Theater in Epidaurus, Greece: photos, reviews, tips before you go

In the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula lies the Greek periphery of the Peloponnese, known for its remarkable ancient city in the northeast - Epidavros. In ancient times it was the center of the eponymous region, and now it is famous for its old ruins and a temple. It is here annually attracts a huge number of tourists to look at the theater Epidaurus. In Greece, he belongs to the number of few surviving and, importantly, acting. It has exceptional aesthetics and acoustics.

Greece - a relatively small country and the area can be compared with the Orenburg or Kirov region. It will not be particularly difficult to get around it independently, given the fact that the transport network is well developed. We will tell you how to get to Epidaurus, what to see in the ancient city, and also give some tips that will be useful before visiting the theater.

About the city

The history of the city of Epidavros is rooted in the Mycenaean epoch. In the old days, he was quite active and had a certain political influence. On the islands of Kos, Aegina, Tenedos and Nisyros were founded colonies. The decline began in the sixth century BC, when the trade conducted by Epidaurus went into decline. The power passed into the hands of the oligarchy, which in the Peloponnesian wars acted as ally of Sparta. As a consequence, the city was repeatedly raided by the Athenians and their allies. In the future, he completely fell into obscurity, retaining its importance only as a port at the great temple and the hospital Asclepius (the ruins in the photo below).

His cult first appeared in these places in the 6th century BC. E. After a hundred years, many pilgrims prayed for healing in the city. Already in the 4th century BC. E. The sanctuary in Epidaurus became one of the most revered and largest in all of Greece. It flourished under the Romans. The pagan temple was closed in the 4th century during the reign of Christianity of Theodosius I the Great.

Now Epidavros is a small fishing village. An ordinary tourist can get to him in three ways.

Theater in Epidaurus: how to get there by bus?

Epidaurus has a rather advantageous geographical position. The distance from the capital of the country of Athens is only 130-140 km. Nearby are Corinth (60 km) and Nafplio (30 km). You can get to Epidaurus from Athens by public transport. The availability of tickets and their price should be specified at the bus stations. During the festival season, a special bus travels from Athens. He delivers tourists to the concert, and then takes them back to the city. The cost of this ticket is 23 euros, and the journey takes about two hours.

In addition, you can get to the theater in Epidaurus (photo on the text of the article) on your own or rented vehicles.

Excursions

The easiest way to visit the ancient city is to buy an excursion and get to the place with comfort. Typically, local tour operators offer to visit Epidaurus in the combined tour of Argolida (nom in the administrative district of the Peloponnese), which also includes excursions to Nafplio (the ancient capital of Greece) and Mycenae. The cost depends on whether the trip will be individual (1-3 people) or group (10-15 people). Tentatively, we can say that a visit to the theater in Epidaurus, the city itself, as well as Nafplio and Mycenae will cost approximately 90-100 euros. This is provided that a full group of 10-15 people is typed. The duration of the trip is about 9 hours, i.е. You need to count on the whole day, the number of objects to visit - 6-8.

As a rule, visiting the sights is limited in time and it is unlikely to be able to view the ancient ruins thoroughly. Rather, this is a superficial acquaintance.

From the history of the theater

The description of the theater in Epidaurus should begin with the phrase "very ancient". An ancient building was erected approximately between 340 and 330 years BC. Creative idea belonged to the famous ancient Greek architect Poliklet Younger. This was established thanks to the writings of the writer and geographer Pausanias. The theater was erected for entertainment by the nobility of Asklepion - a temple erected in honor of the god of medicine, which also served as a hospital. It was believed that the theatrical performance favorably affects the physical and mental health of patients.

One of the oldest theaters of ancient Greece in Epidaurus accommodated more than fifteen thousand spectators and was divided into two parts. In all there were 55 rows, of which 21 were intended for ordinary people, and 34 for the nobility and priests. The diameter of the building is 116 m, while it has amazing acoustics. In the photo the plan of the theater, the words parodos denote the exits, skene - the stage, orchestra - the orchestra pit.

Theater today

The theater was opened as a result of excavations conducted by archaeologist P. Kavadias in 1870-1926. Only a few years after his revival, in 1938, he was already hosting the first guests. Sophocles tragedy "Electra" was staged. In the early 50-ies of the last century in the theater were organized restoration work. Since 1955 it has become the venue for the annual theater festival. Every summer on his stage there are performances. In some of them participated the greatest Greek and world artists, including. Opera singer Maria Callas.

