Castel dell'Ovo is a medieval castle. It is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the island of Megaris, which is very close to the coast and is connected by a narrow isthmus to Santa Lucia, a coastal area of Naples. In Italian, Castel dell'ovo means "egg castle", for which there are two explanations. Firstly, it has an unusually elongated shape. According to the second version, according to the story, the Roman poet Virgil hid a magical egg underground in a castle, and until it is discovered, the city of Naples and Castel dell'Ovo are not in danger. This is a magnificent architectural monument that has a rich history and attracts many tourists. It is assumed that Greek colonialists founded the city of Naples in its place in the VI century BC.
Later, this beautiful place was appreciated by the Roman commander and consul Lucius Licinius Lucullus. He built a villa here and called it "Castellum Lucullanum", perpetuating his name. In the 5th century, when Valentinian III ruled the empire, the shores of the small island were fortified to protect it from enemy invasions. Then monks lived on Megarid for a long time.
The Castel dell'Ovo fortress appeared in 1139 thanks to the first king of the Kingdom of Sicily, Roger II - the city needed reliable protection from the sea. A hundred years later, the royal palace moved to Castel Nuovo, but the royal treasury and court offices remained in the old castle. By the way, the monk-philosopher Tommaso Campanella was imprisoned in the prison opened here. People unwanted by the government were also kept here. There are many legends about the ghosts of Castel dell'Ovo. Even today, some impressionable tourists can hear the groans of prisoners suffering from shackles and torture. In the XV century, the castle was once again rebuilt and fortified, which was very useful during the wars with France, when it successfully coped with enemy artillery attacks.
Today in Castel dell'Ovo you can see bastions built of yellow tuff, the refectory of the monks, and enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Gulf of Naples to Cape Pozzilippo and the island of Capri from observation platforms. Inside the castle you will see medieval buildings and Gothic signs. Two towers will be of particular interest to tourists: Torre Maestra (mast tower) and Torre Normadia (Norman tower).
Where there is an egg, there is a rooster...
The beautiful castle is often used for cultural events, exhibitions, symposiums, and conferences. Before the holidays, old walls are illuminated and fireworks are displayed.
Most of the fortress was built in the Romanesque style with Baroque elements. Inside you will see many arches with pilasters and ancient columns. Many tourists visit the small church of St. Peter from the 14th century.
A historical museum has been opened on the territory of Castel dell'Ovo, where archaeological artifacts and objects depicting the life of Neapolitans XIV-XVI centuries, ancient documents, photographs are presented. , paintings by famous Italian artists.
The castle is located near the harbor, at Via Eldorado, 3. You can get there by city bus №C25, stop Via Partenope.
Castel del Ovo can be visited every day: 09:00–16:30.
Admission is free.
For more information, visit the website: https://www.comune.napoli.it/casteldellovo.
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