Greece - Epidaurus

The (ancient) theatre of Epidaurus is considered to be the most perfect ancient Greek theatre with regard to acoustics and aesthetics. It was part of the sanctuary dedicated to the ancient Greek God of medicine, Asclepius. At a maximum capacity of about 13.000 spectators, the theatre hosted music, singing and dramatic games that were included in the worship of Asclepius. It was also used as a means to heal patients, since there was a belief that the observation of dramatic shows had positive effects on mental and physical health.

The monument shows the characteristic structure of a classical Hellenistic theatre with an auditorium, orchestra and staging building. It was built in the late 4th century BC and enlarged in the mid-2nd century AD. During Roman times, the theatre (unlike many Greek theatres) did not suffer any modifications.
The auditorium has 55 rows of seats resting on a natural slope and facing the stage area set against a backdrop of lush landscape. It was divided into two parts: a 21-rows of seats part, aimed for the citizens and a 34-rows of seats part aimed for the priests and rulers.

The theatre is famous for its exceptional acoustics. Any sound on the open-air stage, whether a stentorian voice or a whisper, a deep breath or the sound of a match struck is perfectly audible to all spectators, even in the topmost row of seats, that is nearly 60 metres away.

For centuries the theatre remained covered by a slope of trees until the year 1881, when several excavations took place. Since 1938, when modern dramas started to be presented again in the theatre, it has hosted hundreds of plays. The famous Athens Epidaurus Festival begun in1954 and is held every summer with famous ancient dramas or modern plays.