Samos Ancient Wonder Eupalinos Tunnel Reopens to Public

The Eupalinos Tunnel, Pythagoreion, Samos

One of the greatest engineering achievements of ancient times, a Greek wonder on the island of Samos, the 6th century BC Eupalinos Tunnel re-opened to the public this week following extensive restoration works.

The 1,036m tunnel or Eupalinian aqueduct was excavated more than 2,500 years ago from both ends using the principles of geometry to such precision that it stands as a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Greek engineer Eupalinos. Today laser-guided machines are used to drill tunnels from both ends.

The Eupalinos Tunnel, which operated for 1,000 years before it fell into disuse, is part of the Pythagoreion archaeological site, an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.

“Traversing the Eupalinos Tunnel is a once-in-lifetime experience… Let’s take heed of what it has to say about the ancient and contemporary engineers,” said Greek Culture Minister Lydia Koniordou on Tuesday, during the opening event on Samos.

The restoration works were funded by the EU’s NSRF program and cost 3.1 million euros.

The site can now be visited in its entirety and together with the Pythagoreion and Heraion offer one of the most rewarding travel experiences in Greece and on Samos.