REMAINS OF ANCIENT EPIDAURUS
In the seaside village of Archea Epidavros, 15 km from the sanctuary site: theater, acropolis and sunken ruins.
The present-day village of Archea Epidavros (Αρχαία Επίδαυρος), also known as Palea Epidavros (Παλαιά Επίδαυρος), is today best known for its beaches. It retains two interesting sites of the ancient city of Epidaurus: a theater and submerged ruins. Situated in the Bay of Epidaurus at the foot of Mount Akros (588 m above sea level), the city developed as early as the Mycenaean period, but played no significant role in antiquity, apart from welcoming pilgrims to the sanctuary of Asclepius. Located 1 km southeast of the present-day port, the theater built in the 4th century B.C. is referred to as the "small theater of Epidaurus" to distinguish it from the famous theater of the sanctuary. Dedicated to Dionysus, it could seat 2,000 spectators. It is now used for performances as part of the Athens-Epidaurus Festival, but is temporarily closed to visitors. The remains of the acropolis of ancient Epidaurus lie just above. The submerged ruins lie 2 km south of the port, 45 m off the small beach of Kalymnios, in the bay of Agios Vlasios. At a depth of around 2 m, traces of the ancient port and a large Roman villa dating from the 2nd century AD can be seen. Tour operators offer kayak and scuba diving tours. But you can also discover it on your own with a mask and snorkel. Just beware of sea urchins!
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