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Tunnel of Eupalinos: An Ancient Engineering Marvel

Explore an ancient marvel of engineering: the Tunnel of Eupalinos, a 6th-century BC aqueduct on the Greek island of Samos.

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The Tunnel of Eupalinos is an ancient aqueduct on the island of Samos, Greece, dating back to the 6th century BC. This remarkable feat of engineering was built to supply the ancient capital with fresh water and is considered one of the most significant engineering achievements of antiquity.

A brief summary to Tunnel of Eupalinos

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good traction, as the tunnel floor can be wet and slippery.
  • Check the availability of the different itineraries before your visit, as some routes may be temporarily closed.
  • Book your visit in advance, especially if you plan to take Itinerary 2 or 3, as space is limited.
  • Be aware that the tunnel's interior can be narrow and may not be suitable for visitors with claustrophobia or mobility issues.
  • Arrive 10 minutes early to receive a protective helmet, which is required for all visitors.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The South Entrance to the Tunnel of Eupalinos is located approximately 2 km northwest of Pythagoreion. From the center of Pythagoreion, follow the main road towards the Archaeological Site of Pythagoreion. Continue past the site, following signs for the Tunnel of Eupalinos. The walk is uphill and takes approximately 30-40 minutes. There is no admission cost to walk to the entrance.

  • Public Transport

    The local KTEL bus service connects Pythagoreion with other parts of Samos. From Samos town, take the bus to Pythagoreio. From Pythagoreio bus station, it is approximately a 30-40 minute walk to the Tunnel of Eupalinos. Bus fare from Samos town to Pythagoreio is approximately €2-4. There is no local bus service that goes directly to the Tunnel of Eupalinos.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Pythagoreion. A taxi from Pythagoreion to the Tunnel of Eupalinos costs approximately €5. The taxi will drop you off near the entrance of the tunnel, minimizing the walking distance.

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Discover more about Tunnel of Eupalinos

The Tunnel of Eupalinos, located near Pythagorio on the island of Samos, is a testament to ancient Greek engineering prowess. Constructed in the 6th century BC under the direction of Eupalinos of Megara, the tunnel served as an aqueduct, providing fresh water to the ancient city of Samos (now Pythagoreion). The tunnel stretches 1,036 meters through Mount Kastro and is famed for being excavated simultaneously from both ends, a groundbreaking technique for its time. Herodotus, the ancient Greek historian, lauded the tunnel as one of the greatest engineering feats of the Greeks. The aqueduct was crucial for providing a secure water source, especially during times of war. The tunnel remained in use for over 1,100 years, until it was abandoned in the Byzantine period and later used as a refuge. Today, visitors can explore sections of the tunnel and marvel at the precision of its construction. The tunnel's dimensions vary, with some parts being quite narrow and low, requiring visitors to navigate single file. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical and engineering significance. Exploring the Tunnel of Eupalinos offers a unique glimpse into the ingenuity and skill of ancient engineers. There are currently three routes available for visitors, although some may be temporarily closed : * **Itinerary 1:** A 185-meter section that showcases the tunnel's construction details. * **Itinerary 2:** A 424-meter route that includes a Byzantine-era cistern and the meeting point of the two excavation teams. * **Itinerary 3:** The full 1,036-meter tunnel, allowing visitors to see the spring and cistern in Agiades. Before visiting, it's important to note that the tunnel's interior has varying dimensions, with some sections being narrow and potentially challenging for individuals with claustrophobia or mobility issues. The temperature inside the tunnel remains consistently around 16°C, with high humidity levels.

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