Tiryns

Welcome to the Mycenaean Citadel of Tiryns, a fortress of such extraordinary scale that ancient Greeks believed its walls could only have been built by the mythical Cyclopes. Situated on a rocky ridge rising like an island from…

Our journey begins at the impressive entrance to the lower citadel: the Great Chariot Ramp. This massive stone incline was specifically designed to allow chariots to drive directly into the heart of the fortress. …

We now enter the Lower Citadel, a large enclosed area that was once filled with workshops, storehouses, and domestic structures. Today, it appears as an expansive open space, but looking closely at the ground, you can still see…

We now approach the most famous feature of Tiryns: the Cyclopean Walls. These fortifications are among the most massive ever built in antiquity, with sections reaching a thickness of 25 to 30 feet and standing nearly to their…

We now transition into the Upper Citadel, the most secure and sacred part of Tiryns, which housed the royal palace. To enter, one had to pass through a series of grand gateways known as Propylaia. …

We have reached the emotional and political heart of Tiryns: the Great Megaron. This central hall was the focus of the palace, the place where the king sat on his throne and held court. …

Before leaving the palace complex, we pause in the large forecourt that stood in front of the Megaron. This open-air space was ringed by colonnades on three sides, likely supporting second-story balconies where the royal family…

As we conclude our journey through the ruins of Tiryns, we are left with a profound sense of the site’s enduring majesty. These 'Cyclopean' walls, which have stood for over three millennia, are more than just a military…