While not as famous as Delphi, Olympia, or Athens, Epidaurus is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece today and was one of the most influential cities of ancient Greece.
The ancient city was known across the Classical World thanks to its sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of healing. Pilgrims would travel from across Greece seeking treatments for various illnesses, which quickly grew Epidaurus into one of the most impressive city-states along the Peloponnese.
Today, Epidaurus is best known for its amphitheatre, which is considered one of the best-preserved of its kind, dating from the Classical Period.
From how to get to the ruins from Athens to the top sights and nearby attractions, this is everything you need to know about the Archaeological Site of Ancient Epidaurus for a rewarding tour through one of Greece’s best ruins.
Visit Ancient Epidaurus, Greece: A Brief Guide
Ancient Epidaurus Opening Hours:
Summer Hours: 08:00 – 19:00
Winter Hours: 08:30 – 15:00
Ancient Epidaurus Ticket Prices: €12 general admission; €6 reduced rate
Ancient Epidaurus Address: Επίδαυρος 210 52, Greece
Nearby Hotels: Avaton Hotel | Aetoma Hotel | Morfeas Hotel
Tours: Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplio Small-Group Tour from Athens
Top Sights: Epidaurus Theatre | Sanctuary of Asclepius | Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus
Ancient Epidaurus Map
Ancient Epidaurus: A Brief History
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Ancient Epidaurus was a small city found along the Argolid Peninsula of the Greek Peloponnese.
While the area has likely been inhabited since Neolithic times, archaeological evidence suggests that the city only rose to prominence during the Mycenaean period, reaching a level of prosperity in the 12th century BCE.
Thanks to its mild climate and the presence of natural springs, Epidaurus quickly became known as a centre of rejuvenation and healing and is even believed to have been named after the Greek hero, Epidaurus, the son of Apollo, god of healing and diseases.
By the 6th century BCE, the city’s Sanctuary of Asclepius was the most celebrated centre of healing in the Classical world, and people used to travel vast distances to be treated by the local physician priests dedicated to the god Asclepius, the ancient Greek god of medicine.
This gave a new rise to the local prosperity of Epidaurus along with a wave of monumental construction efforts that saw the development of the now-famous Theatre of Epidaurus, a stadium, and several temples over the following centuries.
Epidaurus continued to thrive throughout Roman times and remained an important centre of healing for nearly a millennia until the site was ultimately destroyed by the Goths in 395 CE. A few decades later, Emperor Theodosius II outlawed all pagan sanctuaries, including Epidaurus and many others in Greece, leading to the site’s entire abandonment in the 6th century.
Things to See and Do in Ancient Epidaurus
1. Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Considered the best preserved ancient theatre in Greece, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is by far the most popular tourist attraction within the archaeological site.
Built over two phases within the 4th and 2nd century BCE, the amphitheatre is an impressive structure with a maximum capacity of 14,000 people and natural acoustics that allow whispers to be heard even in the furthest back row of seats.
While open throughout the year, the theatre is best visited during the Summer months, during which it still hosts theatrical performances of ancient drama.
2. Sanctuary of Asclepius
While the amphitheatre is the most famous landmark in Epidaurus today, the Sanctuary of Asclepius is what gave the city its renown in ancient times. Known by ancient Greeks all over the Classical World, the Asclepius was one of the most celebrated sites of ancient healing cults and is a precursor to our modern hospitals.
The ruins of the sanctuary can be found next to the theatre and consists of a Doric Temple of Asclepius and several surrounding structures.
3. Ancient Stadium
Built in the 5th century BCE, the ancient stadium of Epidaurus is set adjacent to the Sanctuary of Asclepius and was the home of the Asclepian Games. Like the Olympics, the Asclepian Games were held every four years and involved a series of nude races, including the hoplite race and four-stone race.
Today, the ancient stadium is beautifully preserved, and features remain, including a few columns from the entrance gate, the long corridor of the stadium, and some seats along the left and right sides.
4. Other Ruins
Epidaurus is one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Greece and boasts a large collection of ruins to explore. The following are just some other sites you will see:
- Greek Baths
- Katagogion
- Temples of Artemis
- Gymnasium
- Roman Baths
- Basilica
- Cistern
5. Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus
While small, a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Epidaurus is included with your admission to the site and is well worth a visit. The museum boasts dozens of statues and relics recovered from the ancient site and is a great spot to gather a great understanding of the city’s ancient history.
How to Get to Ancient Epidaurus, Greece?
There are no bus lines that connect Athens directly to Epidaurus, but you can arrange for a private shuttle or group day tours. If you decide to go this route, I suggest taking this tour, which starts from Athens and includes stops at Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Nafplio.
Alternatively, the best way to explore all the wondrous archaeological sites of southern Greece is along this two-week Peloponnese road trip. However, if you are limited on time, you can find directions directly to Epidaurus from popular nearby tourist areas below.
Driving to Epidaurus from Athens
Driving to Epidaurus from Corinth
Where to Stay Near Ancient Epidaurus, Greece?
Due to its central location on the Argolid Peninsula, there are several areas you can stay in near the Archaeological Site of Ancient Epidaurus.
The Avaton Hotel is the perfect option for visitors looking to stay right by the ruins and is found just at the end of the street leading to the archaeological site.
Meanwhile, Aetoma Hotel and Morfeas Hotel offer cozy accommodations just a short drive away in Nafplio and Argos, respectively. You can also stay in the nearby Corinth, with the Apollonio Upper View Suites offering upscale accommodation just a short walk from the ancient city there.
FAQS About Ancient Epidaurus, Greece
Where is Ancient Epidaurus, Greece?
Ancient Epidaurus is found along the northeastern Peloponnese in southern Greece, at the centre of the Argolid Peninsula, in the region of Argolis. It is about a 2-hour drive from Athens and just under an hour from the Corinth Canal.
How Much is Admission at Ancient Epidaurus, Greece?
Tickets to the Archaeological Site of Ancient Epidaurus start at €12 for general admission and €6 for reduced rates, which includes off-season visits. Keep in mind these costs are just to access the site and do not include transportation or tour fees.
How Long Do I Need to Explore Ancient Epidaurus, Greece?
While the amount of ruins within the site is quite extensive, they are confined to a relatively small area. As such, the Epidaurus can be explored in about an hour, but I would plan to spend at least two hours to get the full experience and understanding of the ruins.
What Are Some Other Archaeological Sites Near Ancient Epidaurus, Greece?
If you enjoyed discovering the ancient city of Epidaurus, then you should also plan to make a stop at some of Greece’s other most popular archaeological sites located nearby.
Archaeological Site of Ancient Corinth
Archaeological Site of Ancient Mycenae
Argive Heraion Archaeological Site
Archaeological Site of Asine
