Tunnel of Eupalinos

About the museum

The Tunnel of Eupalinos is an aqueduct at Pythagoreio on Samos, named after the engineer Eupalinos. Its construction began around 550 BC: two teams dug simultaneously from the two sides of the mountain and met in the middle, thanks to the engineer’s precise mathematical calculations. The tunnel is 1,036 m long, has an average cross-section of 1.80 × 1.80 m, and carried water in clay pipes to the cisterns and fountains of the ancient town.

The work had been lost in the depths of time. The only ancient source for it is Herodotus, and on the basis of his description it was rediscovered in 1853. When the aqueduct was abandoned, because of the build-up of salts and other sediment, the tunnel later served as a refuge during attacks. Today the Tunnel of Eupalinos is part of the UNESCO World Heritage monument at Pythagoreio and is one of the most important works in the history of engineering.

Highlights

• Tunnel 1,036 m long through solid rock
• Work of the engineer Eupalinos, around 550 BC
• Two teams that met in the middle of the mountain
• UNESCO World Heritage monument

Operated by

Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Σάμου και Ικαρίας

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October, as well as every first and third Sunday of the month from 1 November to 31 March.

The price of €10 (reduced €5) applies to the route of 185 m, while €15 (reduced €8) applies to the route of 424 m. The route of 1,036 m is temporarily closed.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

From the main road of the Pythagoreio settlement the site is about 30 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car.

Amenities & dining

On site there are toilets and a car park.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit