Castel dell'Ovo, Medieval castle on Megaride peninsula, Naples, Italy
Description
Castel dell'Ovo is a fortified castle complex on the small Megaride peninsula in the Gulf of Naples, joined to the mainland by a narrow causeway. The defensive walls and towers of yellowish tufa stone rise directly above the water and enclose several courtyards as well as battlements overlooking the sea.
History
A Roman villa from the 1st century BC formed the first construction on this site, until Norman rulers in the 12th century transformed the complex into a fortress. Later rulers expanded the fortifications several times over the centuries, with Aragonese interventions in the 15th century shaping the present basic structure.
Culture
The fortress takes its name from a medieval legend claiming the poet Virgil hid a magical egg in the foundations to protect the city. As long as the egg remained intact, residents believed, Naples would be safe.
Practical
The site opens daily in the morning and closes in the evening, with admission free and visitors able to walk through the courtyards and climb onto some battlements. The stone pathways and staircases are uneven, so comfortable footwear is recommended for walking around.
Did you know?
From the upper battlements, the view extends across the entire gulf to Vesuvius and the island of Capri on the horizon. The peninsula was once a separate island, until sediment and human landfill connected it to the mainland.
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