Ancient Epidaurus Theatre

The ancient theatre of Epidaurus was built in the 4th century BC and is considered to be one of the best preserved ancient theatres in the world. The original 34 rows of the theatre were extended in Roman times by another 21 rows, seating a total of 15,000 spectators. The theatre is renowned for its acoustics which permit almost perfect hearing from all 15,000 spectators regardless of their seating. A 2007 study by the Georgia Institute of Technology, which was widely published in scholarly journals, indicates that the astonishing acoustics are the result of an advanced design system: the rows of limestone seats filter out low frequency sounds (such as the murmur of the crowd) and amplify high frequency sounds from the stage.

Useful Info:

The area surrounding the theatre of Epidaurus was famous in ancient times for being a celebrated healing center dedicated to Askleipios, the god of healing.

The theatre of the city of Epidaurus was discovered in 1970 and fully excavated in 1989.

The theatre was designed by Polykleitos in the 4th century BC.

The ancient theatre of Epidaurus has been included by UNESCO in its list of World Heritage Sites.

Plays continue to be performed in the theatre as part of the Greek festival season during the months of July & August.

After your tour of the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, you may stop for lunch at any one of the local tavernas in the vicinity or visit the villages of “Koliaki” or “Traxeia” which are famous for their local cheeses, bread and home-made pasta.
 

For more information on excursions to Epidaurus please contact us at concierge@poseidonion.com