Stadium at the Asclepieion of Epidaurus

The Stadium at the Asclepieion of Epidaurus is an ancient athletic venue that stretches roughly 181 meters long and features stone seating arranged on both sides. The structure displays typical features of Greek sports facilities with preserved starting blocks and a clearly defined racing ground.

Built in the 4th century BCE, this venue hosted athletic competitions held every four years as part of the Asclepius festival celebrations. Stone seating was added later, transforming the space from a simple racing ground into a more formal athletic complex.

The stadium was part of a sanctuary that promoted physical wellness alongside the healing practices dedicated to Asclepius. This shows how the ancient Greeks saw athletics as an important part of health and recovery.

The site is easily accessible on foot and well integrated into the overall sanctuary grounds, allowing visitors to explore it within the context of other areas. The remains are open for viewing from different angles and perspectives throughout the space.

This stadium is one of the few surviving examples of a Greek athletic venue that reveals how sports were woven into the daily operations of a healing sanctuary. Visitors can see how competition and wellness practices coexisted in the same physical space.

Address: Epidavros 210 52, Greece

Website: http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/gh251.jsp

GPS coordinates: 37.59747,23.07351

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:50