Castel dell'Ovo

The Castel dell'Ovo, in Naples

The Castel dell'Ovo, the Egg Castle, is the oldest castle of Naples, set on an islet facing the bay. The Naples audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this fortress full of legends, which offers a magnificent view over the gulf.

The Egg Castle on its islet

The Castel dell'Ovo is the oldest castle of Naples, standing on the islet of Megaride, linked to the land, where legend places the Greek foundation of the town. This imposing fortress of golden stone, whose origins date back to antiquity and which was built in its current form in the Middle Ages, owes its name, the Egg Castle, to a legend according to which the poet Virgil would have hidden there a magic egg on which the fate of the town would depend. A witness of the long history of Naples, the castle offers from its ramparts a magnificent view over the bay, Vesuvius and the seafront. At its feet extends the picturesque small port of the Borgo Marinari, lined with restaurants. The Castel dell'Ovo is an emblematic site of Naples.

What to see

You admire the imposing fortress of golden stone on the islet of Megaride, the oldest castle of Naples linked to the legend of the magic egg of Virgil, and you enjoy from its ramparts a magnificent view over the bay, Vesuvius and the picturesque port of the Borgo Marinari. The Castel dell'Ovo is an emblematic site of Naples. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Castel dell'Ovo lies on the islet of Megaride, on the seafront of Naples, reachable on foot by a causeway. Access to the ramparts and the viewpoint is generally free, according to its own hours, which vary. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

Why is the Castel dell'Ovo called the Egg Castle in Naples?

Because of a legend according to which the poet Virgil would have hidden there a magic egg on which the fate of the town would depend; this oldest castle of Naples stands on the islet of Megaride, facing the bay.

Where is the Castel dell'Ovo?

On the islet of Megaride, on the seafront of Naples, in Italy.