File:Epidauros - Propylaia - 52042246368.jpg

English: The northern Propylaia was the main monumental entrance into the Sanctuary of Asclepius. The path of the Sacred Way into the Sanctuary predates the monumental building, which was built around 350 BC. It was used by individual pilgrims as well as during the major sacred procession which led to the Banqueting Hall and Temple. The Propylaia consisted of ramped walkways leading to a central, raised podium with an open, roofed structure. A façade at both the front and rear of the podium featured a row of six Ionic columns between side walls. The centre of the podium was surrounded by an inner colonnade of 14 Corinthian columns (arranged in a 5 x 4 square). The pediment frieze was decorated with rosettes and bulls’ heads in relief. The ramp and open design of the entranceway would have allowed the easy passage of chariots and sacrificial animals used during the processions. An inscription found at the entrance stated that “'The person who enters the fragrant temple must be pure, and purity involves thinking what is holy.”

A sacred well is located alongside the Sacred Way immediately on the right-hand side after entering by the Propylaia. The well dates to the late 6th century BC and was used by ancient pilgrims to purify themselves upon entering the sanctuary. A Roman well-head was later added on top of the archaic well.

The ramped walkways and paved podium of the Propylaia are preserved. Visitors can walk across the platform to cross the ancient temenos into the Sanctuary. The nearby archaic well can also be seen. The ground around the Propylaia and Sacred Way is littered with pottery fragments from ancient rituals associated with cleansing at the well. A low poros wall alongside the Propylaia marks the edge of the ancient street.