Mycenae is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Once a major centre of ancient Greek civilisation, its history mixes together myth, legend, and fact.
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is easily reached on a day trip from Athens, or as part of a bigger Peloponnese road trip. Read on to find out more!
Mycenae – Myth and History combined
As a kid, I was always fascinated by myths, legends, and ancient civilisations. This carried on through to my adulthood, and I make it a priority to visit archaeological sites whenever I travel.
Being based in Greece for this last six months, has really seen me indulge myself! There are an endless amount of archaeological sites such as Delphi, Messene, and Ancient Olympia to visit.
One important site which I hadn't managed to tick off my list until now though, was Mycenae.
About Mycenae, Greece
Mycenae was a military state which rose to power after the collapse of the Minoan civilisation. Dominating trade and commerce, Mycenae in effect defined ancient Greece from between 1600 to 1100BC.
In fact, this period of Greek history is named the Mycenaean age. Even so, the Mycenaean culture and civilisation is a somewhat mysterious one.
Most of what is known about the Mycenaeans is taken from the archaeological records, or from Homer's Epics. The latter of course was thought for many years to be just legend, until it was proven otherwise by the discovery of Troy.
Now, mythical characters such as Agamemnon are thought to have been actual historical figures. Although a gold funerary mask was discovered at Mycenae, and is called ‘Agamemnon's Mask', there is no proof that it was actually his.
Getting to Mycenae
Mycenae is located in the north-east Peloponnese region of Greece, and is less than a two hour drive from Athens. Many people visit Mycenae as part of a day trip from Athens, and there is a constant flow of tour buses coming and going from the site.
As we were already taking a road trip through the Peloponnese anyway at the time, we drove ourselves. The site is very well signposted from the roads, and there is plenty of parking once there.
Exploring Mycenae UNESCO Site
There are two parts to the site, the first of which is the Treasury of Atreus.
No treasure to be found there though. The site had long ago been robbed and looted of whatever may have been there. Was this the burial site for Agamemnon? We will never know for sure.
The second part is the main site itself. Once inside, there is a choice. See the museum first, or see it after walking around the site.
We chose to see it first, and it was helpful in giving an overview as to how Mycenae developed over the years, along with its strategic importance.
Museum of Mycenae
There were a number of interesting exhibits displayed in the museum, as well as a little back history as to how the site was excavated.
Heinrich Schliemann plays a brief but important role in the site's excavation. If you recognise his name, it is because he also discovered what most historians now believe is Troy.
Close by to here, are also some impressive circular burial chambers.
Mycenae itself was a fortified hill city, centred around an Acropolis. Huge, strong walls surrounded Mycenae, with stones so large, that it was said the Cyclops helped in their construction.
Walking around some sections, it was hard not to make comparisons with the equally impressive stone structures built by the Inca people of Peru. Closer inspection revealed that the Mycenae stone walls were nowhere near as well laid, or sophisticated though.
The wall in Peru which contains the famous '12 angled stone'. (Check out my cycling adventures in Peru, and backpacking adventures in Peru.)
Access to the fortified part of Mycenae is gained by first walking through the Lion Gate. This is perhaps the most iconic part of the entire site. Walking up to the top, there are amazing views all around.
There was also a very strong wind, and in the distance, a wildfire was burning. I think that wildfires have been a feature of Greece since ancient times, and in fact, the city is thought to have been burnt either on purpose or by nature around 1300BC.
There was also a tunnel which led to an underground cistern. This stored the city water supply in times of peace and war.
I really enjoyed visiting Mycenae. The views from the top were incredible, and even today, you have to respect the design, engineering, and sheer manpower that went into its construction over 3000 years ago.
Tips for Visiting Mycenae
All the usual advice for visiting ancient sites in Greece applies here. Take plenty of water, wear a hat, and slap on some sun-block.
The only bathrooms on site are located nearby to the museum, so if you want to go, use them before walking up to the top of the fort!
Interested in finding out about other UNESCO sites in Greece? Check out my guide to Greek World Heritage Sites.
LIbby says
Hi Dave,
Thanks for all the info! We will be visiting Athens for a week in February with my 15 and 18 year olds. Which day trips would you recommend? We are looking for active adventures.,possibly hiking, horseback riding or biking if possible.
Dave Briggs says
Hi Libby,
I recently took a bike tour of Athens with a company called ‘Athens by Bike’.
As well as the city tour I took, they also offer cycle tours to the coast.
Another option, is to check out a company called “Attica Paths” who offer a range of cycling and hiking trips from Athens. They have one which goes to cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon which could be quite nice.
Caron Trout says
Thankyou Dave. For renting a car, would you recommend using any particular car hire local vendor (and if so who?) or go with a corporate international rental company?
