Visiting Mycenae – A Guide To The Archaeological Site
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The archaeological site of Mycenae is one of the country’s most glorious ancient locations to explore and this article about visiting Mycenae is your ultimate guide to uncovering all of its secrets and making the most of your time there.
Ancient Mycenae is the setting where the intriguing stories of the House of Atreus, one of the most prominent yet cursed families of Greek mythology, unravel.
Although none of these characters are real, the myths surrounding their lives and deaths have fascinated people since the beginning of time, inspiring works of art, like the Homeric epics and countless ancient Greek tragedies, such as the Oresteia trilogy.
This is why visiting Mycenae feels like a walk through Ancient Greek mythology, where scattered stones transform into grand palaces and impressive tombs that echo the voices of Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, and everyone else who came before and after them.
So, what do you say? Will you join us on this mesmerizing journey through the wonders of the Mycenae archaeological site?
Where Is Mycenae?
Mycenae is situated in the region of Argolis (or Argolida) in the Peloponnese. It’s near the cities of Nafplio and Argos and less than a two-hour drive from Athens.
Timeline of Mycenae
The first human activity in Mycenae is traced back to the 7th millennium BC. Mycenae was just a settlement atop the hill with a small cemetery on the outskirts until 1700 BC when wealthy aristocrats and noble people arrived in the ancient town.
During that period and until 1200 BC, colossal structures, stupendous vaulted tombs, and mighty fortifications were built, symbolizing the power and wealth of Mycenae.
A devastating event around 1200 BC, probably an earthquake, razed down Mycenae, resulting in the abandonment of the once-dominant city.
The first to excavate the archaeological site of Mycenae was Heinrich Schliemann in 1876. In the past few decades, conservation works have been in progress.
Why Is Mycenae Important?
Mycenae was a wealthy city in Ancient Greece. Nowadays, it’s one of the most popular archaeological sites in mainland Greece.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the archaeological site of Mycenae features the ruins of one of the greatest cities of the Mycenaean Civilization – if not the greatest.
The Mycenaean Civilization developed in the Late Bronze Age and thrived in the 13th century BC after the decline of the Knossos Palace in Crete and the Minoan Civilization in general.
Among several Mycenaean cities, like Pylos and Tiryns in the Peloponnese or Thebes in Central Greece, Mycenae was the most important.
With its advanced administration system, monumental architecture, art masterpieces, and the writing system of Linear B, which succeeded the equally brilliant Linear A used in Minoan Crete, Mycenae was so powerful and influential to the world that the entire civilization of that period was named after it: the mighty Mycenaean Civilization.
Among the most striking examples of the influence of Mycenae on the then-known world are the Homeric epics, namely the Iliad and the Odyssey.
The mythical main characters of these thousand-year-old masterpieces, such as the legendary King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra, are related to Mycenae. Mycenaean culture has been inspiring literature to this day.
Is Mycenae Worth Visiting?
Mycenae is a mandatory stop for history buffs and mythology lovers for a reason. From how an Ancient Greek city was organized to the way royals were buried, the Mycenae archaeological site offers a glimpse into life in Ancient Greece around the 13th century BC.
Dotted with impressive things to see, such as the Lion Gate, splendid Tholos Tombs, and well-preserved artifacts in the museum, Mycenae is worth a visit.
What’s more, the ancient city of Mycenae is a true shrine of Greek Mythology, as many ancient and modern writers have been inspired by the city’s celebrated history.
Before visiting Mycenae, you can read a Mycenae-themed novel for a more immersive experience. The Song of Achilles and Daughters of Sparta are only two of our favorite novels that relate to Mycenaean myths.
The Myth Behind Mycenae
The glorious Mycenaean Civilization flourished between the 13th and 14th centuries BC.
The wealth and power of Mycenae during this period inspired Homer to base his Iliad around Agamemnon, the King of Mycenae and the great commander of all Greeks in the Trojan War.
Before wandering around the archaeological site of Mycenae, here’s a brief overview of Agamemnon’s family story to help you put your visit to this mighty ancient kingdom into context.
Agamemnon’s Family
Agamemnon was the son of Atreus and brother of Menelaus. The two brothers from Mycenae got married to the two daughters of Tyndareus, King of Sparta. Agamemnon got married to Clytemnestra and his brother Menelaus got married to Helen.
Agamemnon remained the King of Mycenae, bringing his wife Clytemnestra to live with him there. Agamemnon and Clytemnestra had four children: Iphigeneia, Electra, Chrysothemis, and Orestes. Menelaus moved to Helen’s birthplace to become the King of Sparta.
