Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Lygourio, Greece
A 4th-century BC theatre famous for its acoustics, part of the sanctuary of Asclepius. Summer festival performances take place here on some evenings; it is about 30 km east of Nafplio.
The ancient theatre of Epidaurus in the Peloponnese, Greece, lies at the south-eastern end of the Sanctuary of Asklepios, on the western slope of Mount Kynortion near Lygourio. It was built in the late 4th century BC (around 340 to 300 BC); Pausanias attributes the design to Polykleitos the Younger. Since 1988 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site together with the Sanctuary of Asklepios.
The auditorium holds about 13,000 to 14,000 spectators and is divided into two tiers by a horizontal aisle: twelve wedge-shaped sections below, 22 above. The circular orchestra is 20 m in diameter. The theatre is regarded as the most perfect ancient Greek theatre for its acoustics and aesthetics. Performances resumed in 1954 and have been held annually since 1955; the Epidaurus Festival presents ancient drama in summer. In 1960 and 1961 Maria Callas sang here in "Norma" and "Medea". Opening times change with the season, so check them in advance.
- Nearest town
- Lygourio, Greece
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 37.5960, 23.0790
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and December. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Greece: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Νικόλας ICampsite8 km from Ancient Theatre of EpidaurusTentsCaravansWi-Fi
- Camping ScalaCampsite12 km from Ancient Theatre of EpidaurusTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Κάμπιγκ ΠοσειδώνCampsite13 km from Ancient Theatre of EpidaurusTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Iria Beach CampingCampsite13 km from Ancient Theatre of EpidaurusTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Argolic StrandCampsite18 km from Ancient Theatre of EpidaurusWi-Fi
- New TritonCampsite18 km from Ancient Theatre of EpidaurusTents
All campsites in Greece · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus?
Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is in Lygourio, Greece, at GPS 37.5960, 23.0790. It is about 8 km from Palaia Epidavros.
Can you camp near Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Bekas Beach, about 7 km away; within 25 km there are 18 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus?
Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Sounion and the Argolid: Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus.
What is there to see near Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus?
Places worth a stop nearby: Palamidi Fortress (24 km), Nafplio Old Town (25 km), Mycenae (32 km) and Spetses Old Harbour (37 km).
When is the best time to visit Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)