Mycenae: The Kingdom of Legendary Agamemnon
At the northeastern edge of the Argolic plain, on a natural hill, stands the acropolis of Mycenae — the most important centre of Mycenaean civilisation and, according to legend, the kingdom of Agamemnon.
According to myth, Mycenae was founded by Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae, who brought the Cyclopes from Asia to build the walls — hence the name "cyclopean walls" still used today for this style of construction using massive, roughly-hewn boulders.
History
The earliest ruling dynasties appeared at Mycenae as early as 1700 BC. The city's great heyday, with its magnificent architecture and refined culture, dates to the Late Bronze Age, between 1350 and 1200 BC — the period that gave its name to the entire "Mycenaean civilisation."
The cyclopean walls run 900 metres in total length, enclosing an area of 30,000 square metres, built in three construction phases between 1350 and 1200 BC. During the second phase (1250 BC), the famous Lion Gate was built, with its monumental relief of two lions — one of the most recognisable symbols of ancient Greece.
What You'll See
The Lion Gate: The acropolis's main entrance, symbolically guarded by two lions carved in relief above the lintel.
The Palace Complex: At the hilltop, seat of the Mycenaean ruler, with a "hall," "antechamber," and "megaron" where the ruler received subjects and official guests. His throne stood here, with a circular hearth in front of it for ritual ceremonies.
Grave Circle A: A royal burial enclosure with shaft graves — the source of the largest volume of the stunning gold finds that made Mycenae world-famous.
Treasury of Atreus: The most magnificent tholos tomb in the region, 400 metres southwest of the acropolis, on the eastern slope of Panagia hill. It was traditionally named after Mycenae's most significant ruler, Atreus (father of Agamemnon) — though modern archaeologists aren't certain who it was actually built for.
Around the palace stood workshops, storerooms, cult spaces, and houses that covered the rest of the acropolis.
UNESCO
Mycenae was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999, together with Tiryns.
Practical Information
Location: Mycenae, Argolida (about 25 minutes from Nafplio)
Phone: +30 27510 76585 · Email:
Opening Hours 2026
- Winter: 08:30-15:30
- April: 08:00-19:00
- From May 2, 2026: 08:00-20:00
- September 1-15: 08:00-19:30
- September 16-30: 08:00-19:00
- October 1-15: 08:00-18:30
- October 16-31: 08:00-18:00
- Good Friday: 12:00-17:00 · Holy Saturday: 08:30-15:30
Ticket price: €20 full, €10 reduced — includes the Acropolis, Museum, and Treasury of Atreus, valid for 1 day from first entry
Time needed: 2-3 hours for the whole site (acropolis + museum + Treasury of Atreus)
Practical tip: Start early in the morning in summer — the site has no shade at all.
See Also
Who founded Mycenae according to legend?
Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae.
What is the Lion Gate?
The acropolis's main, monumental entrance, with a relief of two lions above the lintel, built in 1250 BC.
What is the Treasury of Atreus?
The most magnificent tholos tomb in the region, 400 metres from the acropolis, traditionally linked to ruler Atreus.
How much does the Mycenae ticket cost?
€20 full, €10 reduced — includes the acropolis, museum, and Treasury of Atreus.
Is it a UNESCO monument?
Yes, since 1999, together with Tiryns.
