Visit to Ancient Epidaurus Theatre Greece Popular for Festivals
One of the most well known Greek architecture’s arguments with modern architecture is the Theatre of Epidaurus. Just look at the symmetry! As if someone has placed it in the hollowed out side of a hill there. It seems so perfect with not a degree of error.
So mighty is the construction of this theatre that Mother Nature has not been able to reclaim what belonged to her yet! This theatre is in its near original state since 4th century BC! There have been repairs though; more about it in the following notes.
Epidaurus Theatre built on Mount Kynortio Greece
Gate to Ancient Epidaurus Theatre
Epidaurus Theatre Visit
During winters, (when we visited) the snow covered seats look perfect semicircles. The sun seemed so reluctant to get out of its cozy cloudy blanket that morning. Previous night’s snow stubbornly clung on to the edge of the seats making an ideal scene for photography. I made my way to the top hopping over the steps to take photos. I was actually climbing Mount Kynortio from which this arena was carved.
At one point, while climbing the steps, I felt I was at the center of snow stripes. At the top most seat scan the scene around and below; the view freezes you with amazement. Surreal! I exclaimed breathlessly. Tourists below looked tiny in the frozen theatre.
Epidaurus Theatre – it is! There is nothing much to do around except a museum. Once the bewilderment sinks in and you are done with photography all you can do is come back with bytes and memories. I came back with these and a wish to experience the much acclaimed acoustic effects of this theatre some day.
Epidaurus History
Epidaurus is the birthplace of Asklepios, healing god and son of Greek God Apollo. The sanctuary of Asklepios was created to accommodate all sick people who gathered there for treatment.
Numerous records displayed in Greek museums are proof to the fact that physicians of the Asklepios were experts, wise and careful. The records also mention the famous 70 miracles of Asklepios and other well-organized medical procedures to treat a variety of diseases in a natural way.
Within the sanctuary there was a temple, dormitories, and baths to help patients recover from various diseases. This brought in prosperity to the region.
This great theatre was one among the several civic monuments built during that time. This ancient theatre of Epidaurus was designed by Polykleitos the Younger in the 4th century BC. The original plan had the first 34 rows. Later during the Roman times 21 more rows were added.
Rediscovery of the Theatre
Two major earthquakes, in 551 and 522 AD, caused damages to the theatre. There was more destruction by wars, attacks and natural disasters. It remained forgotten and only in late 19th century this ancient theatre was excavated. Since then several repairs have been carried out. And now it is one of the hot spots for music, shows and theatre acts.
Some Impressive Statistics of Epidaurus Theatre
- The auditorium is inclined at angle of 26 degrees.
- It has 55 rows and could seat 14,000 people.
- Best acoustics ever! Even the farthest person could hear the performing actors on the stage without any amplification.
- It is claimed that you hear a pin drop or a match strike seated anywhere in the arena.
Mystery of Acoustics of Epidaurus Theatre
Scientists took long to unravel this mystery. It is only in as recent as 2007 the scientists claimed to have solved the mystery of this perfect acoustics of the theatre.
Elaborate experiments were conducted to find out how the design of the theatre helped in such perfect acoustics.
Initial conclusion was that sound traveled easily due to the specific degree of slope of the rows of seats. They believed the steps acted as acoustic traps, filtering out background noise like wind and the movement of people. The acoustic traps happened because of the corrugation in the stone seats. Notice the raised edge of the seats covered with snow?
Seats of Ancient Epidaurus Theatre Visit Festivals
They filter the lower frequencies of actors’ voices. Thus the listeners experienced a phenomenon called “virtual pitch” in which they filled in the missing tone themselves. This effectively produced higher clarity of sound. All of these resulted in making it easier for the people in the last row to hear what’s happening up front.
Epidaurus Opening Hours and Tickets
If you arrive early have a tour of the Theatre. It will take half an hour or more. The museum nearby is open from 8AM to 7PM. Tickets cost 12€ Euros per person.
Ancient Epidaurus Theatre Visit Festivals
During summers the scene here has a festival aura. A complete contrast to the pictures you are seeing in this blog. Works of great Greek playwrights are acted out. Theatre goers turn out in huge numbers. Tickets are booked well in advance to avoid disappointments.
