Euryalus Castle: reviews and practical tips

The stone sentinel that once protected Syracuse

High on the highest point of the Epipoli plateau, just outside the edges of Syracuse, chiseled blocks of stone still trace the layout of an ancient Greek fortress. Three successive ditches cut into the terrain in front of a trapezoidal keep, which was once flanked by five towers.

From the plateau, the view spans 360 degrees across the surrounding countryside and out toward Syracuse.

Why you should visit Euryalus Castle

The fortress was built under the direction of Dionysus, tyrant of Syracuse, following the Athenian siege of the city. It formed the advanced point of a 27 kilometer defensive wall system that enclosed the city, standing as one of the most significant military fortifications from the Greek era to survive to the present day.

Following the Roman conquest of the city, the complex underwent several modifications, lasting into the Byzantine period when parts were rebuilt using recycled materials. Local tradition attributes a possible role for the scholar Archimedes in the fortress design, though historical certainty is lacking.

Ditches, keep, and underground tunnels

The entrance to the castle is guarded by three defensive ditches. The first measures 6 metres long and 4 metres deep. The second, located 86 metres from the first, stretches for roughly 50 metres. The third, even wider, reaches 17 metres across and 9 metres deep.

The keep (mastio) was originally defended by a triangular spur, later replaced by five towers reaching 15 metres in height, which likely housed catapults. Visitors today can explore their collapsed ruins alongside a network of underground tunnels, one of which runs north-south and has recently reopened to the public.

In the second ditch, the stone blocks of the perimeter walls remain visible, carved with a precision that speaks to the skill of the Greek builders.

Friendly tip: The site sits entirely outdoors on an exposed plateau with no natural shade. Bring water and sun protection, especially during the warm months, for a visit that typically lasts between one hour and one hour and thirty minutes.