Gla (Glas)

The Mycenaean fortress of Gla lies at the northeast end of the Kopais plain (formerly Lake Kopais).

26km/16mi from Thebes on the main road to Lamía the hill on which Gla lies can be seen rising out of the plain on the right of the road, 1km/.75mi away. To reach it, take the turn-off for the village of Kástro. The narrow road encircles the hill, which rises to 70m/230ft on the north side. The massive walls, 5.7m/19ft thick and still standing 3m/10ft high, enclose the whole area of the hill. The walls have a total length of 3km/2mi (compared with Mycenae's 900m/985yd) and take in an area of 200,000 sq.m/215,000 sq.yd, making this the largest stronghold of its period.

From the north gate we continue up to the highest point on the hill, with the remains of the palace, the two wings of which are set at right angles. To the south, in the direction of the south gate, are the remains of other houses. There was a double gateway on the east side.