Castel dell'Ovo, Naples (Castel dell'Ovo) - medieval fortress of Egg. Excursions in Naples

Medieval castle Castel dell'Ovo in Naples is located on small island Santa Lucia, which is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. It is from this place that the history of the first city, built here in the 6th century BC, begins.

This is one of the oldest castles in Naples and is definitely worth a visit. Him interesting story, unique architecture, and from the observation deck there is a stunning view of the Bay of Naples and the entire city.

The name of the castle translates as “Egg Castle”. Why? Find out from the article.

The history of the Castel dell'Ovo castle

The first city, called Partenopeia, was founded on the island of Megaris in the 6th century BC by the first settlers from Qom. During the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC. the commander Lucius Lucullus built a rich palace here, and during the reign of Emperor Valentinian III the island was carefully fortified. After this, in 476, the last emperor Romulus Augustulus was brought here.

Monks and monastery

In the period from 492 to 496, several monks belonging to the Order of St. Basil arrived on the island and brought with them the relics of St. Severin of Nikor. They lived on an island in cells that were carved into the rocks. These cells can still be seen today.

In the 8th century, a monastery was built on the island, called the Abode of the Savior, where the monks moved. The cells began to be used for secret rituals, and also as a necropolis.

Castle construction

The construction of the castle is attributed to the Norman Roger II of Sicily, who in 1139 seized these lands and built impregnable fortress Castel dell'Ovo. This castle became his residence.

In the 14th century, during a strong earthquake, a significant part of the castle's interior collapsed. Fortunately, these structures were restored by the architect Giovanni De Giulio.

Fortress

In 1503, the castle was besieged by Ferdinand II of Aragon, when the northern part of the fortress was badly damaged due to a mine explosion. Subsequently, reconstruction was carried out and this part of the castle turned into a huge hall with a vault, called Italian and used at that time as a stable.

From 1503 to 1734, the castle was entirely a military fortification rather than a royal residence. So, in 1693, the Ramalietto battery appeared on its western side.

Jail

In the 18th century the castle was used as a prison. The poet and philosopher Tommaso Campanella, as well as political figures of the 19th century - Carlo Poerio, Francesco di Sanctis, Luigi Settembrini, were imprisoned here.

Modern times

Today, the castle often hosts exhibitions and various concerts. On the eve of major holidays, fireworks and bright lights are lit here.

Be sure to climb to the very top of the fortress to admire the beautiful view of all of Naples! You will have a view of (Palazzo Reale di Napoli), Castel Nuovo, the port with beautiful liners, (Castel Sant'Elmo), as well as .

Architecture of Castel dell'Ovo

The castle looks very monumental and impressive, as it should be medieval castles 11th-13th centuries. Although it has an unusual elongated shape. The architecture of the fortress features many arches, which are decorated with antique columns and pilasters.

Towers

Despite numerous damages to the fortress during its history, the main walls and structure of the castle have been preserved since the 9th century. Then the castle was divided into northern and southern parts using an arch. The northern part, built in the 16th century, includes the Colleville Tower, connected to the Great Bastion. South part, built in the 14th century, includes the Great Tower, the Middle Tower, where the Church of St. Salvator is located, and the Norman Tower.

The main bastion of the castle was the Norman Tower, on top of which the Norman flag was placed. This tower was distinguished by very thick walls and served to protect the southern ledge of the fortress. At its base on west side There is a large window through which you can clearly see the sea.

Bastion

The Ramalietto battery is a bastion that appeared during Spanish rule. It housed 60 guns. The bastion is connected to the main building of the castle, forming a wing, at the edge of which there is a large tower.

Great Arch Hall

Currently, the castle is no longer divided into two parts, since during the reconstruction the Great Arch Hall was formed.

Hall of Columns

Of particular interest are the Hall of Columns from the time of Angevin rule and the Prison of Queen Giovanna - an interesting underground room next to the entrance to the castle, which was carved out of the rock.

Church

Also in the castle is the Church of St. Peter, which was built in the 14th century. In 1847, its interior was completely changed, so the original appearance of the church has not been preserved to this day.

Museum

At the end of the tour you can visit historical Museum, located on the grounds of the castle. It displays not only household items of Neapolitans from the 14th to 16th centuries, but also paintings by famous artists such as Titian and Vaccaro.

