Tiryns: The "Mighty Walled" City of Hercules
Just 8 kilometres from Nafplio, Tiryns is the closest — and one of the most impressive — stops for anyone who wants to see Mycenaean civilisation up close without a long drive.
Homer described it as "mighty walled Tiryns" — and the epithet fits perfectly once you see the walls in person.
History
The hill of Tiryns was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age, but the city's great heyday dates between 1400 and 1200 BC, when it became one of the most important centres of the Mycenaean world in Argolida. It was destroyed by the Argives in the first half of the 5th century BC.
The monument came to light progressively from 1876 onward, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (together with Mycenae, since 1999).
The Legendary Cyclopean Walls
Ancient tradition held that the walls were built by the Cyclopes — only giants of superhuman strength could have lifted such boulders. The traveller Pausanias, viewing the ruins in the 2nd century AD, wrote that not even two mules pulling together could move even the smallest stones.
The walls run along the entire hilltop, typically 6 metres thick — reaching 17 metres where internal tunnels (casemates) pass through — with surviving height up to 7 metres (the original is estimated at 9-10 metres). A strong cross-wall divides the acropolis into two sections: the southern one containing the palace buildings, the northern one protecting only the hilltop.
Mythological Connections
Tiryns is linked to some of Greek mythology's most famous heroes: Perseus, Bellerophon, and above all Hercules — some traditions cite it as his residence during his labours, while others claim it as his birthplace. The legendary king associated with it is Proitos, brother of Akrisios (king of Argos).
What You'll See
West Bastion: A major achievement of Mycenaean architecture, with an impressive entrance ramp.
Cyclopean Walls: The main highlight of the visit — see them up close to understand why the myth of the Cyclopes was born.
Lower Acropolis: Part of the settlement outside the main palace areas.
Geometric Temple: A later cult building within the site.
Practical Information
Location: Tiryns, 8km from Nafplio
Phone: +30 27520 22657 · Email:
Opening Hours 2026
- Winter: 08:30-15:30
- Summer: 08:30-15:30
- Good Friday: 12:00-17:00 · Holy Saturday: 08:30-15:30
Ticket price: Contact
Time needed: 45 minutes - 1 hour
Practical tip: Pairs perfectly with a visit to Mycenae the same day, since it's on the way.
See Also
Why are the Tiryns walls called "cyclopean"?
Because ancient tradition believed only the mythical Cyclopes could have lifted such massive boulders.
How far is Tiryns from Nafplio?
Just 8 kilometres.
Which hero is associated with Tiryns?
Hercules — some traditions cite it as his residence during his labours, or even his birthplace.
Is it a UNESCO monument?
Yes, since 1999, together with Mycenae.