The Ancient Theater in Epidaurus is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

What is remarkable about the theater?

If just a description of the construction of the times of antiquity you are not impressed, then you should go to Epidaurus to look at it live. Visiting the city is recommended to include in your tourist itinerary even to those who are not a real theater-goer. Noteworthy is the fact that for a long time the theater was hidden under a layer of sand from human eyes, its find can be called accidental. It is perfectly preserved and, after experiencing a small restoration, like 2500 years ago, it has been hosting guests for 40 years.

In tourist guidebooks in Greece, this theater is most often mentioned due to its incredible acoustics. It's amazing what kind of engineering knowledge people had in the 4th century BC. Even if the performance of artists passes without special equipment, the spectators of the very last rows do not experience any discomfort, since there is an excellent audibility.

However, this is not its only feature. Take a look at the photo and what the theater in Epidaurus looks like from a bird's eye view. The natural background of the scene is nature itself, and from the upper rows, the height of which is comparable to the 8-9-storey building, offers a panoramic view of the surroundings.

The Hellenistic Festival in Epidaurus

The Hellenistic Festival in Epidaurus is perhaps one of the most famous in the theatrical world. For a month a small cozy village turns a large site and receives a huge number of tourists. The festival starts on the last Friday of June and lasts until the first August Saturday. Theatrical troupes from all over the world come to him with plays by the most famous playwrights. Despite the fact that all representations are delivered in Greek or Greek languages, the public is going to be international. Art knows no boundaries, especially when it is created within the walls of the ancient theater, and the sky shines with a myriad of stars. An atmosphere of what is happening is important to the viewer.

Tickets for the performance

If you want to attend a performance in the theater of Epidaurus, then think about it in advance. Tickets have an affordable price, and therefore are bought up by fans of theatrical art, like hot cakes. Depending on the site, venue and performance, the cost ranges from 10 to 50 euros. A discount program is available for students, pensioners and children. You can buy tickets at the box office of the city, in Athens or on the official website of the festival, paying for them with a bank card. In Epidaurus, theatrical days are Saturday and Friday.

By the way, the usual visit to the theater in the daytime together with the examination of the exposition of the archaeological museum costs 12 euros. The place is very popular with tourists, so it's better to plan an excursion early in the morning.

The museum next to the theater

Literally a few steps from the theater is the archaeological museum of the city, which offers its visitors a rather interesting exposition. In one of the halls a kind of classic tolon burial was recreated. Among the most famous and noteworthy exhibits is the capitol of the column created by the famous Greek sculptor Poliklet, a large collection of ancient surgical instruments found in the sanctuary of Asclepius, donations and stone images.

Tips before a visit

The advice before visiting the theater in Epidaurus is not so numerous and quite simple. Travelers who have already visited the ancient city, recommend to go there for a few days to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the place. Best of all, if you start sightseeing with the ruins of the temple and the hospital, as well as the archaeological museum. In conclusion, all the remaining time devoted to the theater, and you are sure, like the ancient Greeks come to the idea that art heals both body and soul.

It's better if you go on an excursion early in the morning, tk. At this time in the theater quite a few tourists and you can enjoy not only silence, but also make great photos.

Try to get to Epidaurus during the Hellenistic Theater Festival, and you will not regret it. On these hot summer days, a small village seems to take a second wind, summoning talents from around the world to its most ancient scene.

Reviews of tourists about attractions

Those who still doubt the advisability of traveling to one of the oldest corners of Greece should read reviews about the theater in Epidaurus, left by travelers already visited it. They are full of wonder, admiration and vivid emotions. Even skeptics are struck by the scale of the ancient structure.

Visitors to Epidaurus who did not manage to get to a performance or a concert of classical music say that they will come back here again at the first opportunity, and those who succeeded write that surrounded by bright stars, a coniferous aroma and a pristine nature, you simply forget about That you do not understand Greek. Actors in general, in principle, can remain silent - this is already enough to spend an unforgettable summer evening.

The great acoustics of the theater leads to the admiration of the tourists. According to them, even a whisper from the stage can be heard without much effort on the penultimate ranks.

In their responses, tourists who visited the theater in Epidaurus, mention that you should not be afraid of the scorching Greek sun. All performances begin after nine in the evening, when the city is cool. The only threat is wind and rain, so it will not hurt to look at the weather forecast and, if that, take an umbrella with you.