Dave Briggs says
Hi Caron,
I’ve not personally used a local firm, so I would be hesitant in recommending a local company I haven’t used.
Not sure which country you are based in, but if you are from the States or a country where they drive automatic cars, you may have to specifically request one. Many rentals will be ‘stick’ only.
I’d also limit the amount of time you actually use it in Athens! The traffic in the city can be a little mind-blowing to start with. Once out of the city though, things are a lot more normal!!
Caron Trout says
When going to visit Mycenae, on a road trip starting at Athens, where would you stay with two teenagers (a pool would be great) near by or on the way to another days’ drive away?
Dave Briggs says
Hi Caron,
Many people choose to stay in the town of Nafplion (sometimes written Nafplio), or the coast near Epidaurus when visiting this are.
If you felt like a long (but doable day just pace yourselves), leave Athens, visit Corinth canal/ancient Corinth/Acrocorinth, have lunch, visit Mycenae, and then drive on to Nafplion for the late afternoon. Stay there 2 nights, as the next day you could visit Epidaurus (also Tiryns is a couple of minutes away from Nafplion).
Here’s an article you might find of use for planning your road trip – https://www.davestravelpages.com/Peloponnese-road-trip/
For hotels – You won’t find many hotels with pools by the coast, because they are simply not needed – Everyone swims in the sea (warm, crystal clear, lovely!).
Enjoy your time in Greece!
Francesca @onegrloneworld says
This was a great article – packed full of information but easy to read! I haven’t been to Athens yet so good to know there are plenty of day trips I can take when I do go! Maybe I can make a full week out of it!
Dave Briggs says
There is easily enough to do in one week in and around Athens. In fact, make it two – one week in Athens, and one week on ones of the islands!
Trisha Velarmino says
Hey Dave, you’re probably having fun in Athens! Will follow more of your travel adventures in Greece!
Jen Seligmann says
Hey Dave,
I’ve been itching to visit the Peloponnese ever since I was in Athens. We missed out on our day trip there due to strikes and just didn’t feel confident enough getting ourselves there by car.
I am too fascinated by the ancient Greeks and love loosing myself wandering around these ancient sights and ruins trying to picture what it would have been like all those years ago to actually live among it all.
Dave Briggs says
Driving around Greece is actually pretty easy. Of course, Athens is pure chaos at times though!
zof says
Agamemnon’s Mask was pictured on a cover of my Greek myths book that I used to read all the time as a kid. Of course I’d love to go.
Dave Briggs says
next time you are in Athens, check out the National Archaeological museum – it is on display there.
Laura says
The Li8n Gate looks really cool. I would really love this place. It’s impressive and has the intrigue that makes it fascinating.
Dave Briggs says
It is a very impressive place, and I wonder why Mycenae was abandoned in 1300BC. Perhaps a good job though, otherwise we might never have discovered the rich grave goods in the tombs there.
Tatiana says
Hi Dave, thanks for this informative post! Haven’t heard about Mycenae before – I’m so ashamed 🙂 Probably missed that history class in school 🙂
Dave Briggs says
Haha…. well, I think if they taught the complete history of ancient Greece alone in school, nobody would leave before they were 50 years old 😀
Natasha Amar says
Another interesting site to add to the bucket list. It’s funny- I was never one to be interested in ruins or ancient cities but after visiting Ephesus in Turkey, that changed completely. I have so much admiration for the architectural and engineering feats that were achieved in the absence of modern-day tools.
Dave Briggs says
I really have a deep appreciation for what they accomplished over 3000 years ago at Mycenae. The organisation, sourcing of materials, manpower, design … but then again, they probably didn’t have the bureaucracy of a modern state like we have today!
Carolann & Macrae - One Modern Couple says
Love hearing about the different ruins out there for us to explore! We’re looking forward to seeing all the history and remains of ancient Greece and you’ve just provided another site for us to make sure to see!
Dave Briggs says
These are some of the most impressive I have seen so far! Although to be fair, Greece has hundreds of amazing ancient sites to explore!
Orana says
I love your sense of adventure! Your blog always makes me think of what my husbands blog would be like if he had one. That unique vision of history and discovery is really special.
Dave Briggs says
You will have to encourage ‘G’ to start one… he can rename anonymous even!!
Joe Ankenbauer says
This is amazing! I loved exploring all
The different ruins around Greece, but never made it here! Now I have a great excuse to come back!
Dave Briggs says
It is definitely one of the better sites in Greece 🙂
Michele TravelwithMrsT says
I have never been to Mycenae, though I enjoyed the photos my daughter took when she visited in 2008! It’s still on my list! Enjoyed your photos too!
Dave Briggs says
It was a interesting site to visit – I hope you get a chance if not this visit to Greece, then the next!!