Castel dell'Ovo

Naples, Italy

Castel dell'Ovo (Egg Castle) is located on the former island of Megaride, now a peninsula, on the Gulf of Naples. The castle's name comes from a legend about the Roman poet Virgil, who had a reputation in the Middle Ages as a great sorcerer and predictor of the future. In the legend, Virgil put a magical egg into the foundations to support the fortifications. Had this egg been broken, the castle would have been destroyed and a series of disastrous events for Naples would have followed.

Roman Era

The Castel dell'Ovo is the oldest standing fortification in Naples. The island of Megaride was where Greek colonists from Cumae founded the original nucleus of the city in the 6th century BC. Its location affords it an excellent view of the Naples waterfront and the surrounding area. In the 1st century BC the Roman patrician Lucius Licinius Lucullus built the magnificent villa Castellum Lucullanum on the site. Fortified by Valentinian III in the mid-5th century, it was the site to which the last western Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was exiled in 476. Eugippius founded a monastery on the site after 492.

Middle Ages

The remains of the Roman-era structures and later fortifications were demolished by local residents in the 9th century to prevent their use by Saracen raiders. The first castle on the site was built by the Normans in the 12th century. Roger the Norman, conquering Naples in 1140, made Castel dell 'Ovo his seat. The importance of the Castel dell'Ovo began to decline when king Charles I of Anjou built a new castle, Castel Nuovo, and moved his court there. Castel dell'Ovo became the seat of the Royal Chamber and of the State Treasury. It also served as a prison. The current appearance dates from the Aragonese domination (15th century).

Modern Age

It was struck by French and Spanish artillery during the Italian Wars; in the Neapolitan Republic of 1799 its guns were used by rebels to deter the philo-Bourbon population of the city. After a long period of decay the site got its current appearance during an extensive renovation project started in 1975.

Architecture

In the 19th century a small fishing village called Borgo Marinaro, which is still extant, developed around the castle's eastern wall. It is now known for its marina and restaurants. The castle is rectangular in plan, approximately 200 by 45 metres at its widest, with a high bastion overlooking the causeway that connects it to the shore; the causeway is more than 100 metres long and a popular location for newlyweds to have their wedding photos taken. Inside the castle walls are several buildings that are often used for exhibitions and other special events. Behind the castle there is a long promontory once probably used as a docking area. A large round tower stands outside the castle walls to the southeast.

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Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

More Information

www.castel-dell-ovo.com

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Orlando Guerra (8 months ago)
Beautiful and historic place on the lungomare of Napoli, plenty of great restaurants and bars in the area too! Perfect for an evening walk and dinner!
Emmanuel Momjian (9 months ago)
A beautiful castle but it is was closed for renovation in late June 2023.
Melissa Naja (9 months ago)
it was beautiful and unbelievable an oceanfront castle. It is free to go up inside and to the roof. Another name of the castle is Egg castle (sounds very cute) The castle is rectangular in plan, approximately 200 by 45 metres at its widest and the castle is popular for newlyweds to have their wedding photos taken. Inside the castle walls are several buildings that are often used for exhibitions and other special events. if you have some extra time, there are some good views on the top.
Mircea-Bogdan Tănăsescu (9 months ago)
Impressive monument feom the outside but not to visit. Lovely streets in the near port area
Robert Chomicz (11 months ago)
This is not a pretty castle, but it is a very impressive and intimidating one. When you think of the medieval ages, a fortress like this comes to mind. Located on a small islet, it jets out into the sea. It's free to enter and consequently pretty crowded, but definitely worth visiting.
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