Castel dell'Ovo - Naples Egg Castle

Visit the oldest castle in Naples Italy - Info & Tickets

Visit the imposing Castel dell'Ovo, or 'egg castle' on a peninsula off the coast of Naples Italy is the oldest castle in the city.

Castel dell'Ovo, Naples' oldest castle

The imposing Castel dell'Ovo is one of the oldest buildings in Naples and can not be missed during a city trip. The castle can be found on a peninsula and you will find nice eateries at the foot and with a beautiful view of the sea. While strolling on Lungomare Caracciolo, the Castel dell'Ovo for sure will catch your eye.

Egg Castle: What gives Castel dell'Ovo its name?

Freely translated to English, Castel dell'Ovo means 'Egg Castle'. There are several stories why this is called the Egg Castle. One of the legends is that the Roman poet Virgil placed an egg in the foundation of the castle. Should the egg break, the castle would perish topgether with the city of Naples. The castle is still standing, so that would mean the egg is still whole. There is little left of the original castle, but the view from the castle makes this place worth a visit.

^{The atmospheric harbor at Castel dell Ovo in Naples}

^{On top of the egg castle you can enjoy the view over the bay}

Castel dell'Ovo: from castle to monastery

The castle was first built by Lucius Licinius Lucullus, in the 1st century BC. The castle of Naples was strategically important because of its overview over the Bay of Naples. In the 5th century AD, due to the increasing power of the church and the disintegration of the Roman Empire, the castle was transformed into a monastery. This lasted for 5 centuries, when Normans took over Castel dell'Ovo and turned it back into a castle. Over the centuries, the castle suffered a lot of damage from wars. In 1975 it was finally decided to restore the castle. Today it is one of the most notable Naples attractions at the seafront.

Video: Impression of Castel dell'Ovo

Where is Castel dell'Ovo located in Naples?