Overview
A unique, charming place on the waterfront in Naples
One of the oldest castles in Naples, Castel dell'Ovo, a fortress of Norman origin, can be found on the seafront, on the ancient island Isolotto di Megaride. Legend has it that it was named after the egg of the siren Partenope that the poet Virgil hid underground in the castle. Closed and protected by a cage, the sacred, enchanted egg would have brought good luck to the city if it remained intact. Even today people still believe that the castle can never collapse while the egg is there.
It can be reached on foot by taking a nice walk with the sea breeze for company on which you can admire a unique view of the Gulf of Naples as you climb its terraces. Subject to booking, you can also visit the internal rooms frescoed with late Byzantine works, a vaulted Gothic room excavated from the tufa, the two towers, called Normandia and Maestra, the remains of the Church of San Salvatore and a fifteenth-century loggia, the monks’ cells and the prison of Queen Joanna.
After the visit to the Castle stop off at Borgo Marinari, with its clubs, restaurants and bars for a lunch break or dinner at sunset.
There is an Information Desk, which is always open to the public during visiting hours
There is an Information Desk, which is always open to the public during visiting hours
