Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus

It was built in multiple phases, starting in the late 4th century. It operated for around 7 centuries and was fully reformed under Roman rule. Since 1995, “Musical July” is presented there.

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The theatre was built in multiple phases, starting in the late 4th century. It is located on the Nisi cape of Old Epidaurus, on the Argolic beach of Saronic gulf. Here drama plays were staged, and Dionysiac cult events took place. This is proved via the numerous inscriptions on the seats and the thrones. They mention sponsor names and form a living museum - this is why it is called a “speaking theatre”. 

It operated for around 7 centuries and was fully reformed under Roman rule. However, it was not recorded by traveller Pausanias along with the other buildings of the city, when he visited the area in the middle of the 2nd century. 

The theatre can hold 6,000 spectators, with 9 theatra, including 18 rows of seats.

Its excavation started in the early 1970s, it was paused and resumed in the 1990s, along with systematic restoration and development efforts by the Committee for the Restoration of the Monuments of Epidaurus of the Ministry of Culture. I was revealed in its Roman form, and it wasn’t until later that it was used because it hadn’t been completely excavated. 

Since 1995, in the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus “Musical July” is staged, organised and performed by “Friends of Music” Association.

Location

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