Without doubt, Mycenae is the most important historical site on the Peloponnese. Its popularity means that at the height of the tourist season it seems as if everyone is visiting it at the same time.

The ruined complex lies just over 2 kilometres outside the modern village of Mycenae, which straddles the Nafplion-Athens main road, and is clearly signed.

The first thing you see as you approach, on your left, is the Treasury of Atreus. This beehive tomb is an impressive structure, especially considering that it was built without a scrap of mortar. The great palace of Mycenae was known as the House of Atreus after the ruler of that name, the son of Pelops.