Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus
Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Nafplio audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~90 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type ruins
- Suggested visit ~90 min
- Nafplio Nafplio guide
About Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus
The ancient world's most famous healing sanctuary, where the sick slept to be cured in dreams by the god Asklepios; a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
The Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus was the most celebrated healing centre of the ancient Greek world, dedicated to Asklepios, the god of medicine. Cult activity grew from earlier worship of Apollo Maleatas from the eighth century BC; the cult of Asklepios was established by the sixth century BC and the sanctuary reached its peak in the fourth century BC. Patients were treated by incubation: they slept in the Abaton, a long stoa, hoping the god would appear in a dream to heal them or prescribe a cure.
The complex served cult, athletics and lodging, with a Doric temple that held a gold-and-ivory statue of Asklepios, the circular Tholos designed by Polykleitos the Younger, the Abaton, a stadium, a guest-house and baths. The Tholos is noted for concentric underground foundations whose function is still debated. Inscribed stelae, the iamata, recorded patients and their reported cures. The sanctuary was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988.
Did you know? Patients at Epidaurus were healed by 'incubation': after purification and offerings they slept in a long hall called the Abaton, hoping Asklepios would appear in a dream to cure them or prescribe a remedy.
How long should you spend at Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus?
Plan about ~90 min at Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus worth visiting?
Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus is one of the 15 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Nafplio, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Nafplio
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus and read more:
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Hear the story of Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus
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