The Menelaion stands on Profitis Ilias hill, on the east bank of the Evrotas, at the place the ancients called Therapne. Here Menelaus, the legendary king of Sparta, and Helen were worshipped as heroes from the 8th century BC until Hellenistic times.
The remains form a large stepped platform on the hilltop. It is one of the most important Mycenaean sites in Laconia – and one of the best viewpoints, looking across the Evrotas valley to the whole wall of Taygetos. Go late in the afternoon for the light.