Sanctuary of Asclepius, Epidaurus

The Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus was the principal healing centre of the ancient Greek world, dedicated to the god of medicine. The main temple (380-375 BC) housed a chryselephantine statue of Asclepius, while the circular Tholos contained mysterious underground chambers. Pilgrims slept in the Abaton awaiting divine healing visions. The famous theatre (340-330 BC) with 55 tiers seats 12,300 spectators and is renowned for its exceptional acoustics. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, the sanctuary spawned over 200 healing centres across the eastern Mediterranean.