page_title: Euryalus fortress
section_title: Fortifications
hierarchical_section_title: Euryalus fortress / Description / Fortifications
caption_attribution_description: Italiano: Mappa del Castello Eurialo sull'Epipoli
context_page_description: The Euryalus Fortress located in the frazione of Belvedere, 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, around 7 km northwest of Syracuse.
context_section_description: Between the ditches is the central fortress which has a rectangular shape (G, erroneously listed as "C" on the map). Beyond ditch D, the central fortress which was open in the Greek period, is closed by five square towers (pentapylon), which were probably about 15 metres high with crenellations on top as well as 4th century BC rainwater spouts in the shape of lions' heads, now kept in the Museo Paulo Orsi. The towers were probably platforms for catapults. Near the central fortress there are three large cisterns which could provide water in the event of a siege. 
  Beyond the central fortress, there is a large wall, where the entrance to the castle was (called the Tryolon because it is made up of three gates) at the east end, which is about 5 metres thick which links the whole complex to the Dionysian walls. It was defended by further towers and a double vaulted entranceway. The west end was linked to the fortress at a  high point of the plateau, near a cistern and a watchtower.
caption: Plan of the fortress
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