With a history dating from around 3000 BC, this region is one of the longest inhabited areas in Greece. Mycenae's citadel dates from before the Trojan Wars, around 1550 BC to 1200 BC, although it wasn't uncovered until 1874.
Entering through the famous Lion Gate, you can explore the remains of the Royal Palace (which some think was once home to Agamemnon), interesting circular "bee-hive" chamber tombs (which were built without mortar) and the Cyclopean Walls. Wear shoes with good traction when touring the archaeological site—the rocky climb up the hill is steep and slippery. Mycenae can be included in a one- or two-day trip to Corinth, Epidaurus and Nauplia from Athens.
55 mi/90 km southwest of Athens.