Legends of Castel dell'Ovo

Many legends are associated with the origin of the castle's name. From Italian, Castel dell'Ovo translates as "egg castle". There are two versions of the origin of this strange name.

The first of them says that the castle was named so because of its elongated shape, reminiscent of an egg. According to another legend, the Roman magician Virgil hid a magic egg under the fortress, thanks to which the castle walls are held.

At the foot of the castle there are many restaurants and bars where you can relax after sightseeing and eat delicious local cuisine.

How to get to Castel dell'Ovo

Castel dell'Ovo is located near Piazza del Plebiscito at Via Eldorado 3. If you go by bus, you need bus number C25, which you will find on any map of Naples. The stop at the castle is called Via Partenope.

Opening hours

The castle is open on weekdays from 8.00 to 19.00, and on weekends and holidays from 8.00 to 14.00.

Cost of visit

Entrance to Castel dell'Ovo is free as of 2019.

Next to the Castel dell'Ovo castle is Piazzale Plebiscita - the central square of Naples, in the center of which stands a statue of the Italian king Victor Emmanuel II. Here you can visit the famous Royal Palace and the Church of St. Francis of Paolan. In the center stands an equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II, the king who unified Italy.

Excursions in Naples

Would you like an experienced guide to take you on a tour of Naples? Of course, it will be better if your guide is local, which will introduce you to the city like no other.

Check out the most interesting and unusual excursions Online .

In Naples, not far from Piazza del Plebiscito, is located the amazing Castel dell’Ovo. The ancient castle proudly rises on a separate island near the seashore. The fortress attracts tourists as it is beautiful and majestic architectural monument, endowed rich history.

Castel dell'Ovo stands proudly above the sea harbor on the island of Megaride. “Castle of the Egg” is the unspoken name of the most ancient fort in 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 day it has undergone many major changes. In the 14th century it was destroyed by a strong force, then in the 16th century it suffered from attacks from 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 dell'Ovo. However, the main part of the fortress has been preserved quite well, so visitors can walk within the walls built 9 centuries ago.

Name

The castle is called “egg” for several reasons. "Uovo" in Italian means "egg", which resembles a castle in its elongated shape.

An ancient 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 remain untouchable.

Popular rumor immediately attributed several eggs to the castle to guarantee the eternal life of Naples. Therefore, Castel dell'Ovo became the Egg Castle. Only a few people 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 (Castel Nuovo), the king's treasury began to be kept here. In the 18th century, this grandiose building finally turned into a military fortress protecting Naples from attacks from the sea.

Observation platforms

The road to Castel dell'Ovo does not take long. 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 sit on sun-warmed rocks to rest and admire the seascape.

The observation decks offer a wonderful overview of the sights of Naples: (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 Vomero hill delights our eyes - Castel Sant’Elmo.

Description

The history of Castel dell'Ovo is eventful: for several centuries the castle served as a military fortification. In the 18th century, a prison was organized in the fortress. Among the most famous prisoners are: the poet and philosopher Tommaso Campanella, significant political figures of the 19th century (Carlo Poerio, Luigi Settembrini, Francesco di Sanctis).

A complete immersion into the past will be provided by a walk through the courtyards of the Egg Castle. The architecture of the castle is dominated by arches, decorated with pilasters and antique columns. This medieval style was typical for the construction of various stone structures XI-XIII centuries. You can also look into the Church of St. Peter, built in the 14th century.

The castle consists of several vaulted 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 rock in the 16th century. It included the Colleville Tower, which was adjacent to the Great Bastion and other buildings.

The construction of the southern part of the monument dates back to the 14th 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 disintegrated, and in its place the Great Arch Hall was formed. 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 interspersed with Baroque elements. On the grounds of the castle you will find an interesting historical museum. Among the exhibits are paintings by famous Italian artists Vaccaro and Titian, as well as Neapolitan household items from the 14th-16th centuries discovered during excavations.

What to see nearby

You can cheer up and replenish your strength in the restaurants located next to the fortress. In addition to delicious Italian cuisine, travelers will be able to admire beautiful views to Naples and the cool breeze blowing from Tyrrhenian Sea.

How to get there

To get to Castel dell'Ovo, you need to take bus number C25, which is indicated on any map of the city of Naples. You need to get off at the Via Partenope stop.