When Paris Met Helen
The Kingdoms of Mycenae and Sparta partnered up to reinforce their power and everything went smoothly for a while.
Yet, life got in the way when Paris, Prince of Troy, got infatuated with Helen upon a visit to Sparta. As a result, Helen was taken from Sparta. There’s a debate as to how this happened. She was either seduced or kidnapped by Paris.
Either way, Helen was now living in Troy with Paris. This is why Menelaus asked his brother Agamemnon to help him get Helen back. That was the beginning of the great Trojan War.
Agamemnon Sacrificing His Daughter
United, the Ancient Greeks were about to sail from Avlis to Troy with Agamemnon in command. But the weak winds didn’t allow the ships to set sail.
Agamemnon was convinced by priest Calchas that he had to sacrifice his daughter Iphigeneia. Only then would the Gods help the Greek ships to sail.
Iphigeneia was sacrificed with Agamemnon’s orders. His wife, Queen Clytemnestra, vowed to avenge her daughter’s death.
How Did Agamemnon Die?
While Clytemnestra was waiting in Mycenae for her husband Agamemnon to return from the war, she met Aegisthus, her husband’s cousin, who claimed to be the rightful heir to the Mycenaean throne.
Soon, Clytemnestra and Aegisthus became lovers. They plotted against Agamemnon and killed him upon his return from Troy.
FAQs About Visiting Mycenae
How long does it take to visit Mycenae?
A visit to the entire archaeological site, including the Museum and the Treasury of Atreus, takes about two hours, with several photo stops.
Is Mycenae accessible?
The Citadel of Mycenae is not friendly to people with mobility issues as it’s quite uphill. However, the museum and all other areas of the archaeological site are fully accessible.
Is there enough parking space in Mycenae?
Yes, there’s a large parking lot near the main archaeological site entrance.
Are there any toilets or other facilities in Mycenae?
There are toilets, a café, and a shop at the museum.
Are there any restaurants near the Mycenae archaeological site?
Yes, there are several options for lunch or a quick snack in the modern village of Mycenae, a few minutes’ drive from the archaeological site.
What is the best time to visit Mycenae?
The best time to visit Mycenae is spring or autumn.
However, if you’re visiting Mycenae in the summer, try to be there as early in the morning as possible or just before closing time to avoid the excessive heat and the crowds.
Keep in mind that there’s no shade in the archaeological site, so bring a hat and water, and wear comfortable shoes.
Was Agamemnon a real person?
No, Agamemnon and the other heroes in Homer’s epics were mythological characters.
However, German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann provided the myth behind Mycenae with historical background after the – questionable for his methods – excavations he carried out in Mycenae at the end of the 19th century.
What To See in Mycenae – Walking Route
We love archaeological sites in Greece but, sadly, not all of them are easy to navigate. First of all, there isn’t always a clear route to follow. Moreover, not all areas have informative signs and, when they do, sometimes these signs use difficult terminology.
Also, on-site maps often include monuments or points of interest that are no longer visible – because they’re either destroyed or covered by the modern city.
This section is meant to help you navigate any ancient site in Greece by providing a tested-by-us walking route of the most important monuments that you can actually see – rather than just imagine.
Furthermore, we replace the original scientific terms (here in brackets) with simple translations in English when necessary and provide context in cases where informative signs are scarce or non-existent.
Before diving into the best things to see in Mycenae, here’s something to remember. The archaeological site of Mycenae is split into two parts: the main archaeological site and the Treasury of Atreus.
The main archaeological site includes the Citadel and the Museum, among other scattered ruins. The Treasury of Atreus is situated in a different location, within walking distance from the Citadel and the Museum.
You can start your visit from either location. However, we recommend visiting the Citadel and the Museum first and then the much smaller Treasury of Atreus.
Mycenae Archaeological Site Map
1. Mycenae Citadel
We recommend starting your exploration from the Acropolis of Mycenae and then continuing downhill to see everything else.
Cyclopean Walls
Before you start climbing to the top of the Mycenae Citadel, take a look at the remains of the massive fortifications that are known as Cyclopean Walls.
According to the myth, Perseus, son of Zeus and founder of Mycenae, commissioned the Cyclopes, Greek mythology’s enormous one-eyed creatures, to build these gigantic walls.
We’ll never know if the Cyclopes actually built the walls – or if they even existed. What we do know about the walls of Mycenae, though, is that they were built in three different phases between the 13th and 14th centuries BC.
