Are you visiting the Cité du Soleil? Here is our tour guide on the Castel dell’Ovo in Naples!
Located in the district Santa Lucia on the Borgo Marinari, the Castel dell’Ovo is the oldest castle in Naples. Located on the small island of the Megaride, it is a wonderful testimony of the foundation and history of this Italian city, since it is here that the Greek colonists of Cumes founded the original nucleus of Naples. Located in the rest of the city by a tiny road in rocks defeated by the rivers of the port, you can not miss visiting this emblematic monument of the city!
But what are you going to see in this “Château de l’oeuf”? From its glorious past to practical information, passing through schedules and rates, we devour everything you need to know to visit the Castel dell’Ovo in Naples in the best conditions!
History of Castel dell’Ovo
Photo credit: Flickr – Giovanni Battista Salvietti
At the beginning of the installation of the Greeks in Campania, the Megaride was an anchor for the settlers when they arrived in the 7th century BC. Later, the heart of the future Naples moved to the East. The small island still remains an important place, since in the 1st century BC, the rich Roman patrician Lucius Licinius Lucullus there built a beautiful villa: the Castellum Lucullanum.
Famous for its lush banquets, the villa became an imperial possession after the death of the patrician. The Emperor of the West Valentinien III strengthened the walls at the beginning of the 5th century to make it a fortress to defend the city during this troubled period. The villa, which became the Castrum Lucullanum, became soon after the place of exile of the last Roman Emperor of the West, Romulus Augustule deposited in 476 by Odoacre.
At the end of the 5th century, monks also settled on the islet, known as San Salvatore, and founded a monastery there. From this period, and until the 12th century, the history of Castel dell’Ovo is not well known. The fortifications were probably destroyed and lifted several times, notably to prevent the Saracens from using the Megaride as a strategic outpost to invade the city and the Campania .
After the capture of Naples in 1140 by the Normans, King Roger made the islet his royal residence. It is the birth of the Castel dell’Ovo, a true citadel and small fortified town. However, he only acquired this name from the 13th century, when Charles d’Anjou moved the royal residence of Castel dell’Ovo to the Castel Nuovo (Château Neuf) that he has just built.
The castle then takes its current architecture, that of a low fortress, especially to better resist artillery bombardments. This did not fail to happen during the Italian Wars, when French and Spanish shelled him. During the 19th century, a small fishing village, the Borgo Marinari , stands along the south wall of the castle. It is always present today, and is known for its marina and restaurants.
As for the name of the castle, the “Château de l’oeuf”, it comes from a medieval legend reported by the poet Virgile. According to this legend, a wizard would have placed a magical egg under the foundations of the castle. If this egg were to disappear or be broken, the fortress would collapse, resulting in the fall of Naples.
What to see and do at Castel dell’Ovo in Naples?
Photo credit: Flickr – Maritè Toledo
Your visit to Castel dell’Ovo will necessarily start with a walk on the stone path of a hundred meters , connecting the castle to the farmland. Many young brides come on this path for the traditional photo shoot, so the place is filled with charm.
Then you can enter the castle . You can discover the impressive course, lined with stone columns, the Sale delle Colonne, or admire the collections of the Museum of Prehistory. The latter is dedicated to local populations and collects ceramics, clothing and other objects belonging to the ancient civilizations of the surrounding area.
Your visit will lead you through a meander of alleys and stairs allowing you to access to the round path , but also to Norman tower , master tower and the rest of the dungeon. You will also discover the remains of a beautiful little church. At the top of the towers of Castel dell’Ovo you can admire the imposing cannons having served to defend the city many invaders.
From these towers or from the ramparts, you can especially enjoy superb views and views of Naples , its port, the bay and even the Vesuvius Far away. Some consider that this is where the most beautiful views of Naples, especially since the large round tower, outside the walls of the castle!
Finally, before leaving the complex, you can walk in the old village of Borgo Marinari . This seafront promenade is home to many cafes and restaurants. You can continue to enjoy a superb view of the city in the distance.
How to go to Castel dell’Ovo in Naples?
To visit the Castel dell’Ovo in Naples, you will have to go to the Via Parte-nope in the neighborhood of Santa Lucia. Once on site, you will only have to borrow the stone pier connecting the continent to the castle to access the latter, located next to the Borgo Marinari.
By public transport
To reach the Castel, you can use the public transport of the city of Naples.
- By bus
You can stop at "San Lucia" or "Chiatamone" stations with lines 128 , 140 , 154 and N1 .
- By metro
It is also possible to reach the castle from the metro station "Municipio" on the line 1 , which also serves the Castel Nuovo. You will have to walk about 20 minutes before reaching the castle or borrowing the bus line 154 .
By car or taxi
You can also go to the castle by car or by taxi, indicating the following address: Via Eldorado, 3, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy .
Good to know.
Places are rare and paid. To organize your transfers, you can use the Google Maps app.
Prices of Castel dell’Ovo in Naples
Photo credit: Flickr -Andres Alvarado
HORARI
In the summer, it is possible to visit the Castel dell’Ovo in Naples:
- From 9:00 to 7:30 in week
- From 09:00 to 14:00 on holidays and Sundays
In winter, you can visit the castle:
- From 9:00 to 6:30 in week
- From 09:00 to 14:00 on holidays and Sundays
RATES
To visit the Castel dell’Ovo in Naples, it is not necessary to pay . The Museum of Prehistory is however paying. The entrance price depends on its temporary exhibitions.
You can also choose to make a guided tour of this iconic monument. Thus, you will learn more about the history and architecture of the castle, as well as the myths surrounding its name. It is sometimes possible to couple the visit of the Castel dell’Ovo with one or more other monuments of Naples, notably the Castel Nuovo, which succeeded him as a royal residence.
Good to know.
- The last entry is 30 minutes before closing. After this time, it is no longer possible to enter the castle. The alternation between the summer and winter periods coincide with the passages in the summer and winter time. - The high-speed schedules are from 15H to 18H from Monday to Saturday. Saturday and Sunday are the days with the strongest affluences. - For a minimum of one hour to visit the Castel dell’Ovo. The visit can last longer if you sit in front of the panoramas or in Borgo Marinari. - The sunset is one of the best moments to visit the Castel dell’Ovo, the already sublime panoramas are dyed with fabulous colors. For amateur photographers as experienced, this moment is to favor as much lights are interesting. - The castle is not accessible for people with reduced mobility. It seems that some parts are equipped with lifts to facilitate access.
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