Ancient Epidaurus is located in the NE part of the prefecture of Argolis. It is a popular sacred site of archaeological importance, natural beauty and tourist interest. Built amphitheatrically on the ruins of the homonymous ancient city, it harmoniously combines mountain and sea. It has approximately 2000 inhabitants, the majority of whom are successfully engaged in the growing tourist activity of the area, establishing it as one of the most popular leisure destinations. At the same time, other occupations of the local population are the cultivation of the land, the production of olive oil and citrus fruits and fishing.
Glimpses into the past
The city took its name from Epidaurus, son of Argos and Evadne, who was its third ruler. Since Antiquity, visitors from all parts of the then known world arrived at the port of Ancient Epidaurus in order to find healing in the Sanctuary of Asclepius. At the same time, commerce and the arts were particularly developed and therefore during this period it was one of the most important cultural and commercial centers of Greece. The findings of the excavations both in the surrounding area and in Epidaurus prove the existence of life since the 3rd BC. Millenium.The rich history of Epidaurus is confirmed both by the references made in Homer's work, Iliad and by the stories about the city's participation in the Trojan War and the Persian Wars, during which they fought on the side of the rest of the Greeks, always strongly supporting the city of Sparta. During the 7th BC century the city submitted to the tyrant Procles and the conflicts with the city of Argos, an ally of Athens, resulted in the Epidaurus War. It was a member of the Peloponnesian League from the middle of the 6th BC. century and later of the Achaean League.The official sanctuary of Ancient Epidaurus was the Sanctuary of Asclepius, which was the largest and most famous in all of ancient Greece. The sanctuary of Asclepius flourished until the first years of the Roman occupation, to be finally abandoned in 426 AD.
Local products
In Ancient Epidaurus the orchards with dense orange groves are full of musk and the slopes are full of fruitful olive trees. The citrus fruits and olive oil produced are excellent in both quality and taste. The professional fishermen of the Gulf of Epidaurus and Argosaronic have fresh fish and seafood that are definitely worth tasting. The visitor can also get spoon sweets and amazing jams in various flavors.
Events
Theatre: In the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, since 1955, with the establishment of the "Festival of Athens-Epidavros", the institution of the "Epidavrians" has existed on an annual basis. Thus preserving the tradition of the place, during the summer months, July and August, performances of ancient drama as well as modern works are held, which gather thousands of theater lovers from all over the world. Greek and foreign artists had the opportunity to present to the demanding public of Epidaurus their personal approach to the masterpieces of Art.
Music:In the Small Theater of Ancient Epidaurus, since 1995, a new cultural institution has been organized, the "Musical July",with musical performances. The exemplary use of the Small Ancient Theater for limited musical events was made possible after the cooperation of the services of the Ministry of Culture, the Municipality and the "Friends of Music" Association. Until 2002, the "Friends of Music" Association was responsible for the high artistic level events. From 2002 And after the organization of this festival cycle, he took over the "Hellenic Festival". The prestige of the festival, the sanctity of the place and the beauty of the landscape make the visit a must experience for everyone.
Local:
Every July in the port of Ancient Epidaurus the Festival of Agrotourism takes place where agricultural products of the region are exhibited. Its waterfront is transformed into an open market and local producers have the opportunity to provide the public with the products of the waterfront as well as various hand-made constructions of its inhabitants. It started in 1998, on the initiative of the "Association of Friends of Music" in collaboration with the Municipality and is now an institution that is included in the "Music July" events.
On July 20, in Ano Epidaurus and in the small church of Profitis Ilias, a big festival is organized, where if you are there, you will taste roast pork, drink and get to know up close the way the residents celebrate with traditional songs and dances.
The Cultural Association of Epidaurus is an important factor in the development of the social and cultural activities of the place, organizing recreational trips, preparing various events such as musical performances, carnivals, voluntary blood donations, etc.
Source : tolo.gr
