Welcome to Mycenae
Mycenae is an ancient archaeological site located in the northeastern Peloponnese in Greece, and it is regarded as one of the most important and rich archaeological sites in Greece. Mycenae was a city in ancient Greece, and it was the center of the Mycenaean civilization which flourished from approximately 1600 BC to 1100 BC.
The archaeological site of Mycenae is surrounded by imposing walls and a large gate, known as the Lion Gate, which is the only known monumental sculpture of Bronze Age Greece. The gate is decorated with two lions which are believed to be symbols of royalty and power. Mycenae was a fortified city, and as such, the walls and gates played an essential role in the defense of the city.
The site also includes the Mycenaean acropolis, the citadel of the kings of Mycenae, which was excavated by Heinrich Schliemann in the late 19th century. The citadel includes several structures such as the palace of the king, temples, and other administrative buildings. The most impressive architectural achievement of the kings of Mycenae is the Tomb of Agamemnon, a beehive-shaped burial chamber built in the 13th century BC. It is the largest and best-preserved of nine tholos tombs which have been found in Mycenae.
The Mycenaean civilization is considered to be one of the oldest in Greece, and it became a significant cultural and political center in the region. The Mycenaeans are famous for their impressive craftsmanship and art, particularly in the fields of pottery, jewelry, and architecture. They also developed a form of writing known as Linear B, which is one of the earliest forms of the Greek language.
How to reach it
To reach Mycenae, you can follow these steps based on your starting point:
From Athens:
– By car: Head southwest from Athens on the E94 motorway towards Corinth. Then take the N7/E65 road towards Tripoli and then the exit towards Mycenae.
– By bus: There are daily buses from Athens to Mycenae. You can take a bus from Kifissos Bus Station or from the Athens International Airport to Argos, and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to Mycenae.
From other parts of Greece:
– By car: Follow the national roads until you reach Nemea, then take the exit towards Mycenae.
– By bus: There are daily buses from major cities such as Patra, Corinth, and Nafplio to Argos, and then you can transfer to a local bus or taxi to Mycenae.
From outside of Greece:
– By plane: The closest international airport is Athens International Airport (ATH), and then you can follow the above mentioned transportation options to reach Mycenae.
Once you reach Mycenae, you can visit the archaeological site and explore the ancient ruins, including the Lion Gate, the Tomb of Agamemnon, and other notable structures.
Where to stay
Mycenae is a small town, and there are limited options for accommodation. However, there are some good options for places to stay, such as:
1. Hotel Mycenae: This hotel is located in the heart of Mycenae and offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities.
2. La Petite Planete: This is a guesthouse with a charming rustic decor located about 5km from Mycenae. It offers comfortable rooms and outdoor spaces with beautiful views.
3. Klymeni Guesthouse: This guesthouse is located about 20 minutes away from Mycenae and features comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a swimming pool.
4. Hotel Palladion: This hotel is situated in the nearby town of Argos, which is about 15 minutes away from Mycenae. It offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities and a restaurant.
5. Ilaeira Mountain Resort: This mountain resort is located about 30 minutes away from Mycenae and offers luxurious rooms, a restaurant, and a swimming pool.
These are some of the options you can choose from to stay in Mycenae. Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
Highlights: what to see/what to do
Mycenae is an ancient archaeological site located in the northeastern Peloponnese in Greece, and it is regarded as one of the most important and rich archaeological sites in Greece. Here are some of the highlights of Mycenae that you shouldn’t miss on your visit:
1. The Lion Gate: This is the most famous site in Mycenae, and it is a monumental sculpture of Bronze Age Greece. The gate is decorated with two lions which are believed to be symbols of royalty and power.
2. The Acropolis: The Mycenaean acropolis is the citadel of the kings of Mycenae and includes several impressive structures such as the palace of the king, temples, and other administrative buildings.
3. The Tomb of Agamemnon: This is one of the most well-known burial chambers in the world, which was built in the 13th century BC. It is a beehive-shaped tomb and is the largest and best-preserved of nine tholos tombs which have been found in Mycenae.
4. The Treasury of Atreus: This is another impressive structure which is also a tholos tomb. It is the largest and most elaborate of its kind in Mycenae.
5. The Cyclopean Walls: Mycenae is famous for its impressive walls, which were built using large stones and no mortar. The Cyclopean Walls are still standing tall today, and they give visitors a sense of the impressive engineering skills of the Mycenaean civilization.
6. The Archaeological Museum: The museum houses artifacts and exhibits from the town’s history and gives visitors a good understanding of the culture and lifestyle of the Mycenaean civilization.
These are some of the highlights of Mycenae that are definitely worth seeing on your visit.
