By Nicolas Bard

Ancient Epidaurus is a historic, seaside village in the prefecture of Argolida. It is located on the northeast side of the prefecture, on the coast of the Saronic Gulf. The settlement is built around a narrow bay, which is its harbor, and from the back there is a plain full of oranges. Today there are about 1,600 permanent residents, who are mostly engaged in agriculture, fishing and of course tourism, as the area receives thousands of visitors from Greece and the whole world. Its most popular sights include the ancient theater, the submerged state and the volcano of Methana.

The area has occasionally changed many names. Initially it was called Epidaurus, then Pidira, Old Epidaurus, to end up today as ancient Epidaurus. There are a few who confuse her with the New Epidaurus, a neighboring village built inside a steep rock, just away from the sea. The wider area is also of great archaeological interest, as it has been inhabited for thousands of years. Her Asclepius, her sanctuary, made her known, with her famous acoustics, and not only ancient theater.

Ancient Epidaurus is antiquities, as the modern village was once built in the place where the city of ancient Epidaurus was once built. From the ancient city of Epidaurus is the small theater of Epidaurus, located on the peninsula. The theater is dedicated to the god Dionysus and according to the inscriptions it is estimated that it was constructed in the 4th century BC. After 23 centuries of life, in 1971, his excavation began, and even today work is being carried out to fully restore it.

Next to the theater and in the marine area around the island are the ruins of the ancient city, which the archaeological excavation has not yet brought to light. At the top of the peninsula and in the courtyard of the Church of Our Lady, also known as Panagitsa on the island, as the locals call it, the ruins of the ancient city castle are evident. Just opposite the small theater of ancient Epidaurus is a Mycenaean cemetery with seven vaulted tombs, while a short distance from it, and with access to the Corinth-Theater Provincial Road, one can see the ruins of the ancient temple.

Since the summer of 1998, the events of Music July take place in the small theater of Epidaurus. These are limited music events organized by the Friends of the Music of the Athens Concert Hall, and since 2002 the organization of performances went to the Greek Festival and theatrical performances are presented alongside the performances at the Grand Theater of Epidaurus. As part of the Music July, leading personalities of the domestic and international music scene have passed through Little Epidaurus. Along with the musical performances, the festival of agrotourism in the port of Old Epidaurus, an exhibition of products of Epidaurus Earth, is organized.

Ancient Epidaurus is about two hours away from Athens and is an interesting choice for a weekend break during the hot summer months, as you can dive in, see historical venues, enjoy traditional cuisine and watching various artistic events.