FROM YESTERDAY TO TODAY
OUR STORY
This page invites you to explore the past and discover the people and events that have shaped La Belle Hélène de Ménélas into what it is today. It is both a tribute and a living historical record, honouring those who first envisioned it, those who graced it with their presence, and all that they left behind - lasting traces etched into its walls and preserved in its memory.
A historical frame across two eras
A moving portrayal of then and now. A unique 70-year journey between two eras, brought back to life through a remarkable visual comparison.
THE HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPH · 1955⸻
On the left, the lens of Robert A. McCabe captures Agamemnon Dassis, one of the inn's first owners, standing at the entrance of the original La Belle Hélène with his daughter, Panagoula.
THE REBIRTH OF TODAY⸻
On the right, the once "impossible dream" of Stelios Maragos and his wife, Georgia Dinou, became a reality in 2026, breathing new life and renewed splendour into this historic inn.
LA BELLE HÉLÈNE
ΧΑΙΡΕ ΞΕΙΝΕ ΠΑΡ ΑΜΜΙ ΦΙΛΗΣΕΑΙ
Built in 1862 on the outskirts of Mycenae, the imposing two-storey stone house of the Christopoulos family—the largest and most prominent of the only six houses that stood in the area at the time—was destined to become part of one of the most significant chapters in the history of world archaeology. In the summer of 1876, the German amateur archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann made it his residence during his landmark excavations of the Shaft Graves of Mycenae. By his side was Giannis Christopoulos, one of his earliest and most trusted workers.
It was Schliemann who gave the small inn the name "La Belle Hélène", in honour of his Greek wife, Sophia, whom he symbolically associated with the legendary Helen of Troy and with the extraordinary jewellery he believed he had brought back to light through his excavations - the very treasures later immortalised in the famous photograph of Sophia wearing the so-called Jewels of Helen. It was also Schliemann who suggested that the inscription «Χαῖρε, ξεῖνε, παρ’ ἄμμι φιλήσεαι» be carved above the main entrance. The phrase comes from The Odyssey, where Telemachus welcomes the disguised goddess Athena, meaning: "Welcome, stranger; here you shall find hospitality."
From that moment on, the house gradually evolved into an inn, welcoming archaeologists, travellers, artists, and distinguished visitors from around the world who wished to experience the unique atmosphere of Mycenae. Among them was Dom Pedro II, Emperor of Brazil and the first official visitor to Schliemann's excavations. For decades, La Belle Hélène became far more than a place to stay. It evolved into a gathering place for scholars, artists, and explorers - a place where history met myth.
The inn later passed to the Dassis family when Ioanna Christopoulou, daughter of Giannis Christopoulos, married Dimitris Dassis, who went on to become one of the region's pioneering hoteliers. Their son, Agamemnon Dassis - the man depicted in the historic photograph of 1954 above—worked briefly on the Mycenae excavations during the 1920s before dedicating himself entirely to La Belle Hélène. A historic hotel that has remained alive through the decades, carrying the memory and character of an entire era, and continuing to stand today as one of Mycenae's most enduring landmarks.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE HISTORY
Behind every page of the guestbook, behind every signature and every distinguished personality who passed through La Belle Hélène de Ménélas, there was always the Dassis family - Dimitris, Konstantinos, Spyros, Eleni, Agamemnon, Orestis, and, of course, George-Achilleas, the last descendant to keep the tradition of hospitality alive and to continue the hotel's story with the same respect, love, and dedication.
With simplicity, genuine hospitality, and a deep love for their homeland, they became the people who connected the historic hotel of Mycenae with travellers, artists, intellectuals, politicians, archaeologists, and internationally renowned personalities from around the world.
The stories that have survived to this day represent only a small part of the long history of La Belle Hélène de Ménélas. The personalities featured on this page were selected almost at random from among thousands of distinguished visitors - both well-known and ordinary - who passed through the historic hotel over more than a century and a half of its existence.
Many others were equally remarkable - kings, scientists, artists, writers, military figures, as well as ordinary people - each leaving their own mark on the history of this place and, in turn, on the history of this hotel.
The history of La Belle Hélène de Ménélas does not belong to a building alone. It belongs to its people.
"La Belle Hélène" Through the Ages
Tourists enjoying a meal in the eastern courtyard of La Belle Hélène de Ménélas.
