Visiting The Castel dell’Ovo, the oldest castle in the city

Visit the Castel dell’ovo: The Castel dell’Ovo (Castrum Ovi, in Latin), is the oldest castle in the city of Naples and is one of the most prominent features in the famous panorama of the gulf.

An ancient legend has it that its name comes from the fact that the Latin poet Virgil hid in the dungeons of the building a magic egg that had the power to keep the entire fortress standing.

However, its breakage would cause not only the collapse of the castle, but also a series of ruinous catastrophes to the city of Naples.

During the 14th century, in the time of Joan I, the castle suffered extensive damage due to the partial collapse of the arch on which it rested, and to prevent panic from spreading among the population about the supposed future catastrophes that would strike the city, the queen had to swear that she had replaced the egg.

Visiting Naples’ Castel dell’Ovo:

Is open to the public with the following hours:

Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Sundays and holidays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.