Euryalus Fortress, Syracuse, Italy

The Euryalus Fortress was the key point in the fortifications of the ancient Greek city of Syracuse. It is located on the highest point of the hill of Epipolae.

During the Athenian invasion of Sicily (415-413 BC), the fortress did not yet exist, but the strategic importance of the area was clear; the Athenians initially captured the hill, but their failure to retain it prevented them from effectively besieging the city. The name Euryalus is mentioned by Thucydides in the course of the first Athenian attack on the city.

The fortress was first established by Dionysius I, tyrant of Syracuse. Construction took place between 402 and 397 BC, with the intention that the fortress would protect the city from siege and attack by the Carthaginians. Various renovations were subsequently undertaken in response to developments in siege weaponry, under Agathocles and Hiero II.

After the Roman conquest of the city in 212 BC by Marcus Claudius Marcellus, the fortress continued to be modified until the Byzantine period when parts of it were torn apart in order to repair the rest in light of Muslim invasion.

On 30 September 2016, an antiquarium was opened on the site, after a long closure resulting from the Santa Lucia earthquake of 1990. This building contains some of the discoveries from the site, including a sword, a helmet, and the missiles from a stone-throwing catapult.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Klaus Buechel (15 months ago)
Closed for COVID-19 till further notice. 1 hour way too see ruins through a closed gate. No information about COVID-19 or opening hours in the www. Beside this a beautiful sight to siracusa

John Knoop (2 years ago)
Best seen with a guide who can explain how the fort was used by the 4th Century BC Greeks to defend Ortigia. The tunnels used to confuse trap and kill their attackers are quite remarkable.

Guido Allieri (2 years ago)
A must before to visit Siracusa

Giorgio Anselmi (2 years ago)
Closed! No notices, no info, just closed. Wednesday June 12, 10.30

Kamil Hajduczenia (5 years ago)
I don't know any other place in Sicilly that would be that silent and peaceful as Castello Eurialo at opening hours. Though navigating there is not an easy task, the place is worth the effort. I can't describe the experience of sightseeing with only guides available that time - hundreds of sunbathing lizards...

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