Opening hours, address, ticket prices

Opening hours of the Egg Castle: on weekdays from 8-00 to 19-00, and on holidays and weekends from 8-00 to 14-00. Therefore, be vigilant and do not forget about Saturday and Sunday, otherwise you risk approaching a closed entrance.

• Address: Via Eldorado 3, 80132 Napoli, Italy
• phone: +39 081 7954 593
• visit is free

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Somewhere at the beginning of the magazine, I made it a principle of my reluctance to write about well-known sights (such as the Colosseum and Pompeii). I still can’t say anything new, and only the lazy haven’t written about them over the past centuries, so why waste paper translations on the Internet? In the case of Naples, we will have to change the stated principle a little, because reading tourism forums leads to a sad conclusion: people still do not like this magnificent city. Therefore, today a little about the well-known Castel dell'Ovo castle - another “calling card” of Naples.

Kestel del Ovo, by the way, is a very historical castle. At the turn of two eras, the villa of Lucullus was located on the island, and here he gave his famous feasts. In the basement of the villa, according to local legend, Virgil (the same one who wrote the Aeneid, he, as you remember, lived in Naples) buried a golden egg: as long as it is intact, Naples will live. The deposed Romulus Augustulus was exiled here to live his useless life. Then there was a monastery here: first a Greek Basilian, then a Latin Benedictine. The castle itself was first built under Roger II, who, after the death of the last Neapolitan Duke Sergius VII in battle, annexed the city to his kingdom. Young Conradin was imprisoned in the castle, and from here he emerged, only to die in Piazza Mercato at the hands of the executioner. The wife and children of the deceased King Manfred were also imprisoned here: they slightly disturbed the conscience of Charles of Anjou, who took the Sicilian throne not entirely honestly))) Perhaps, in order not to be embarrassed further, Charles of Anjou built himself a new residence, Castel Nuovo.

Unlike its younger brother Castel Nuovo, the Egg Castle (Castel del Ovo) is not a museum. Part of it occupies military unit, so you can’t get there in principle; all other parts are occupied by some government offices. This last circumstance provides two advantages: free entry and work until late on weekdays. But there is an inevitable drawback: on Sundays and holidays the castle is only open until lunchtime. And this prevented me from getting inside for many years. Now I’ve been there, and I’m happy to report on it)))

The castle stands on a separate island, or rather a rock, connected to the mainland by a long bridge. Musicians play on the bridge, newlyweds kiss, day-trippers take photos (they are taken by bus directly to the castle) - a typical tourist picture. If you abstract from it, you can instantly be transported to the Middle Ages.
Here is a panorama with the bridge and in the rain (to make it more scary):

Here is the view from the embankment (called Via Partenopea) and in sunny weather (to smooth out the gloomy impressions of the previous photo). Here we went further along the embankment - towards Chiaia:

And now we’ve returned a little back - to the section of the embankment between the Royal Palace and the castle:

Do you see the yellow houses to the left of the castle? This is all that remains of the once picturesque fishing village of Borgo Santa Lucia. The first floors of these houses are restaurants, and the harbor is crowded with pleasure yachts and boats. That part of the Santa Lucia suburb that remained on the other side of the embankment was destroyed and built up modern hotels, where guests can sip coffee on the balcony and admire the sunrise/sunset over the castle. Anyone who doesn’t have such a balcony can only spit on those would-be architects who completely banished poetry from this place. But these unfortunate people, sipping coffee with a view of the castle, know how to take photographs, which somewhat atones for their guilt before humanity (from here on, the photographs are not mine, but from Wiki; it’s not my fault, I just, being a lover of romance, visited the castle at dusk) ):

The castle appears to have dizzying heights, but the rise is observation decks completely unburdensome. Inside there is a gentle staircase - a ramp, and climbing it is a pleasure. However, there is an elevator for those interested.
Here you go up this ramp:

The stairs leading to the offices go somewhere to the side:

They are not allowed into either room, so visitors go to two terraces at once, from which they have views of the city. Unfortunately, the city was pretty much destroyed during the Second World War, and it was the port part that was bombed, so you won’t see any masterpieces from the terraces. On the left, the panorama is limited by the Posilippo hill, which, however, is also built up, so you can no longer find an idyll there. From Posilipo to Castel dell'Ovo stretches the wide embankment Via Partenopeia, the “backdrop” of which is the city gardens of Villa Communale with the Aquarium. It is clear that the many fishing boats painted in the past along the sandy shore of Chiaia are also no longer in sight - they are replaced by racing cars. To the right of Castel dell'Ovo you can see the large Royal Palace, behind it is Castel Nuovo, and behind all this is a huge sea ​​port with liners, which in this case make it very difficult to immerse yourself in the story. To the right, Vesuvius darkens ominously in the distance, and right in front of the city, Vomero Hill with the Castle of Sant'Elmo and the Monastery of San Martino hangs over the city. And finally, turning your back to the city, you can see the island of Capri and the Sorrento Peninsula in the sea.

