Constructed in the late 4th century BC,[1] it is considered to be the most perfect ancient Greek theatre with regard to acoustics and aesthetics.

[2] Because of its exceptional architecture and aesthetics, the theatre was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988 along with the Temple of Asclepius.

[3] According to Pausanias, the ancient theatre was constructed at the end of the 4th century BC, circa 340-300 BCE,[4][5] by the architect Polykleitos the Younger.

[7] At a maximum capacity of 13,000 to 14,000 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.

Today, the monument attracts a large number of Greek and foreign visitors and is used for the performance of ancient drama plays.

The monument retains the characteristic tripartite structure of a Hellenistic theatre that has a theatron, orchestra, and skene.