and finally forgotten.
The first excavations in Epidaurus began only at the end of the 19th century. Archaeologists managed to discover not only the sanctuary of Asclepius, but also a stadium, so-called gymnasiums, baths, temples of Artemis and Apollo, as well as an antique theatre for 14 thousand seats with stunning acoustics - one of the largest and best-preserved theatres of ancient Greece. The theatre was built in the 4th century B.C. according to the project of the famous ancient Greek architect and sculptor Polycletus the Younger, and it is one of the best examples of ancient architecture and the skill of ancient architects. Visiting the theatre was believed to have a beneficial effect on the mental and physical health of the "patients" of Asklepios.
The theatre of Epidaurus and the sanctuary of Asklepios are important historical monuments and are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In summer, the stage of the ancient theatre comes alive, as it did many centuries ago, offering its guests to enjoy magnificent theatrical performances.
