Mycenaean Necropolis of Mazarakata

The Mycenaean necropolis of Mazarakata is located five kilometres beyond Argostoli in the direction of Pessada. The necropolis was discovered by accident at the beginning of the 19th century. The English governor of Swiss origin, De Bosset, who led the excavations in their early stages, commissioned a new road to be built on the island. While searching for building materials, workers unexpectedly discovered an ancient necropolis. Excavations resumed about a hundred years later and were continued by local archaeologists in 1951.

Mycenaean burial site

What has been found in the tombs?

It is the largest cemetery from the Mycenaean period to be found intact. Many of the artefacts found can be seen in the Archaeological Museum of Argostoli or in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens and Switzerland. Ceramic vessels, bronze weapons and tools, jewellery and other personal items have been found. These objects would have followed the deceased into the afterlife. The quality and quantity of these grave goods indicate the high social status of those buried in these tombs. Excavations in the Mycenaean necropolis of Mazarakata have yielded valuable archaeological finds that have shed light on various aspects of Mycenaean culture and society. These discoveries have enabled researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the burial customs, religious beliefs and social hierarchy of this ancient civilisation.

The entrance to the tomb

Burial chambers

The arrangement of the Mazarakata necropolis reflects the Mycenaean belief in the afterlife and the importance of honouring the dead. The careful placement of tombs in the landscape, as well as the orientation of the burial chambers, is believed to have had symbolic significance related to the cycles of life and death, as well as the passage of the soul into the underworld. The tombs were carved into the rock and consisted of passages, an entrance and chambers. The dimensions of the chambers vary and are divided according to the status of the people buried in them. Some tombs are up to 2 metres deep and the deceased were buried there several times. A total of 17 tombs have been discovered.

Burial chamber

Mazarakata is a place with an incredible atmosphere, and it is only upon closer examination that you realise just how advanced the Mycenaean civilisation must have been. We were lucky enough to be completely alone in the area and therefore had the opportunity to enjoy the place undisturbed. Except for our kids, who of course wanted to play hide and seek and vampire in the graves :). Plus, there is no entrance fee, which means it's the perfect place to take a half-hour break from the beach.

Uncovered chambers