view the “thumbnail” of the theatre of Epidaurus is situated within walking distance of the grand theatre.
This is the theater of the city-state of Epidaurus was located on the argolic beach of the Saronic gulf, next to the port.
In this city he belonged as the main religious centre in the sanctuary of Asklepios in the nearby mountainous hinterland, at a distance of four hour walk away.
The ancient city, the site of which is evidenced occupation from the 3rd p.X. millennium, has not yet been systematically excavated, but clearly ruins from later periods spread out throughout the small hilly peninsula “Island” that has been declared an archaeological site and is covered by orchards of citrus and olive groves. The ancient theater is located on the west side of the peninsula, on the slope of the isthmus that connects it with the mainland.
The Acropolis of the ancient city of Epidaurus, and in New york.D. slope, founded the little theater, for the public needs of expression of the era, but mainly for the performances of the worship of dionysus, which is why it was dedicated to the god Dionysus.
From the dedicatory inscriptions, it appears that the construction of the theatre, was held the 4th p.X. century, from sponsorships of prominent rulers and elite persons of the local society of that era. Feature of the theatre is the inscriptions, which form a real “living museum”. For this reason, it is called “crow theatre”. After 23 centuries of silence, in 1971, began the excavation.
Also in the same area in the sea and at shallow depth in a part of the ancient city has sunk. In the waters αχνοφαίνονται the remnants, either by boat or swimming. In some places is still preserved, and the ancient jetty, which is clearly visible only from above.
The reopening
The reopening of the theatre was made possible with the configuration of strict restrictions on the use of after the cooperation of the Association “Friends of Music”, the conservation team of the monument and of the Ministries of Culture and Tourism and local authorities. Significantly contributed to private sponsors also. In July 1995, a trial small Festival of four events named Musician July. The total was organised by the Association “Friends of Music”. Previously formed element of the surrounding area and created an access path leading from the harbour to the theatre.
Almost immediately, the success has made the short-term festival famous and attracted more private sponsors to become self-financing. Also the number of events doubled. Since then, the so-called “small Epidaurus has hosted events for four days every July. Since 2002, the organization of the Music July joined the Greek Festival. Since 1998, with involvement of the Ministry of Agriculture, was added to the Music July-organized exhibition of local agricultural products, contributing to the development of rural tourism.
The little theatre holds today 800 spectators.
The hidden secret of Epidaurus in shots that are breathtaking (and we all need to see) [video]
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