In Naples, not far from Piazza del Plebiscito, there is an amazing attraction - Castel de Ovo. The ancient castle stands proudly on a separate island near the seashore. The fortress attracts tourists as a beautiful and majestic architectural monument endowed with a rich history.
Story
Castel del Ovo proudly rises above the sea harbor on the island of Megaride. "Egg Castle" is the unspoken name of the most ancient fort of the city of Naples. The castle was built by Roger II of Sicily in 1139 on the ruins of an early Christian monastery. From the 12th century to the present, it has undergone many major changes. In the XIV century it was destroyed by a strong earthquake, then in the XVI century it suffered from the blows of the Spanish and French artillery.
After the restoration of the northern part of the castle, which was badly damaged during the Italian Wars (1494-1559), stables appeared in Castel del Ovo. However, the main part of the fortress was preserved quite well, so visitors can take a walk in the walls built 9 centuries ago.
Title
The castle is called "egg" for several reasons. "Uovo" in Italian means "egg", which resembles a castle in its elongated shape.
An old legend says that the greatest poet Virgil hid an egg deep in the dark cellars of the castle. As long as the egg lies untouched, Naples will be inviolable.
Popular rumor immediately attributed several eggs to the castle to guarantee the eternal life of Naples. Therefore, Castel del Ovo turned into the Egg Castle. Only a few affectionately call this place Egg Castle.
In the fifteenth century, the castle acted as the residence of the rulers of Naples. Later, when the ruling elite moved to the New Castle (Castel Nuovo, Castel Nuovo), the king’s treasury was kept here. In the XVIII century, this grandiose building finally turned into a military fortress protecting Naples from raids from the sea.
Observation Decks
Castel del Ovo stands on a separate island, even a rock, which is connected to the mainland by a long bridge.
The road to Castell del Ovo does not take much time. A cozy cobblestone street, fenced with parapets, allows you to slowly approach the broken silhouette of the castle, simultaneously examining its walls in the smallest details. Numerous tourists and couples in love are sitting on stones warmed by the sun to take a break and enjoy the seascape.
From the observation platforms you can enjoy a wonderful overview of Naples sights: the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale di Napoli), another castle of Castel Nuovo, a port with huge liners. In the distance you can see the dangerous Vesuvius, which brought a lot of grief, but at the same time beautiful, thanks to its greatness. And another castle on the hill of Vomero delights our sight - Sant Elmo (Castel Sant'Elmo).
Due to its favorable geographical position, the castle is often used as a venue for all kinds of exhibitions, symposiums and other cultural events. On the eve of great holidays, Castel del Ovo blooms: in the evenings, fireworks and light shows sparkle over the ancient walls.
Description
The history of Castell del Ovo is eventful: for several centuries the castle served as a military fortification. In the XVIII century, a prison was organized in the fortress. Among the most famous prisoners are: poet and philosopher Tommaso Campanella (Tommaso Campanella), significant political figures of the XIX century (Carlo Poerio, Luigi Settembrini, Francesco di Sanctis).
A complete immersion in the past will provide a walk through the courtyards of Egg Castle. The architecture of the castle is dominated by arches, decorated with pilasters and antique columns. Such a medieval style was characteristic for the construction of various stone structures of the 11th-13th centuries. You can also look into the church of St. Peter, built in the XIV century.
The castle consists of several sets of towers belonging to different eras. In ancient times, the fortress was divided into two parts: northern and southern, separated from each other by an arch. The northern part was built on the highest ledge of the cliff in the 16th century. It included the Colleville tower, which adjoined the Great Bastion and the rest of the buildings.
The construction of the southern part of the monument belongs to the XIV century and already includes three towers: the Middle Tower, the Great Tower and the Normandy Tower. The Norman tower was considered the main one, so the flag of the conquerors was always fixed on it. Inside the Middle Tower is the church of St. Salvator. Over time, the arch collapsed, and in its place formed the Hall of the Great Arch. The castle also has Upper and Lower Gates; the main entrance to the castle is located immediately behind the bridge.
The main decoration of the castle is made in the Romanesque style with a splash of Baroque elements. In the castle you will find an interesting historical museum. Among the exhibits are paintings by famous Italian artists Vaccaro and Titian, as well as objects of Neapolitan life of the XIV-XVI centuries, discovered during excavations.
What to see nearby
You can cheer up and make up for strength in restaurants located near the fortress. In addition to delicious Italian cuisine, travelers can enjoy beautiful views of Naples and the cool breeze blowing from the Tyrrhenian Sea.
How to get there
To get to Castell del Ovo, you need to take bus number C25, which is indicated on any map of Naples. Get out at Via Partenope.
Opening hours, address, ticket prices
Opening hours of Egg Castle: on weekdays from 8-00 to 19-00, and on holidays and weekends from 8-00 to 14-00. Therefore, be careful and do not forget about Saturday and Sunday, otherwise you risk approaching the closed entrance.
- Address: Via Eldorado 3, 80132 Napoli, Italia
- phone: +39 081 7954 593
- visit is free
