Set within the northeastern region of the Greek Peloponnese, ancient Mycenae was once the seat of power for the Mycenaean empire, a civilization that dominated the region of mainland Greece during the Bronze Age, between 2000 BCE and around 1100 BCE.
Blending history with mythology, the site is monumental in proportion and occupies one of the most breathtaking areas in the country today. Whether a history buff or a fan of Greece’s rugged landscapes, it is a must-visit along a road trip of the Peloponnese.
From the best nearby hotels to its legendary foundation, this is everything you need to know for a fun and informative visit to the Archeological Site of Ancient Mycenae, Greece.
Visit Ancient Mycenae, Greece: A Brief Guide
Ancient Mycenae Opening Hours:
Summer Hours: 08:00 – 20:00
Winter Hours: 08:30 – 15:30
Ancient Mycenae Ticket Prices: €12 general admission; €6 reduced prices.
Ancient Mycenae Address: Mykines 212 00, Greece
Nearby Hotels: La Petite Planete | Nafplio Terra | Castellano Hotel & Suites
Tours: From Athens: Bus Trip to Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio
Top Sights: Lion Gate | Treasury of Atreus | Tomb of Clytemnestra | Cyclopean Walls | Archaeological Museum of Mycenae
Ancient Mycenae Map
A Brief Mythology of Ancient Mycenae
One of the oldest ancient cities established on mainland Greece, many of the historical recounts of the founding of ancient Mycenae are heavily steeped in the mythology of the Ancient Greeks.
According to the local myth, the city of Mycenae was founded by the legendary Greek hero Perseus, who, upon leaving Argos, ordered a cyclops to build the monumental walls of the city, said to have been made out of stones no man could lift.
For the following three centuries, Mycenae was ruled by Perseus descendants, known as the Perseid Dynasty. The most notable of these rulers was Eurytheus, Perseus’ great grandson responsible for assigning Hercules his 12 labours.
When Eurytheus died in battle against Hercules, he left no descendants to claim his throne. As a result, Atreus became the king of Mycenae after having served as steward of the city during Eurytheus’s battle against the Heracleids.
This gave rise to the House of Atreus, whose descendants later became known as the Atreids, the most famous of which is his son Agamemnon. Responsible for leading the Greek forces during the Trojan War, the reign of King Agamemnon is believed to have coincided with the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization following the Trojan War.
Ancient Mycenae: A Brief History
While the true historical origins of Mycenae are unknown, archaeological evidence found within the area suggests the hilltop the ancient city inhabited has been inhabited since the early Neolithic Period, starting between 5000 and 4000 BCE.
Chosen for its convenient location atop a short hill surrounded by mountains and overlooking a plain leading out to the Argolic Gulf of the Aegean Sea, Mycenae served as a naturally fortified stronghold made even more important thanks to its setting along most routes to the Isthmus of Corinth.
As such, the citadel of Mycenae became one of the first strongholds of ancient Greece and the seat of power during the rise of the Mycenaean civilization during the late Bronze Age, around 1700 BCE. Several tombs in the area date to this time, but the majority of the ancient city’s ruins today date back to the height of the civilization’s control of the region, between 1350 and 1200 BCE.
During this time, many monuments were constructed, including the palace, the fortification walls, and the iconic Lion Gate and its Bastion.
Mycenae continued to prosper for a time but ultimately began to decline around the 12th century, likely attributed to natural disasters. Converted into a small town, Mycenae was officially left abandoned around the 5th and 4th century BCE.
While periodic construction occurred on the ancient site over the following years, the historic city was largely left on its own and was already noted as being a collection of ruins when Greek geographer Pausanias passed through the area in the 2nd century CE.
Today, the ruins have been largely left untouched and have even been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as of 1999.
Things to See and Do in Ancient Mycenae
1. Lion Gate
The monumental Lion Gate marking the main entrance into the palace is the most iconic landmark within the Archaeological Site of Ancient Mycenae visible today. Built during the 13th century, the gate is 10 feet wide and consists of two inscribed lions believed to have been the insignia of the House of Atreus.
2. Treasury of Atreus and the Tomb of Clytemnestra
Littering the area around the Mycenaean citadel are nine tholos tombs, popular amongst royalty and influential figures of the Mycenaean civilization following the 15th century BCE.
The most popular and best preserved of these burial sites include the Tomb of Clytemnestra, the Lion Tomb, and the Treasury of Atreus, which is located about 500 meters from the main site and is often referred to as the Tomb of Agamemnon.
Prior to the 15th century, the Mycenaen kings partook in a more archaic form of shaft graves involving group burials with their families. These older burial practices can be explored in the area’s designated Grave Circle A and Grave Circle B.
3. Agamemnon’s Palace
Entering through the Lion Gate, Agamemnon’s Palace is an extensive set of ruins marking the historical seat of power of the Mycenaean civilization.
Along the northern edge of the ruins are the royal private apartments, in which legends say Agememon was a murderer, while the colossal reception hall known as the Megaraon and throne room can be found in the southeastern corner of the site.
4. Cyclopean Walls
Deriving their name from the mythological story of the founding of Mycenae in which Perseus orders a cyclops to construct the gigantic walls of the city, the Cyclopean Walls of Mycenae are renowned for the large rocks roughly fitted together that have largely survived for over 3000 years.
Dating to the 13th century BCE, Cyclopean masonry is a common feature of Mycenaean architecture and can be seen in several sites across the Greek mainland, including Tyrins and Argos.
5. Archaeological Museum of Mycenae
While not a particularly large museum, the Archaeological Museum of Mycenae is located directly adjacent to the Lion Gate and houses many remnants of the historical city. Exhibits featured in the museum include ceramic vases, jewelry, wall paintings, weapons, tools, and a replica of the famous Golden Mask of Agamemnon, which was originally found in the Treasury of Atreus.
How to Get to Ancient Mycenae, Greece?
KTEL buses offer public transportation to Mycenae from Nafplio Argos and Athens. However, the easiest way to reach the site is by either tours, private transfers, or private vehicles.
Where to Stay Near Ancient Mycenae, Greece?
There is only one hotel located near Mycenae. However, since it is the only significant tourist attraction in the area, most visitors opt for a day trip to the site from nearby Nafplio or Argos. Below are some of the best hotel options in the region.
FAQs About FAQs About Ancient Mycenae, Greece
Where is Ancient Mycenae, Greece?
Situated between Argos and Nafplion, Mycenae is located in the modern region of Argolis in the northeastern Peloponnese in southern Greece.
How Much is Admission at Ancient Mycenae, Greece?
Tickets to the Archaeological Sites of Mycenae cost €12 for general admission. However, the price is reduced to €6 per ticket during the low season and for various age groups/students.
How Long Do I Need to Explore Ancient Mycenae, Greece?
The Archaeological Site of Mycenae is huge. To fully experience the ruins and the associated museum, I suggest planning to spend at least two hours at the site.
What Are Some Other Archaeological Sites Near Ancient Mycenae, Greece?
- Archaeological Site of Ancient Corinth (36 km)
- Archaeological Site of Ancient Epidaurus (46 km)
- Archaeological Site of Asine (30 km)
- Archaeological Site of Lerna (24 km)