Lion Gate
One of the most important things to see in the archaeological site of Mycenae is the impressive Lion Gate.
Dating back to the 13th century BC, the Lion Gate was the main entrance to the ancient city. It used to be closed by a double door, leaving unwelcome visitors outside.
Even though the heads of the lions haven’t survived the passing of time, the lions on the relief over the gate’s threshold never stopped being the symbols of power for the city of Mycenae.
Granary
Once you cross the Lion Gate, on your right hand, you’ll see the ruins of a storehouse named Granary after the carbonized cereal grains found in the basement.
Grave Circle A
Right next to the Granary, the impressive round-shaped cemetery features six shaft graves dating back to the 16th century BC. This cemetery was the resting place of the royals, as witnessed by the lavish burial objects.
Initially, the royal cemetery was situated outside the Citadel. However, with the extension of the Cyclopean Walls, it was later included in the city.
Religious Center of Mycenae (Cult Center)
After Grave Circle A, follow the designated uphill path. The Citadel’s religious center stretches on the slope below the path. Temples, shrines, and slaughter stones are all related to the daily routine and religious practices that took place inside the Citadel.
Palace of Mycenae
The main path that starts at the entrance gate ends at the top of the hill where the Palace of Mycenae was built.
Overlooking the Argolic Gulf, the Palace was the most important building in Mycenae. From here, the mythical King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra ruled Mycenae.
There isn’t much to see nowadays, but ruins of the Palace. The most significant part of the Palace was the Megaron in front of a large court. The Megaron consisted of a portico, an entrance hall, and the Throne Room with a hearth in the middle.
Around the Megaron, there are ruins of workshops, storage rooms, and residences. You can see those on your way back from the top of the hill.
To better understand how a Mycenaean Palace was structured, consider visiting Nestor’s Palace, the best preserved Mycenaean Palace in Greece.
Underground Cistern
A passageway that starts in the Citadel leads to the Underground Cistern that used to supply the entire city with water. The Underground Cistern collected water from the natural spring outside the city walls.
The North Gate near the Underground Cistern leads to the exit of the Citadel.
2. Mycenae Museum
After you visit the Citadel, we recommend stepping inside the on-site Mycenae Museum to admire its treasures, but also catch your breath at the coffee shop or use the restroom.
Built near the Mycenae Citadel, the Archaeological Museum of Mycenae is home to numerous exhibits from Grave Circles A and B and the vaulted tombs found in the area.
At the entrance, have a look at the massive scale model of Mycenae to understand how the ancient city was built.
3. Monuments Outside The Citadel of Mycenae
Before you exit the main archaeological site, take a walk outside the ancient city walls to have a look at some interesting monuments.
Grave Circle B
Right next to the main archaeological site’s entrance, Grave Circle B is similar to Grave Circle A you saw in the Citadel. Grave Circle B features both shaft and shallow graves. Most of the burial objects found here were ceramic pots, weapons, and jewels.
Vaulted Tombs (Tholos Tombs)
A Tholos Tomb or Beehive Tomb is an underground burial structure with a vaulted ceiling. This type of tomb was commonly used for significant people in Mycenae, like kings and queens. All Tholos Tombs in the area were looted in the past so there isn’t anything to see inside.
A few steps from Grave Circle B, the two Mycenaean tombs are known as the Tomb of Clytemnestra and the Tomb of Aegisthus, Clytemnestra’s lover.
The Tomb of Aegisthus is roofless, but Clytemnestra’s Tomb is more impressive with its vaulted ceiling that has remained intact.
House of The Oil Merchant
The ruins near the Tholos Tombs were identified as four houses dating back to the 13th century BC. Linear B clay tablets and seals were found there, indicating that the houses were also used to store, produce, and trade goods, mainly with Crete.
4. Treasury of Atreus or Tomb of Agamemnon
After leaving the main archaeological site, head to the Tholos Tomb of Atreus, probably the most famous spot in Mycenae.
The 13th-century-BC tomb is dug on a slope. A wide passage leads to the immense tomb, which consists of an entrance chamber, the main vaulted tomb, and a small side chamber.
Probably, this impressive tomb has nothing to do with either Atreus or Agamemnon. That said, it’s believed that a significant person of extremely high status was buried here because of the tomb’s monumental size and grandeur.
A short uphill walk from the Treasury of Atreus will bring you to the ruins of a residential complex called Panagia Houses. These date back to the 13th century BC.