Events go on from mid June to mid August. Performances take place every Friday and Saturday evening at 9pm for 10 consecutive weeks. Theatre events are generally performed in Greek and are subtitled in English to cater to an international audience. The participants take great pride in deliveing the dialogues from Greek texts.
The festival program list for 2020 is not out yet. You can expect it by end February 2020. Tickets go on sale after that. This is one of the special places which I long to visit again. This time during summers just to witness one of the events seated in one of the rows of this great theatre!
Ancient Epidaurus Theatre Visit Festivals
How to get to Epidaurus – Directions
By Air: Nearest airport to Epidaurus is Athens, it takes 3hours by flight. Kalamata Airport, south-west of Epidaurus, is 4h 55min by flight. There are flights from other islands of Greece: Paros 7h, Zakinthos 9h 34min, Skiathos 10h 17min.
By Road: From Athens, by road it takes 2h 19min to cover the distance of 153km. We did the road trip to Epidaurus from Corinthos after a night halt there.
From Kalamata (KLX) to Epidaurus, the road trip via Kalamata, Nafplio, and Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus takes around 4h 55m.
A Friendly Dog in Epidaurus
One unusual friendly encounter we had at Epidaurus theatre was with a dog. He kept following us; rather he kept leading us up the steps of the theatre. My younger daughter got so fond of the dog that she didn’t want to come away. I am sure the dog too didn’t want her to leave the place; I have this parting shot of theirs where they looked at each other so longingly.
The Friendly Dog in Epidaurus
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I thought for a while this was in Ephesus. Really nice to see it had stood the test of time and the elements.
I can’t believe how well this place still looks taking the fact how long ago it was built. I have seen the ruins a couple of times but everytime I visit it it is almost like seeing it for the first time. I love the ancient Greek architechtures.
Greece is known for Santorini-like views but no one really digs deeper into its ancient history and vividly describe their feelings when they visit places like this: Epidaurus Theatre. You have a way with words and it almost feels like I have been transported to the snow-like theatre during those times! Thanks for sharing – I would love to read up more and observe in detail the mysterious elements that were famous during that period!
Yet another place to add to my Turkey list. I’ve been to Ephesus but not Epidaurus. It’s interesting how much these old cities look the same. Glad to see they did some repairs. Visiting during the winter looks like the way to go, it’s a lot cooler and the snow on the theatre steps looks cool.
This is in Greece.
I traveled extensively in Greece 2 years ago but was not aware of this absolutely fascinating attraction sadly. Wish i had read this post earlier and would have visited it for sure. Truly one that has stood the test of time surviving earthquakes. There is so much history attached and even a visit today would transport you back in time. It would be great to visit during the summer and attend some of the events but the snow covered winter look is picture perfect. It has been given the love it deserves and preserved for us to enjoy it. Thanks for sharing
Unbelievable symmetry! Although you weren’t able to see a performance, I think visiting in winter with snow outlining the seats and rows has given you a unique experience of the theatre. It’s amazing how it’s already survived earthquakes and other ravages of time, so I think it’ll probably be there the next time you visit hopefully to see a performance!
That is impressively built. I can’t believe it’s largely in its original state. How early do you have to arrive for a tour? I’ve been to Athens twice, but never Epidaurus theatre. I should return, but in summer to see one of the shows. The closest I’ve been is Ephesus, which has a Roman theatre in somewhat of a state of disrepair. Looking at your winter photos, the snow makes it look completely different!
I have never heard of Epidaurus Theatre before but this sounds like an interesting place to visit and explore. I love visiting places that are full of history and culture, you can learn new things about it. Thanks for sharing this place
I love when you find ruins like the Theatre of Epidaurus that is in such great shape. Great to read that they repaired this one. The acoustics in these old theatres are indeed quite surprising. We saw shows in the amphitheatre in Verona and it was lovely. The Theatre of Epidaurus would be another one to see a show. Thanks for introducing it.
I been to Athens a few times but I never heard of Epidaurus Theatre before. I would have loved to seen this theatre for real and would have made the time to get out of the city to explore the theatre. It still looks pristine despite all the earthquakes and repairs. I love coming across ancient buildings and monuments like this, so full of history and love picturing myself and trying to imagine a scene from the past whilst sitting down on the seat.