Eurialo Castle

The Castle Euryalus represents one of the largest and most complete military works of the Greek period. The name derives from the Greek word Eurvelos (“large base nail “), which presumably refers to the shape of the saddle rock on which the castle stands. The fortress, which occupies about 15,000 square meters, was probably built at the behest of Dionysius, tyrant of Syracuse, between 402 and 397 BC. to complete the great defensive system running along the edge of the plateau of Epipoli. Over time, the castle underwent numerous transformations and extensions by the Romans and finally by the Byzantines that, to defend themselves from the Arabs, demolished parts of the castle and they utilized the materials to turn it into a massive quadrangular fortress. A system of three moats barred access to the castle, which is formed by a trapezoidal donjon protected by five towers. The building had several strategic elements in order to surprise any attackers. The only entrance was hidden by clever architectures that hindered the view; moreover the castle was crossed by a series of tunnels which allowed the army to move quickly from one part to the other of the fortress.

Inside the building they also had kitchens, housing, warehouses and tanks for soldiers.

INFO

Tel. 0931.711773

OPENING TIME

January and February: every day from 9.00 to 15.30 except Sundays and holidays 9:00 to 13:00
March: every day including Sundays and holidays 9:00 to 16:30
From April to September: every day including Sundays and holidays 9:00 to 18:30
From 01/10 to 15/10: every day including Sundays and holidays 9:00 to 17:30
From 16/10 to 31/10: every day including Sundays and holidays 9:00 to 16:30
November and December: every day including Sundays and holidays 9:00 to 15:30

PRICE

4.00 € Adult – 2,00 € (età compresa tra i 18 e i 25 anni) e per i docenti.
free for under 18