Mycenae Archaeological Site Opening Hours
During the winter period:
November 1st to March 31st: 8.30 AM to 3.30 PM
During the summer period:
April: 8 AM to 7 PM
May 1st to August 31st: 8 AM to 8 PM
September 1st to September 15th: 8 AM to 7.30 PM
September 16th to September 30th: 8 AM to 7 PM
October 1st to October 15th: 8 AM to 6.30 PM
October 16th to October 31st: 8 AM to 6 PM
During Greek Easter:
Good Friday: Noon to 5 PM
Holy Saturday: 8.30 AM to 3.30 PM
On January 1st, March 25th, May 1st, Greek Easter Sunday, December 25th, and December 26th, the archaeological site of Mycenae is closed.
Mycenae Archaeological Site Entrance Fees
The full ticket price is 12 EUR. From November 1st to March 31st, the ticket costs 6 EUR instead.
Tickets are valid for the entire archaeological site of Mycenae: both the main site with the Citadel and the Museum and the Treasury of Atreus. You can buy your ticket at either location, the main archaeological site or the Treasury of Atreus.
Entrance is free on the following days, but expect long lines and crowds: March 6th, April 18th, May 18th, the last weekend of September, October 28th, and the first Sunday of each month from November to March.
If you’re planning to explore Nafplio and the surrounding area, consider buying the combined ticket that also includes the ancient sites of Tiryns and Asini, the Byzantine Museum of Argos, Palamidi Fortress, and the Archaeological Museum of Nafplio. The combined ticket costs 20 EUR.
How To Get From Athens To Mycenae
By Car
Mycenae is about an hour and a half from Athens city center by car. On the way to Mycenae, you can stop at the Corinth Canal to see Diolkos, the ancient way for ships to cross the Isthmus.
If you’re planning to visit Mycenae from Athens by car, we recommend adding a few days, as there are many other things to do and places to visit nearby.
By KTEL Bus
There are frequent buses from Athens to Nafplio that stop at Fichti Village near the Mycenae archaeological site. From there, you must either take a taxi or walk for an hour. Therefore, the KTEL Bus is not ideal for getting to Mycenae.
On a Guided Tour
If you don’t drive or a Peloponnese road trip isn’t in your plans, the best way to get to Mycenae from Athens is on a guided tour. Most day trips from Athens combine Mycenae with a visit to Ancient Epidaurus and Nafplio, allowing you to see more in less time.
With Welcome Pickups
If you are a group of four or less, the best way to combine Mycenae with other fascinating archaeological sites in the area is to book a sightseeing ride with Welcome Pickups.
An English-speaking local driver will pick you up from your hotel in Athens and take you on a ride through the regions of Corinthia and Argolis, both strongholds of Ancient Greece. The ride also includes a visit to Nafplio and a winery in Nemea.
The best thing about Welcome Pickups is that you can stop anywhere you want and spend as much or as little time as you like at any place. Have a look at their recommended day trip and book your ride online.
Where To Stay Near The Archaeological Site of Mycenae
Although Mycenae is often visited on a day trip from Athens, we recommend adding a few days to visit the archaeological site as part of a road trip exploring the region.
The best place to stay near Mycenae and other nearby attractions is Nafplio, a quaint city with a rich history. We’ve been to Nafplio enough times to say that it’s one of our favorite cities in Greece.
This is why we recommend spending at least three days at one of its comfy boutique hotels. One of our favorite hotels is Impero Nafplio Hotel & Suites in the heart of the Old Town with a parking area nearby.
Things To Do Near Mycenae
Apart from visiting the archaeological site, there are plenty of other things to do near Mycenae.
For ancient history buffs, some of the best places to visit are the Acropolis of Tyrins, another great Mycenaean city, the Sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidaurus with its renowned Ancient Theater, and the Archaeological Site of Nemea, where the famous Nemea Games used to take place.
Another not-to-be-missed experience near Mycenae is a wine tasting in Nemea, one of the most popular wine regions in Greece.
We saved the best for last. Nafplio is one of the most amazing places to visit in Greece. From climbing up the magnificent Palamidi Castle to getting lost in the picturesque alleys of its Old Town, Nafplio features many fantastic things to do.
All the exciting tales of the House of Atreus await you in Mycenae. We hope this guide becomes a valuable tool in your quest to navigate the archaeological site of Mycenae in the easiest and most exciting way.
If you have any questions or thoughts about visiting Mycenae, share them with fellow Ancient Greece lovers by joining our Facebook group. See you there!
