Mycenae Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Unesco • Locality

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque region of Peloponnese, in Western Greece and the Ionian Islands, lies the remarkable archaeological site of Mycenae. Steeped in ancient history and mythology, this enchanting location is a must-visit for those seeking a glimpse into Greece's rich past.

As you approach Mycenae, you are immediately greeted by the imposing Lion Gate, an iconic symbol of the Mycenaean civilization. Pass through this monumental entrance and step back in time to the Bronze Age, where kings and heroes once roamed the fortified city. The ruins of the palaces, houses, and tombs that once thrived within these walls are a testament to the grandeur and power of ancient Mycenae.

Exploring the site, you will encounter the awe-inspiring Treasury of Atreus, also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon. This magnificent tholos tomb, with its towering dome and intricate stonework, is a marvel of ancient engineering. Step inside and marvel at the ingenuity of the Mycenaeans as you walk through its mysterious corridors.

Climb up to the Acropolis of Mycenae, perched on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside. From this vantage point, you can soak in the breathtaking panoramic views and imagine what life was like for the Mycenaean rulers who once resided here. Explore the remnants of the palace complex and envision the opulence and grandeur that once adorned these halls.

For those with a keen interest in archaeology, a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Mycenae is a must. Here, you can admire a wealth of artifacts and treasures unearthed from the site, including intricately crafted jewelry, weapons, and pottery. These artifacts offer a fascinating insight into the daily life, customs, and artistic achievements of the Mycenaean civilization.

As you wander through the ruins of Mycenae, let the stories of Greek mythology intertwine with the whispers of the past. Imagine the legendary heroes such as Agamemnon, whose mythological presence still lingers in the air. Allow yourself to be transported to a time of epic tales, heroic deeds, and ancient wonders.

Local name: Μυκήνες Built: 1200 B.C.E.Unesco: from 1999Area: 79.07 acres (0.1236 mi²)Elevation: 715 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°43'49"N, 22°45'18"E

Location

Peloponnese, Western Greece and the Ionian IslandsGreece

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Mycenae Top Attractions

Mycenae Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mycenae offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Lion Gate, Treasury of Atreus, Fortifications of Mycenae, Grave Circle A. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Ancient Greek architecture • Historical place • Forts and castles
Lion Gate
The Lion Gate stands as an iconic entrance to the ancient citadel of Mycenae in Greece, a testament to the grandeur of Mycenaean civilization. Dating back to the 13th century BCE, it is one of the most significant and well-preserved monuments of Bronze Age Greece.
Ancient Greek architecture • Tomb • Historical place
Treasury of Atreus
The Treasury of Atreus or Tomb of Agamemnon is a large tholos or beehive tomb on Panagitsa Hill at Mycenae, Greece, constructed during the Bronze Age around 1250 BC.
Museum • Ancient Greek architecture
Fortifications of Mycenae
Mycenae is a city in the Argolid, in the Peloponnese peninsula of Greece. It was first excavated by Heinrich and Sophia Schliemann in the 1870s and is believed to have flourished in the Mid- to Late Bronze Age.

Ancient Greek architecture • Tomb
Grave Circle A
Grave Circle A is a 16th-century BC royal cemetery situated to the south of the Lion Gate, the main entrance of the Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae in southern Greece.
Tomb • Ancient Greek architecture
Grave stelai from Grave Circle A
There were a number of grave stelai or stelae found among the six shaft graves at Grave Circle A in the site of Mycenae. These stelai mark the burial sites of the Mycenaean dead, much like modern headstones.
Ancient Greek architecture • Tomb
Tomb of Clytemnestra
The Tomb of Clytemnestra was a Mycenaean tholos type tomb built in c. 1250 BC. A number of architectural features such as the semi-column were largely adopted by later classical monuments of the first millennium BC, both in the Greek and Latin world.
Ancient Greek architecture • Tomb
Grave Circle B
Grave Circle B in Mycenae is a 17th–16th century BC royal cemetery situated outside the late Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae, southern Greece.

Day trips

Mycenae – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mycenae, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Hosios Loukas, Tiryns (Nafplio), Archaeological Museum (Aegina).

46 milesN
Church, Monastery, Historical place
Hosios Loukas
Nestled in the serene slopes of Mount Helicon in central Greece, the Monastery of Hosios Loukas stands as a testament to Byzantine art and architecture. This sacred site, dedicated to the hermit Saint Luke of Steiris, dates back to the early 10th century and is...
9.4 miS
UNESCO-listed hill fort excavations
Tiryns, Nafplio
Nestled in the heart of the Peloponnese, just a short distance from the enchanting city of Nafplio, lies the ancient site of Tiryns. This monumental ruin, steeped in myth and history, is a testament to the grandeur of Mycenaean civilization and has been recognized as a...
37 milesE
Museum
Archaeological Museum, Aegina
The Archaeological Museum of Aegina is a treasure trove of history nestled in the heart of the picturesque island of Aegina, Greece. This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the ancient world, as it offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's rich...
12 milesS
Early 18th-century bastioned citadel
Palamidi, Nafplio
Perched atop a towering hill in the charming seaside city of Nafplio, Greece, the Palamidi Fortress is a remarkable example of military architecture from the Venetian era. Built by the Venetians in the early 18th century during their occupation of the area, this...
20 milesSE
Concerts and shows, Historical place, Arenas and stadiums
Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Epidaurus
Nestled in the serene landscape of the Peloponnese in Greece, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is a marvel of classical architecture and a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Greek civilization. Renowned for its exceptional acoustics and harmonious proportions, this...