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Mycenae, Greece: Travel Guide
- petermorley200
- Oct 3, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: May 1
Contents
1. Introduction to Mycenae
Mycenae is one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece. The period of Greek history from 1600 BC to 1100 BC was called the Mycenaean period because of its importance. At Mycenae's peak in 1350 BC, the citadel and lower town had a population of 30,000 people.
Mycenae is a very popular and busy site. The main path from the Lion Gate to the Citadel can look like Mount Everest on summit day! All groups stop at Lion Gate and are given a talk there. As a result Lion Gate becomes very congested and it is difficult to take photos.
It is important to time your visit to Mycenae so it doesn't coincide with the peak time of tour groups visits. It is best to arrive at Mycenae early or late in the day and this also avoids the summer heat.
In the mornings aim to arrive at opening time but by 09.00 at the latest. In the afternoon you should arrive after 17.00, the later the better. Parking will also be a lot easier.
We visited the nearby archaeological of Tiryns (Tiryns: Travel Guide) and the Palimidi Fortress in Nafplio (Nafplio Travel Guide) on the same day. Many organised tours also visit Epidaurus (Epidaurus: Travel Guide) on the same day.
2. Opening Hours at Mycenae
Winter:
From 1 November to 31 March 08:30-15:30
Summer:
April : 08:00-19:00
2 May - 31 October : 08:00-20:00
Good Friday: 12.00-17.00 Holy Saturday: 08:30-15:30
Holidays
1 January
25 March
1 May
Easter Sunday
25 December
26 December
3. Tickets for Mycenae
Tickets for Mycenae cost Eur 20. There is free admission for EU citizens up to the age of 25. From October 1 to 31 May a 50% reduction is granted to over 65's from EU countries. Documentary proof is required for these reductions.
Admission to Mycenae is free on the following days:
6 March
18 April
18 May
The last weekend of September.
28 October
Every first Sunday from November 1st to March 31st.
4. Parking at Mycenae
There is a car park at Mycenae which is usually full with buses. You can park along the road but at peak times you may have a problem finding a parking place.
5. What to See at Mycenae
It would take about 1.5 to 2 hours to see everything at Mycenae including the museum. It all depends on your level of interest in ancient Greece.
The main sights at Mycenae are:
5.1. Lions Gate
Mycenae is fortified with Cyclopean walls of huge irregular stones and has two triumphal entrances. Mycenae's larger entrance is the Lion's Gate and it was built around 1400-1300 BC. The heads of the lions are missing, but they would have faced frontally to fulfil their role as guardians of the entrance.
5.2. The Cyclopean Walls
Mycenae's Cyclopean walls are the most famous example of Cyclopean masonry. The term derives from the mythical Cyclopes. He was believed to be the one who built them as only he would have had the strength to move such huge boulders.
There are good views of the Cyclopean walls to the right of Lions Gate, before entering it. Very few people come here.
5.3. Grave Circle A
Grave Circle A is a 16th-century BC royal cemetery. The burial complex was initially constructed outside the walls of Mycenae. It was later enclosed in the acropolis when the fortification was extended during the 13th century BC.
A total of nineteen men, women, and children were buried here. Among the funerary gifts found were several gold death masks, full sets of weapons, ornate staffs, gold jewellery, as well as gold and silver cups. It has been estimated that Circle A contained about 15 kilos of gold.
5.4. Mycenae's Royal Palace
Mycenae's palace is in a central location atop the citadel and was the main building within the fortified walls. The state rooms were arranged around a central court which led to the Megaron (a grand reception hall).
The ruins are only at ground level but you can distinguish what was a great court, the throne room, the megaron and the royal apartments.
5.5. The Royal Tombs
There are 3 spectacular royal tombs outside the walls of Mycenae. We found them to be the most interesting thing after Lion Gate. They aren't busy like the rest of the archaeological site.
5.6. The Tomb of Aegisthus
The Tomb of Aegisthus is among the earliest examples of Tholos Tombs. It was built of small stones in the early 15th century BC.
Aegisthus organized the assassination of Agamemnon along with his mistress. There is no evidence that Aegisthus was buried in this tomb.
Tour groups usually just look down into the tomb and don't bother to go down and enter it. It is worth doing so.
5.7. The Tholos Tomb of Clytemnestra
Near the tomb of Aegisthus is the Tholos Tomb of Clytemnestra, the legendary wife of Agamemnon. Its name implies that Clytemnestra was buried in it but there is no such evidence. The tomb was looted by Veli Pasha during the Ottoman rule, but otherwise is in excellent condition and shows exceptional masonry craftsmanship.
When we visited Mycenae we had the tomb to ourselves!
5.8. The Treasury of Atreus
The Treasury of Atreus is four hundred metres down the road from Mycenae's main site. It was built between 1350 and 1250 BC and is the best preserved Tholos tomb.
It's an architectural masterpiece displaying the high level of craftsmanship reached by the Bronze Age masons. The entire monument is constructed with exceptionally well cut stones.
The tomb was never buried by earth and always remained visible throughout the centuries. It was robbed in antiquity and there is no indication of who was buried there. Its function as the tomb of Atreus, the father of Agamemnon, is by no means certain.
5.9. The Museum
The entrance to the archaeological site of Mycenae includes the museum. It contains many valuable items excavated from this site. Unfortunately the gold masks found in Grace Circle A by Schliemann, the archaeologist, aren't here. There is a copy of one.
