Trip to Mycenae - Epidavros
See the beehive tombs & the ancient theatre
ANCIENT MYCENAE
Ancient Mycenae is set amidst the Mountain of Agios Ilias and Mount Zara, approximately 22 km from Nafplion. For 400 hundred years this vestige of a kingdom was the most powerful in Greece, spreading between 1600-1200 BC.
Mentioned by Homer in the Odyssey and the Iliad the richness of Mycenae was thought only to be myth until archeologists literally struck gold in 1822-90. The citadel walls which are 13 metres high and 7 metres wide were thought, by the ancient Greeks, to have been built by a Cyclops.
See the famous Lion Gate entrance, royal graves where the famous gold death mask of Agamemnon was found, Agamemnon's palace and the great court. The whole site has a feeling of mystery, royal deaths, plots and greek tragedy. .
The Mycenean site also boasts a wonderful relatively new museum. Further along the road the Tomb of Agamemnon also know as the Treasury of Atreus is visible. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Mycenae is situated on a hill and is best visited early morning during the hot summer months.
ANCIENT EPIDAVROS
One of the most renowned of Greece's archeological sites is located just 30km east of Nafplion. The Theatre is still the most popular attraction and plays to this day are acted-out during the summer months, drawing in crowds of up to 16,000. The atmosphere is electrifying.
Asclepius Sanctuary is set amongst the green foothills of Mount Arahneo the air is full of the smell of herbs and pine trees. It is easy to see how the sanctuary had a beneficial effect upon the ailing.
To the west of the sanctuary is the large Banquet Hall.It was here the festival of Asclepius took place. Opposite this is the stadium where the festivals athletic contests were held. To the north are the remains of the Temple of Asclepius and next to this the Abaton. East is the Sanctuary of Egyption Gods and to the west are the remains of the mystifying Tholos.
In between the Sanctuary and the Theatre is the Museum where impressive fragments of intricately carved reliefs from the ceiling of the Tholos are on display amongst other ancient finds..
Time: approx. 8 hours
I have visited Mycenae during my European tour with friends. We were astonished by the grandeur and the craftmanship of people who built these walls and tombs. The museum was small, but the antiquities were well presented.
Visitor's review on Trip Advisor
Wonderful to return to Epidaurus after 35 years and be reminded why it made such an impression! The theatre is awe-inspiring - a marvel of engineering and a living piece of incredible history. But there is so much more! Do explore the whole site - a wonderful array of ancient buildings and temples in a truly evocative and peaceful setting. Not to be missed!.
Visitor's review on Trip Advisor
