Last Updated on January 26, 2023 by Celeste.
To visit Mycenae in Greece with kids was on my bucket list. This summer, my dream came true. Together with Travel Bloggers Greece, my family visited one of the most evocative archaeological sites in the world.
Mycenaean Greece
Mycenae is located in the Argolis, Peloponnese. Along with the Minoan civilization, the Mycenaean civilization ranks among the greatest civilizations of Europe. Mycenaean Greece or the Mycenaean civilization was the last phase of the Bronze Age in Ancient Greece, spanning the period from approximately 1600–1100 BC.
It represents the first advanced and distinctively Greek civilization in mainland Greece with its palatial states, urban organization, works of art, and writing system. The most prominent site was Mycenae, after which the culture of this era is named.
Visit Myceane in Greece with Kids
The “golden” city of Mycenae, the city of the legendary king Atreus and Agamemnon, the one that was cited by Hommer and excavated by Eric Sleeman, is one of the most important and most famous archaeological sites of Greece.
The moment you arrive at the Mycenae archaeological site, you’ll be blown away by the magnificent Lion Gate and its enormous relief sculpture.
The rest of the site really shows off the impressive architecture of the Mycenaeans. Trust me – your kids will be captivated with every step of your visit.
Besides the impressive majestic, Lions Gate, at the entrance of the Mycenaean citadel, you will also see the royal complex and the six royal tombs, in the 1st tomb ring (16th cent. B.C.), the grenary, temples and houses, in the citadel. The 2nd tomb ring, with the vaulted tombs (14 royal and 12 private), outside the citadel.
Do not miss the treasury of Atreus or the tomb of Agamemnon (13th cent. B.C.), a grandiose tomb, near the citadel.
Treasury of Atreus
The Treasury of Atreus or Tomb of Agamemnon is a large tholos or beehive tomb on the Panagitsa Hill near the main Mycenae site, constructed during the Bronze Age around 1250 BC. The mysterious tomb can be visited inside. The tomb perhaps held the remains of the sovereign who completed the reconstruction of the fortress or one of his successors. The grave is in the style of the other tholoi of Mycenaean Greece, of which there are nine in total around the citadel of Mycenae and many more in the Argolid.
My kids loved its mysterious shape and grandeur. The Treasury of Atreus is one of the most impressive monuments surviving from the Mycenaean period.
Museum of Mycenae
The rich finds from the area (crowns, wall paintings, the golden mask of “Agamemnon”, and others) are on display in the beautiful museum on the site.
The museum displays lots of kid friendly information boards and maps, as well as an interesting photo exhibition of the archaeological excavations.
Mycenae is a must-visit for anyone visiting Greece. Kids will love the Cyclopean masonry, the gold mask of Agamemnon and the Lion Gate at the entrance of Mycenae.
To make the most out of your visit to Mycenae, I recommend a guided tour. Our state-licensed guide truly brought the ancient site to life and made our visit to the museum extra interesting.
You can visit Mycenae from Athens by car via the Greek National Road from Corinth to Tripolis. After the Corinth canal, you need to follow the route towards Nafplion and Mycenae. The distance between Athens and Mycenae is about 130 km.
Tours to Mycenae in Greece with Kids
To visit Mycenae Greece with kids, I recommend a (guided) organized tour. These tours include skip-the-line tickets and start from Athens or Nafplion. They combine a relaxed visit to Mycenae with a tour in Epidaurus and/or Nafplion. Discover some day tours to Mycenae and grab the chance to learn everything about one of the most significant archaeological sights in Greece!
Mycenae Epidaurus and Nafplio Small Group Tour from Athens
This small group tour of maximum 10 persons takes your family to Mycenae Epidaurus and Nafplio. Explore the remains of ancient Mycenae and visit the Cyclopean Walls, the Lion’s Gate and the beautiful town of Nafplion. Click here for more information and booking this tour
From Athens to Epidaurus and Mycenae Private Tour
This private tour includes transportation and a guide to Ancient Mycenae, the tomb of Agamemnon and the tomb of Clytemnestra, the Archaeological Museum of Mycenae, and the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus. There is also a stop at the Corinth Canal for photos. Click here for more information and booking of this tour
One day Tour to Argolis combined Tour Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplion
A great tour to the highlights of the Argolis region in the Peloponnese including Mycenae. I would recommend this tour for families with older children. Click here for more information and booking this tour
From Nafplio: Mycenae and Epidaurus Tour
This tour is for families based in Nafplion. Explore the ruins of Mycenae and Epidaurus and learn about their rich history with the help of a local guide. Transport from Nafplion is included. Click here for more information and booking this tour
Mycenae is known as one of the most valuable archaeological sites in Greece, therefore you really need to drop a visit here, especially if your family loves ancient history!
Recent events: In August of 2020, a forest fire broke out near the tomb of Agamemnon. Although there was severe damage to nature, the museum and site have not been harmed and is open to the public. You can read more here: ekathimerini/in-images/mycenae-archaeological-site-reopens-after-sunday-fire
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