You can’t take such panoramas with a soap box, so those who want to see all this will have to go to Naples.
Actually, all previous notes consistently hammered this idea into my head.

To violate principles is to violate. So next time we'll take a walk around central square(a dubious title, there are several such squares in Naples) Piazza Plebiscito and take a look at the Royal Palace and the Church of San Francesco di Paola.

The most ancient castle in Naples looks like a ship sailing towards the city. The building has retained its foundation, built back in the 12th century by the Normans. The resourceful Neapolitans composed interesting legend, capable of stopping attempts to demolish the object. The name Castel dell'Ovo is also associated with it, which means fortress or castle of the Egg.

Castel dell'Ovo is medieval. The castle was built on a miniature island. Almost the entire piece of land is allocated for its considerable dimensions - up to 200 m in length and 45 m in width. The island is connected to the shore by a high embankment and a convenient road leading directly to the fortress.

How can a view like the one in this photo leave a traveler indifferent? Moreover, there are several points in favor of visiting the fortress.

Firstly, Castel dell'Ovo is so conveniently located that it is not difficult to get to it. Walking along the Naples promenade - turn into sea ​​fortress. While you are exploring the sights of Piazza Plebiscito, del Ovo is almost nearby.

Secondly, the tour of Egg Castle is completely free. Well, you see, this is an obvious plus. Thirdly, from the walls and squares of the fortress there is an excellent overview of the islands, Ischia, Procida and, of course, Naples itself.

So, let’s find out what the legend of the castle is about and go on a tour.

Legend of the Castel dell'Ovo

For the first time, a certain Roman commander built on the islet where Castel dell’Ovo stands in the 1st century BC. your own villa. This historical fact, not a legend. At the same time, the great poet Virgil lived and worked in the Roman Empire, who created the epic Aeneid and many other large and small works. In his youth he even studied in Naples. This is also a fact.

Allegedly, Virgil came up with magical protection for buildings, which was also applied to this fortress. Having placed the egg in a jug of water, he placed it in an iron cage. The cage was hung on an oak crossbar in the most secluded basement of the castle. The main magic is that as long as the egg is kept intact, not only the castle, but the whole of Naples is protected.

The legend cleverly omits the circumstances regarding when the egg settled in the foundations of the building. Either the poet-prognosticator personally placed it in the foundation of the first villa on the island, or the Italo-Normans took advantage of this idea, building a castle on the ruins of previous buildings. Be that as it may, the legend works. And, if someone’s hot head wants to remove the fortress, the indignant public of Italy will not allow this.

The legend is believed to be the reason for the castle's original name. Realists who disagree with this idea can take a closer look at the first photograph. Because the second version of the name is a form of fortress.

Tour of the Castel del Ovo

The oldest castle in Naples dates back to 1139. At first it was a fortified home for the rulers, until Charles of Anjou wanted to move his court from the Tyrrhenian Sea to land. As soon as a new castle was erected on the shore, the purpose of the fortress del Ovo narrowed. Some government institutions and a prison operated within its walls. The location is suitable.

As a fortification structure, the fortress has withstood many attacks and shelling in its lifetime. The significantly damaged object was restored at the end of the 20th century and has since been opened for inspection, organizing small exhibitions.

This painting depicts medieval Naples. Nuovo Castle stands out in the foreground, and on the top of the mountain -.

The lower part of the building retains architectural elements from the time when Castel dell'Ovo was a royal residence.

The castle's numerous open areas have been beautifully restored, allowing you to view the city from the sea, or the entire Gulf of Naples, or.

It is interesting that at present there are no permanent offices within such good walls. The castle has several rooms where exhibitions and conferences are held. In normal times, they are completely empty and are equipped accordingly only upon request for such a business event. Perhaps the waving flags in the photo are signaling the upcoming event.

