How to visit and what to see in Mycenae (Greece) schedules, prices

El archaeological site of Mycenae It is one of the most extraordinary monuments of antiquity all Europe.

Located just 120 kilometers from Athens, from where it is easily reached via highway, is one of the fundamental destinations in a sightseeing trip through greece.

Its historical importance and the magnificence of its material remains, among which are some of the most colorful and fascinating structures in all Greece, added to its easy access from the capital, make it one of the main stages in a Peloponnese tour.

The researchers gave his name to the mycenaean period, which developed between the 15th and 12th centuries BC and was an essential antecedent of the so-called Classic Greece.

Mycenae resonates in the works of Homer and the great authors of ancient tragedies.

Curiosities history of Mycenae, World Heritage Site

In the 1999 Unesco included this archeological site, next to the nearby Tirinto, in the list of World Heritage.

There is evidence that the place, on a steep hill overlooking the nearby plains, was inhabited 6000 years ago.

The glory period of Mycenae It began around the year 1600 BC, when it became an opulent city that deserved the adjective “rich in gold” given to it. Homer.

From the mid-14th century it was one of the dominant powers of the Eastern Mediterranean, was related to the pharaonic egypt and its influence extended from Sicily to Cyprus.

According to The Iliad, Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, was the general of the Greek expedition against Troy.

From the year 1100 it went into decline and ended up being a small village until its final abandonment.

Between the years 1874 and 1876, the Prussian Heinrich Schlieman, who had announced the siege of Troy shortly before, he made spectacular discoveries in Mycenae.

Since then it has been one of the most important destinations in all of Greece for travelers. Its importance is such that you do not have to be a specialist in history to admire the place and enjoy a visit.

What to see when visiting Mycenae in Greece

To start the visit of Mycenae, it is best to go through the Archaeological Museum.

Although most of the important pieces found at the site are in the Archaeological Museum of Athens, it is worth spending some time to get an idea of ​​the place, its history and the discoveries that have been made over time.

Mycenae Archaeological Museum

Una model It allows us to get an idea of ​​the area that we are going to explore later.

The objects shown teach us very different aspects of the mycenaean culture, from the oil trade to funeral rites.

Here we can see an exact copy of the call Agamemnon Mask whose original is in Athens.

Right next to it is the Tomb of the Lions. It is the first of those that we can see during the visit, although certainly not the most important.

But we can already see some of its most important characteristics of the tombs tholos, such as the open hallway, the door and the circular chamber with a vaulted ceiling. In this case it has collapsed.

Lions Gate in Mycenae

La entrance to the citadel It is done in a big way, through the imposing Gate of the Lions.

Built in the 20th century BC, it is made up of three monoliths weighing about 3 tons each, leaving an opening of about 3 x XNUMX meters.

Above the stone that forms the lintel is a large plaque of calcareous rock that represents two lions with their heads missing and flanking a sacred pillar.

La Gate of the Lions It is the main entrance of the wall of Mycenae, which was built between 1350 and 1200 and is relatively well preserved.

It adapts perfectly to uneven terrain along more than a kilometer of perimeter.

This wall, between three and eight meters wide, is made up of enormous blocks.

For a long time it was thought to have been built by cyclops; that's why we talk about cyclopean ramparts to refer both to that of Mycenae like the one nearby Tirinto.

Royal Circle of Tombs at Mycenae

Upon entering the Mycenae enclosure, the first thing you see on the right hand side is the Royal Circle of Graves, Also called Circle A.

It is a funerary complex 25 meters in diameter and protected by a double circle of slabs.

It was in this place that Schliemann unearthed the great treasure of gold offerings among which was the call Agamemnon Mask. The total of the gold pieces discovered weighs more than 10 kilos.

Palace of the Atrides in Mycenae

He then climbs towards the Palace of the Atrides, built on a series of artificial terraces and occupying the center of the acropolis.

By the grand staircase you reach the Hall of the Throne. This part had access closed on our last visit.

You have to go up on the left towards the Propylaea to reach the North Postern, the secondary gate of the wall. It is impressive although, of course, it cannot be compared with the Gate of the Lions.

Underground cistern in Mycenae

In this area you have to look for the entrance to the underground cistern.

You can go down a few meters through this structure, which is one of the great achievements of Mycenaean architecture. This cistern guaranteed the water supply in the event of a siege.

From this upper part of the citadel you can see the surrounding landscape very well, with a series of ravines in the northern part and slopes that descend gently to the south.

It's time to start the return that can be done by leaving through the North Postern and follow a path that leads to the museum or, better, return to exit through the Gate of the Lions.

We must then look, to the left, for the tombs of Aegisthus, Clytemnestra and Circle B.

The first two have the characteristic shape of the tholos.

Of Aegisthus It is from the 15th century BC and the dome has also collapsed; that of Clytemnestra, from the 14th century BC, is very well preserved; and for its part, the Circular Room It is perfectly restored and has a height of 13 meters.

Although this ancient tomb is spectacular, the best is yet to be seen.

Treasure of Atreus at Mycenae

You have to leave the archaeological site and travel about 400 meters to the so-called Treasury of Atreo, also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon.

It is, of course, the most beautiful and the largest of all the tombs from the Mycenaean era all Greece.

It was built in the 13th century BC with such care that it is perfectly preserved.

El dromosThe entrance hallway is spectacular. It is carved into the side of the hill and covered with thick stone blocks.

The monumental door is not far behind and the lintel is formed by two monoliths and a discharge triangle that had a sculpted plaque that is now in the British Museum.

The inner block of the lintel is estimated to weigh 120 tons.

Upon entering the Tomb of Agamemnon You can feel the peculiar acoustics of this space more than 14 meters in diameter, and the steps resonate with a mysterious echo.

This circular room is closed with the false dome system with large blocks placed without mortar.

The complex must have been covered with bronze plates and would appear, 3300 years ago, as one of the great works of architecture and engineering of that time.

Visiting hours of Mycenae in Greece

The Visiting hours of Mycenae in the Peloponnese of Greece They are, every day of the year, from 8 am.

The closing time varies throughout the year depending on the time of sunset and progressively advances from 20 p.m. in the summer.

El entrance fee to visit Mycenae It is 6 euros.

If you do not travel in a organized excursion, the most comfortable thing is to tour the area by rented car. There is free parking next to the entrance. In any case, the place is also accessible by public transport.

You have to allow a minimum of two or three hours to tour the site, the museum and the Treasure of Atreo.

There is no shade in the place so in summer you must be well supplied with water and sun protection. It is essential to wear comfortable and resistant footwear.