The ancient city of Tiryns was discovered during archaeological excavations on the island of Peloponnese a few kilometers North of Nafplio. The ancient settlement traces its history back to the Neolithic era. At the beginning of the 3rd Millennium BC Tiryns became the center of the Achaean States. The peak of ancient Tiryns took place in the period between 1400 and 1200 BC, Is an ancient settlement along with Mycenae was the center of the Mycenaean civilization.

On a low rocky hill in the middle of the valley was occupied well-fortified Acropolis. Protected by huge walls, it served as the place of permanent residence of the ruler and shelter for residents during the war. The city itself was located on the lower level. Great historical and architectural interest are the structures of the Mycenaean period: the Palace, tunnels and a powerful wall height of 7 m and a thickness of 8-10 m (in some places the thickness reached 17 meters). Because the building was used huge blocks of stone, such structures are called cyclopean. The town fell into decline by the end of the Mycenaean period, and in 468 BC, was finally destroyed by Argostoli.

First archaeological excavations of this area was started by the German archaeologist Tierce in 1831. In 1876 Heinrich Schliemann continued research in this region. In 1884-1885 years to Schliemann has joined the famous archaeologist William Doerpfeld. During this period, were made the most important discoveries. Later excavations were supervised by the German archaeological Institute.

Monumental buildings of Ancient Tiryns are rightly considered masterpieces of Mycenaean culture. Of great historical interest and an impressive collection of artifacts from different eras, found during excavations. In 1999, Tiryns was included in the UNESCO world heritage site.