The Tunnel of Eupalinos, located near Pythagorio, is considered as one of the greatest engineering achievements of antiquity.
Constructed in the 6th century BC, this 1,036 meter long tunnel served as an aqueduct, designed to transport freshwater from the Agiades spring, to the capital of ancient Samos, Pythagorio.
What makes this tunnel extraordinary is its construction magnitude and method. It is the first tunnel known that has been built under a mountain starting to excavate it from two diametrically opposite portals using mathematics and geometry for keeping it aligned.
Eupalinos measurements and calculations proved that were exceptionallyaccurate as the two excavation teams met with astonishing precision.
Its contraction has been attributed to the tyrant Polycrates of Samos and it took approximately 10 years to be completed. It was designed by Eupalinos of Megara, a pioneer engineer 2500 years ago.
The tunnel’s main passage is about 1.80 meters in height and width, with a secondary, smaller tunnel running beneath for water stream.
Herodotus, our primary historical source on the tunnel, describes both structures in details.
Beyond its role as an aqueduct, the tunnel was strategically designed to hide the water supply from potential invaders. The water was directed through the city’s fortifications, ensuring a secure and uninterrupted flow.
The Eupalinos Tunnel remained in use for over 1,100 years until the 7th century AD. During the Byzantine era, it was abandoned as an aqueduct and it was used for long periods by the Samians as a refugeduring pirate invasions.
In recognition of its historical and engineering significance, UNESCO designated the Eupalinos Tunnel and the wider area of Pythagorio as a World Heritage Site in 1992.
Also in 2017, the American Society of Civil Engineers ASCF recognized the Tunnel of Eupalinos as an “International Historic civil Engineering Landmark”.
Τhere are 3 available route options for visitors
Route 1: Length 185 m. | Maximum number of visitors 20 | Duration 20’, including return.
In this part one can see all the construction details.
Difficulties: A narrow stairway with steep, tall steps and a low and very narrow corridor 17 m. long, 1,55 m. high, 0,55 m. wide. Fairly easy after the corridor.
Visiting hours: 08:40, 09:00, 09:40, 10:00, 10:40, 11:00, 11:40, 12:00, 12:40, 13:00, 13:40, 14:00, 14:40
Route 2:Length 424 m. | Maximum number of visitors 15 | Duration 40’, including return.
Worth to see, a cistern of byzantine period as well asworkers note marksat the meeting point of the two excavationteams, with measurements and names.
Difficulties: All the above mentioned and rocky, uneven floor, which can be wet and slippery in some areas, water dripping from the ceiling in some parts.
Visiting hours: 08:30, 09:20, 10:20, 11:20, 12:20, 13:20, 14:20
* Visitors should book in advance date and time by phone.
Route 3: Length 1036 m. | Maximum number of visitors 10 | Duration one hour, one way.
You can see the whole tunnel and visit the spring in Agiades.
Difficulties: All the above and fatigue. Especially difficult is the passage through the north low, narrow corridor 197 meters long, 0,42 to 0,60 m. wide.
Visiting hours: At 08:30 from the South Entrance, 09:20 from the North Entrance, 10:20 from the South Entrance, 11:20 from the North Entrance, 12:20 from the South Entrance, 13:20 from the North Entrance.
* Visitors should book in advance date and time by phone.
There are no facilities and no public transport to get from the north exit to the city. You either need to prearrange for a car/taxi to wait for you, or to take a 45min walk through αcountry trail to the city of Pythagorio.
Visiting the Tunnel of Eupalinos
- Undoubtedly the Eupalinos Tunnel , is an admirable achievement of engineering worth seeing, however visitors should keep in mind that:
- The tunnel is 1036 m. long. The average dimensions are 1,80 m high and 1,80 m wide, but in some parts the height is as low as 1,50 m. and the width is as narrow as 0,42 m.
- The rocky, uneven floor is wet and slippery in some areas and from the ceiling is dripping water in some parts.
- The temperature is 16,5 – 16,7°C and the humidity is 85 – 97%.
- Overweight people, visitors suffering from claustrophobia, panic attacks, lumbago, cardiac or respiratory problems, spinal diseases, musculoskeletal disorders causing moving difficulties are strongly advised not to enter.
- Visitors who visit the Tunnel, will do so on their own responsibility. In case of an accident the Greek State will bear no responsibility.
- Visitors choosing routes 1 & 2 must not carry big bags.
- Visitors choosing route3, should not carry any bag at all.
- Bags should be handed over at the entrance of the tunnel.
- All visitors must wear protective helmets provided
- Visitors must wear closed flat, non – slip shoes.
- Visitors should be in the entrance 10΄earlier to wear their protective helmet.
- Children less than 14 years old are not allowed inside the Tunnel.
- Young people between 14-18 years of age should be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Guided tour of the Aqueduct must be conducted outside the tunnel. Guides must remain silent inside the Tunnel and can only point out areas of interest.
- Photography is only allowed with nonprofessionalcameraand without the use of flash.
- Professional photography or video are not allowed without a special permission issued by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports.
Visitor’s information
Tickets
- Route 1: Full: 8€ | Reduced: 4€
- Route 2 & 3: Full: 10€ | Reduced: 5€
- Special ticket package: Full: 8€ | Reduced: 4€
* Booking date and time by phone: +30 22730 62813.
Free admission days
- 6 March (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
- 18 April (International Monuments Day)
- 18 May (International Museums Day)
- The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
- National Holidays
Opening hours:
Wednesday – Monday 08.30 – 15.30 | Closed on Tuesdays
Winter:
For itineraries 1 and 2: 08:30 – 15:30 / Last entrance 15:00
Visitors must wear mask.
Summer:
For itineraries 1 and 2: 08:30 – 15:30 / Last entrance 15:00
Visitors must wear mask.
For the routes 2 & 3 visitors should book in advance date and time by phone: +0030 22730 62813.
Access to the Tunnel of Eupalinos
The South Entrance to the Tunnel is about 2 klm from Pythagorio and is accessible by car or on foot.
The North Entrance to the Tunnel is in the rural area of Agiades, it is not accessible by car. Visitors will have to walk on a dirt road for about 20’. Make sure you get directions in advance.
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Source: Ministry of Culture – Eupalinos Tunnel
Photos: GrigorisKoulouriotis, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons and REELDRONE
