Castello Eurialo
Large 4th-century BC Greek fortress on the Epipoli plateau, the high point of the Dionysian walls of Syracuse.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Castello Eurialo was built between 402 and 397 BC by order of the tyrant Dionysius I on the highest point of the Epipoli plateau, about seven kilometres from Syracuse. It closed off the only natural access to the height and was the summit of a city wall over 27 kilometres long that encircled the whole ancient city.
The fortress was enlarged over time by Agathocles and Hiero II and adapted to new siege techniques. The complex is preceded by three ditches, with an advanced work between the second and third; the front of the keep was defended by five towers originally 15 metres high, while a network of underground galleries allowed troops to move unseen. Three large cisterns ensured the water supply, and north of the keep lies a pincer-shaped gate (porta a tenaglia). After the Roman conquest of 212 BC the castle was modified up to the Byzantine age.
During the Second World War the galleries served as a shelter for finds from the Museo archeologico di Siracusa. After a long closure following the 1990 earthquake, a small antiquarium with a sword, a helmet and catapult projectiles was inaugurated in 2016. The site reopened to visitors in 2019 after the fire of 2018, but has been closed since June 2024 due to a lack of custodial staff.
Highlights
- 4th-century BC fortress of Dionysius I
- Three ditches and five keep towers
- Network of underground galleries and cisterns
- Pincer-shaped gate (porta a tenaglia)
- Antiquarium with military finds
- Operated by
- Parco archeologico e paesaggistico di Siracusa, Eloro, Villa del Tellaro e Akrai (Regione Siciliana)
- Visitors per year
- approx. 3,500
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
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| Reduced | €3European Union citizens aged 18 to 25 |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for under-18s. |
Free admission: Free admission on the first Sunday of every month (when the site is open).
Rate as indicated by the Parco; the site is currently closed to the public.
Accessibility
The site is closed to the public due to a lack of custodial staff; no reopening date has been announced.
Kids & families
The site is closed to the public due to a lack of custodial staff; no reopening date has been announced.
Getting there & parking
The site is closed to the public due to a lack of custodial staff; no reopening date has been announced.
Amenities & dining
The site is closed to the public due to a lack of custodial staff; no reopening date has been announced.
Events & venue rental
The site is closed to the public due to a lack of custodial staff; no reopening date has been announced.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The route includes the small Antiquarium and a multimedia display telling the castle’s story. The site is currently closed. |
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