a Journey to the Bronze Age  

Welcome to the most important – and lavish – palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece, Homer’s “gold-rich Mycenae”. According to the mythology, the founder of Ancient Mycenae was Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae. The myth of the Cyclops and the story of Heinrich Schliemann’s discovery of the so-called Mask of Agamemnon are fascinating, as is a tour of the archaeological site. Mycenae is one of the most significant archaeological destinations in Greece and an Unesco World Heritage site. 

MUST SEES:  

The Cyclopean Walls: According to myth, Perseus, the founder of Mycenae, commissioned Cyclopses – huge, one-eyed mythical creatures from Asia Minor – to build the walls. Hence their name. 

Lion’s Gate:  A symbol of the power of the Mycenaean Kingdom, Lion Gate is perfectly symmetrical and unique in Europe. The main entrance to the citadel of Mycenae dates from about 1250 BC. The monument is named after the relief sculpture of two lionesses that stands above the entrance. As yet, nobody has discovered how it was constructed. So why not stick with the Cyclopses theory?  

The Mask of Agamemnon: Five gold-plated masks were discovered in Mycenae by the renowned archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, who excavated this citadel because he believed Homer’s stories. He was convinced he’d discovered the remains of King Agamemnon and named his historical findings after the famous king. More recent studies revealed that the masks were from 1500-1550 BC, nearly three centuries before Agamemnon supposedly lived. However, the name remained and the findings can now be viewed in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. 

The Archaeological Museum of Mycenae: The exhibition is divided into four distinct sections. You’ll learn about the history, life and activities of the Mycenaeans, their burial customs and their use of space. 

OPTIONAL VISITS: Tomb of the House of Atreus, Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth,  wine tour through the wine region of Nemea.