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We visited Epidaurus while staying in Nafplio (see my blog Nafplio, Greece: Travel Guide) as it is only a 30 minute drive from there.
Contents
1. Opening Hours for Epidaurus
Winter
From November to February: 08:00-17:00 March: 08:00-18:00
Summer: April : 08:00-19:00 From 02.05.2023 - 31st August 2023: 08:00 - 20:00 1st September - 15th September: 08:00 - 19:30 16th September - 30th September: 08:00 - 19:00 1st October - 15th October: 08:00 - 18:30 16th October - 31st October: 08:00 - 18:00 Good Friday: 12.00 - 17.00 Holy Saturday: 08.30 - 15.30
Holidays
1 January
25 March
1 May
Easter Sunday
25 December
26 December
2. Best Time to visit Epidaurus
We arrived at 08.30 and virtually had the Epidaurus to ourselves. The first tour group arrived at 09.15 and others soon followed!
It is best to arrive early or late to avoid the tour groups and the heat in summer. However, in summertime they have evening shows and they start preparing the theatre in the late afternoon. That isn't good for photos.
If you arrive at the start of the day see Epidauras's theatre first before it becomes crowded. Conversely if you visit later leave visiting the theatre until the end so more people will have left the site.
We took our time and spent 2 hours at Epidaurus to justify the high entrance fee! You could certainly see everything in 1.5 hours.
3. Tickets for Epidaurus
Tickets for Epidaurus cost Eur 12 from April to October and Eur 6 from November to March.
Admission is free for children up to the age of 5, under 25's and students. The latter 2 categories must provide documentary proof that they reside in the EU.
Admission to Epidaurus is free on the following days:
6 March
18 April
18 May
The last weekend of September
28 October
Every first Sunday from November 1st to March 31st
4. Getting to Epidaurus, Parking and Toilets
Epidaurus is a 30 minute drive from Nafplio through pretty rural countryside. There is plenty of free parking and there are free toilets near the entrance gate.
5. A Brief History of Epidaurus
According to ancient Greek mythology, Epidaurus was the birthplace of Asklepios, the healing god and son of Apollo. Epidaurus was the most popular healing center in antiquity. In the sanctuary, there was a temple, dormitories and baths to help patients recover from various diseases.
Epidaurus's heyday was in the fourth and third centuries BC. The main monuments date back to the 4th century BC. In 395 AD the site was sacked by the Goths and 30 years later it was closed by Emperor Theodosius II as it was a pagan sanctuary.
6. What to See at Epidaurus
6.1. The Theatre at Epidaurus
The Theatre is the main attraction at Epidaurus and it is spectacular. It was built in 340 BC and is the best preserved theatre in Greece. It has a capacity of about 14,000 spectators.
It is famous for its remarkable acoustics which allows voices to be heard from the stage all the way to the last row. All groups, and a lot of individual visitors, try to demonstrate the acoustics. They either drop a pebble on the stone in the centre of the stage, clap or sing! It is entertaining, although in peak season the guards stop people singing.
6.2. The Propylon
The Propylon is the outer monumental gateway to Epidaurus's gymnasium.
6.3. The Temple of Asklepios
The temple of Asklepios was built in the early 4th century BC.
6.4. The Abaton
The Abaton is a 2 level structure and you can enter the lower part of the building. Patients would sleep here awaiting a visitation from the healing god, which was believed to be a serpent. Harmless snakes were released at night for this purpose.
6.5. The Stadium at Epidaurus
The stadium was constructed in the 5th century B.C. to host the nude athletic games! These games were hosted every four years to honour Asklepius, the god of healing. The participants and spectators were mainly pilgrims at the sanctuary.
6.6. The Museum at Epidaurus
The entrance ticket for Epidaurus's main site includes entry to the small and interesting museum.
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