Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus: A sacred place of healing for body and soul

An ancient site dedicated to healing deities, the area had a sanctuary from as early as the Mycenaean period, where a goddess with healing properties was worshipped. This was succeeded, around 800 BC, by the first sanctuary of Apollo Maleatas, while later on a sanctuary was added in honour of the healing god Asclepius, whose cult was established during the 6th century BC. According to tradition, he was native to this region, as son of Apollo and Coronis, granddaughter of Malus, king of Epidaurus.

The thermal springs, serene landscape and mild climate turned this local Asclepieion into the most important therapeutic centre of the entire Greek and Roman world, triggering an unprecedented growth during the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. 

It was then that most of the monuments, parts of which survive to this day, were erected: the temple of Asclepius, which once housed the chryselephantine statue of the god; the Abaton stoa, where the healing rituals were performed; the Tholos, which is said to constitute the most perfect circular building of ancient Greek architecture; the Katagogion, a 160-room guest-house for the accommodation of visitors and the sick; the stadium, where the Asclepieia games were held every four years in honour of the god; and, finally, the famous theatre, which seated about 13.000 spectators.

An integral part of the holistic treatment offered to body, soul and spirit in the Asclepieion, the theatre addressed the latter, hosting musical, singing and dramatic contests during the Asclepieia festivals and drama performances for the pleasure of the visitors.

Famous for its perfect acoustics and sophisticated design, the theater of Epidaurus, designed by Polykleitos, remains the most emblematic ancient theatre in Greece, attracting artists and visitors from all over the world.