The upper part of the castle ends with bastions, where medieval guns are installed. Excellent observation deck sea ​​spaces and urban terrains.

Here, on the borders, there are ceramic paintings with views of the coast and landmarks. You can examine the surroundings and immediately determine on the ceramic map what is where. It looks like these paintings were just posted in 2018.

Here is another exhibit relevant to the history of the Castel del Ovo. Since the magic egg is mentioned, there must be a rooster...

As I already mentioned, the fortress occupies almost the entire island. But since the 19th century, several fishing houses appeared near its eastern wall. This territory has been developed to this day. Only the fishermen's housing was replaced by restaurants and trattorias.

For this reason, tourists come to the island not only for an excursion, but also to refresh themselves.

If, however, visiting Castel dell’Ovo is more interesting, focus on opening hours from 9.00 to 18.30. The fortress is open daily, on Sundays and holidays - until 14:00. Let me remind you that this is a pleasant case when the cost will not bother you.

Your euro guide Tatyana

Castel dell'Ovo / Castle del Ovo (Castel dell'Ovo) - medieval fortress, is the oldest fortification in Naples.

Castel dell'Ovo is also known as the Castle of the Egg or the Egg Castle. So unusual name The castle is associated with one of the most bizarre Neapolitan legends. The Roman poet Virgilio, who in the Middle Ages had a reputation as a great sorcerer and predictor of the future, laid a magic egg in the foundation of the castle and said: “This egg supports the castle and if the egg is broken, the castle will be destroyed, followed by a series of catastrophic events.” events throughout Naples." From that moment on, the fate of the castle, together with the city, was connected with the fate of the egg. The chronicles say that during the reign of Queen Giovanna I, the castle was badly damaged due to the collapse of the arch that unites the two rocks on which it was built, after which panic grew in the city associated with rumors of the “death” of all of Naples. In order to prevent chaos, for fear of new and more serious disasters, the Queen was forced to solemnly announce that she had replaced the egg and Naples was once again protected.

According to another version, the castle was named “Egg” for its unusual shape.

Castel del Ovo stands on two rocks connected by a large arch, which gives its appearance an impressive, impregnable appearance.

The castle is located in historical center cities, on former island Megarid, now a peninsula in Naples. Megarid Island was where Greek colonists from Kuma founded the core of the city in the 6th century BC.

The current appearance of the castle dates from the Aragonese domination (15th century). During the Italian War, the castle was significantly damaged by French and Spanish troops. After a long period of deterioration, the castle acquired its current appearance during a large-scale reconstruction that began in 1975.

In the 19th century, the small fishing village of Borgo Marinaro arose around the eastern wall of the castle, which still survives and is now part of the city and is famous for its restaurants and the harbor adjacent to the castle walls.

A bridge (dam) leads to the entrance of the castle, connecting the island and the castle with the Naples promenade, Via Partenope, where the most prestigious hotels in Naples are located, such as the 5-star Grand Vesuvio Hotel, 4-star Royal Continental and Eurostars hotels Excelsior.

Above the arched entrance to the castle you can see the remains of a coat of arms and old cannons

Interior of Castel dell'Ovo in Naples

Currently, the castle is a monumental complex of Castel del Ovo. Entrance to the castle grounds is free. Throughout the year, the castle halls host various exhibitions, events that can be attended for a fee, on average 8 - 10 Euro. Also inside the castle there are several rooms of various types that can be used for conferences, meetings and business meetings.

Photo of the free part of the castle

The castle has several terraces of different levels and a balcony, which offer picturesque views of the embankment, the Bay of Naples and some surrounding areas.

Loggiato Est terrace overlooking the Gulf of Naples. The space occupies part of the Church of St. Peter, built by the monks of St. Basil, now destroyed.

Balcony overlooking the marina, Vesuvius and the part of the peninsula not occupied by the castle, where accommodation facilities such as the apartments Casa Chirico al Borgo Marinaro and RESORT ON BOARD Castel dell'Ovo - Catamarano Miragua, hotel Transatlantico, holiday home Casa del Porto al Borgo are located .

Terrace overlooking the sea (former royal residence).

The cannon terrace (terrazza dei cannoni), located in the highest part of the castle.