Summer TravellersOn the right, Orestis Dassis, and on the left, Aristotelis Tsetsekos, the renowned long-serving guide of Mycenae, in front of La Belle Hélène de Ménélas.
Aristotelis TsetsekosThe jeep belonged to the British journalist Kenneth Matthews and was reclaimed by the British Embassy a few days later.
The Dassis FamilyThe two young Dassis girls with the distinguished welder Argyris, in the storage building of Alan J. B. Wace, now transformed into "The East Barn (p1)".
Everyday MomentsOwner Agamemnon Dassis with his daughter Panagoula-Elektra, on the western side of La Belle Hélène de Ménélas.
Archaeologists' Storage BuildingsThe hotel's historic façade from another era, welcoming travellers from every corner of the world.
Timeless HospitalityAgamemnon Dassis, his daughter Ioanna, and his brother Orestis.
Another Memorable Moment
THE NEW CUSTODIANS OF A HISTORIC HOTEL
There are people who do not simply discover a historic place. They recognise it as something that has always been a part of them. This is how the rebirth of La Belle Hélène de Ménélas began.
Stelios Maragos, nephew of Panagoula, the little girl in the historic photograph of La Belle Hélène de Ménélas, grew up surrounded by stories, memories, and images of the hotel. An artist, visual creator, and tireless craftsman, he lives and creates in Mycenae, transforming clay, wood, metal, and forgotten objects into works filled with life and soul.
Together with his wife, Georgia, they first created Silo Art Factory, a unique space dedicated to art and creativity that has earned recognition and admiration both in Greece and abroad. Many of the objects found today throughout La Belle Hélène de Ménélas—old doors, wardrobes, furniture, and countless smaller treasures from another era—were collected, preserved, and brought back to life through their hands and care. Although Georgia is not originally from Mycenae, she embraced the place as if it had always been her own. Bound by deep mutual respect, admiration, and a shared passion for creation, they have walked together on a journey shaped by faith, hard work, and dedication.
Guided by the same love for their homeland, aesthetics, and craftsmanship, they decided to take the next step - this time in the world of hospitality - bringing their philosophy into spaces that honour history while offering authentic accommodation experiences. They first acquired a historic mansion in the heart of the picturesque Old Town of Nafplio, nestled among its historic cobbled streets, which they meticulously restored with absolute respect for its history and architecture, creating Silo Luxury Rooms.
They then created Silo Stone House, a traditional stone residence in the unique setting of Fichti, in the wider area of Mycenae, offering panoramic views while remaining completely faithful to the local architecture and tradition. As with every one of their creations, both properties are defined by respect for history, refined aesthetics, and authentic hospitality.
Yet La Belle Hélène de Ménélas was never simply their next project. It was a calling. A journey spanning three full years, marked by faith, perseverance, idealism, and countless hours of personal dedication. Together with their children - Dimitris, Zafeiris, Ioanna, and Angeliki - they devoted themselves wholeheartedly to the rebirth of this historic place, honouring every stone, every room, every memory, and every soul that had passed through it.
To many, their vision may have seemed impossible. To them, however, it was simply the natural continuation of who they are.
Today, the historic La Belle Hélène de Ménélas opens its doors once again, ready to continue its long journey through history with new memories, new people, and new moments.
With great joy and heartfelt warmth, we welcome you once again to the historic La Belle Hélène de Ménélas of Mycenae.
164
YEARS OF HISTORY
From 1862 to the Present
9
THEMED ROOMS
Across the historic & new buildings
1000000+
HISTORICAL TRAVELLERS
From around the world
1,8 ΧΛΜ
FROM THE LION GATE
In the heart of Mycenae
6
GENERATIONS OF OWNERS
From the Dassis family to a new era
1,5 ΧΛΜ
FROM ATREUS' TREASURY
Next to the Mycenaean legend
4
ROOM TYPES
To Travel into the Past
360°
OF AUTHENTIC CHARACTER
Every corner tells a story
1+1000
HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCES
The story continues with you
The Next Chapter
of "La Belle Hélène"
Awaits You
We look forward to welcoming you, hearing your own impressions of La Belle Hélène de Ménélas, and beginning the next chapter of this story together. The very first message to be written in the new guestbook, continuing the legacy of the historic guestbook of La Belle Hélène, will remain here forever, as a tribute and as the beginning of a new era for this historic place. Thank you in advance.
Respectfully,
The Maragos Family




















