Ancient Epidaurus Theatre Programme Tickets
The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. Photo: DP/Georgios Tsichlis

Getting to the ancient theatre of Epidaurus from Athens

21

The ancient theatre of Epidaurus is an architectural masterpiece designed by the architect from Argos, Polykleitos the Younger, and represents a unique artistic achievement through its admirable integration into the overall Sanctuary of Epidaurus. It is heralded for its perfection in its proportions and acoustics. The theatre has been revived thanks to the annual Athens and Epidaurus Festival which has been held here since 1955 to familiarise audiences with ancient Greek thought and celebrate the works of ancient Greek playwrights.

See the 2023 programme here

Epidaurus Theatre Why Athens City Guide

The ancient theatre of Epidaurus. Photograph: Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock

THE SANCTUARY OF EPIDAURUS

The Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus is a remarkable testament to the healing cults of the ancient world and the emergence of scientific medicine. Situated in the Peloponnese, in the region of Argolis, the site comprises of a series of ancient monuments spread over two terraces and surrounded by a preserved natural landscape. Among the monuments of the sanctuary is the striking Theatre of Epidaurus, together with the Temples of Artemis and Asklepios, the Tholos, the Enkoimeterion and the Propylaia, comprise a coherent assembly of monuments that illustrate the significance and power of the healing gods of the Hellenic and Roman worlds.

Ancient Stadium Epidaurus Athens Festival

The Ancient Stadium of Epidaurus. Photograph: Why Athens

The Sanctuary of Epidaurus is one of the most complete from antiquity (with the theatre, the Temples of Artemis and Asklepios, the Tholos, the Enkoimeterion, the Propylaia, the Banqueting Hall, the baths as well as the sport and hospital facilities) and is an eminent example of a Hellenic architectural ensemble of the 4th century BC. The form of its buildings has exerted great influence on the evolution of Hellenistic and Roman architecture. Tholos influenced the development of Greek and Roman architecture, particularly the Corinthian order, while the Enkoimeterion stoa and the Propylaia introduced forms that evolved further in Hellenistic architecture. The complicated hydraulic system of the sanctuary is an excellent example of a large-scale water supply and sewerage system that illustrates the significant engineering knowledge of ancient societies. Historical source: UNESCO

 

Ancient THEATRE Epidaurus Athens Festival

Visitors to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus during Autumn. Photograph: Why Athens

 

GETTING TO EPIDAURUS FROM ATHENS

Epidaurus theatre is located within the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of Asklepios in Palea Epidaurus, in the region of Argolis which is a two-hour drive from the city of Athens.

Epidaurus Theatre Athens Festival Crowds IV

A performance by the National Theatre of Greece during the Epidaurus Festival. Photograph: Thomas Daskalakis/NTG

ON PERFORMANCE NIGHTS IN JULY & AUGUST

Every year from Juy to August, the ancient theatre of Epidaurus comes alive with a full programme of theatre as part of the annual Athens and Epidaurus Festival.

Why Athens is pleased to offer special private return transfers from anywhere in Athens to Ancient Epidaurus (and back) on the days that performances are held at the Epidaurus theatre for the all-inclusive cost of €250 for a Mercedes Taxi Sedan (up to 4 people) or €360 for a Mercedes Mini-van (up to 7 people). Find out more here.

BY PUBLIC BUS

There are daily buses that can take you direct or via the pretty town of Nafplion. Buses depart from the Athens central bus depot in Kifisos, situated in the west part of Athens near the suburbs of Peristeri and Egaleo.

If you are visiting during the Athens and Epidaurus Festival (June-August) special bus timetables operate to co-ordinate with theatre performances. You will be able to catch a show and return to Athens in a day as there are regular buses returning from Palea Epidaurus. (See all bus information below).

RENTAL CAR

If you enjoy driving and prefer to be in charge of your own timetable, hiring a car is another good alternative. There are plenty of car hire operators around Athens. DRIVING: Follow the signs for Corinth and exit the Athens-Corinth Motorway immediately after crossing the bridge over the Corinth Canal. Keep in the right-hand lane, pass underneath the Motorway, and then turn left onto the Corinth-Epidaurus B-road in the direction of Epidaurus. Follow the signs for the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. After you have passed Nea Epidavros and Palea Epidavros, you will arrive at the Lygourio crossroads. Turn left here for the Sanctuary of Asklepios.

From Nafplion: Drive through Lygourio town and head for the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of Asklepios.

Why Athens Tip: When hiring a car in Athens be aware there is often limited street parking. You should check the parking facilities of your hotel in advance, to avoid nasty parking fines! There is plenty of car parking available in the grounds of Epidaurus.

ANCIENT EPIDAURUS OPENING TIMES

Opening hours:

Nov – Feb: 8:00am – 5:00pm | March: 8:00am – 6:00pm | April: 8:00am – 7:00pm | May – August: 8:00am – 8:00pm | Sept: 8:00am – 7:00pm | Oct: 8:00am – 6:00pm

Free admission days: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, Last weekend in September, first Sunday from November to 31 March, 28 October

EASTER – Good Friday: 12:00noon – 7:00pm | Holy Saturday 8:00am -3:00pm | Easter Sunday Closed

CLOSED: 1 Jan | 25 March | 1 May | Easter Sunday | 25 & 26 December