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Epidavros
( Epidaurus ) Greece
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The
theatre of The Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus
The
theatre of the Asklepieion of Epidaurus is the ideal specimen of the achievements
and experience of the ancient Greeks on theatre construction. It was already
praised in antiquity by Pausanias for its symmetry and beauty.
It has the typical Hellenistic structure with the three basic parts: the
cavea, the orchestra and the stage-building (skene). The longest radius
of the cavea is 58 m. while the diameter of the orchestra is about 20 m.
The lower of the two diazomata (sections) is divided with 13 stairways
into 12 cunei (with 34 rows of benches) and the upper with 23 stairways
into 22 cunei (with 21 rows of benches). The stage-building included a
main room with four pillars along the central axis, and one square room
at each end. The proskenium had a facade with 14 half-columns against pillars.
Two ramps on either side led to the stage while monumental double gates
stood at the two entrances.
The
theatre was built in two stages. During the first, at the end of the 4th
century B.C., the orchestra, the lower diazoma and the stage-building (in
its "pre-hellenistic" phase) were constructed. During the second, at the
middle of the 2nd century B.C., the cavea was enlarged at the top, and
the stage building was given its "late-hellenistic" shape. The theatre
was used for musical and poetical contests and theatrical performances.
For
centuries the monument remained covered by thick layers of earth. Systematic
excavations started in 1881 under the direction of P. Kavvadias. The cavea
was brought to light quite well preserved apart from the tiers at the edges
and the retaining walls. On the contrary, the stage was found in ruins
levelled to the ground.
At
the beginning of the 20th century the gate of the western entrance and
the contiguous retaining-wall were restored. Large-scale works were undertaken
from 1954 to 1963 for the reconstruction of the destroyed sections and
partial restoration of the monument.
The
monument attracts a large number of visitors. Theatrical performances during
a Festival started in 1954 and were established the following year as an
institution of ancient drama. In 1988, the Comittee for the Preservation
of the Epidaurus Monuments, including scientists of the Ministry of Culture
and Universities, started a program of conservation works at the theatre
to solve a series of specific problems concerning the wear caused by the
thousands of visitors. For an effective protection of the stage-building
from the contemporary skenic structures, the place will be covered by an
accessible shelter.
Days-hours
Monday-Friday
: 8.00-17.00, Weekends: 8.30-15.00
From
July 1st to October 31: Daily: 08.30 - 15.00, Monday: closed
Ticket
price:1500 Drs., students: 800 Drs.
Telephone:
+30-753-22009, 22666 |
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