This 2,000-year-old fortress overlooks the Gulf of Naples. The site was important centuries before the birth of Christ and was fortified by early settlers. In time, a major stronghold to guard the bay was erected and duly celebrated by Virgil. It's said that Virgil built it on an enchanted egg of mystical powers submerged on the floor of the ocean. Legend has it that if the egg breaks, Naples will collapse.

Actually, most of the fortress was constructed by Frederick II and later expanded by the Angevins. Although there's little to see here today, the Castel dell'Ovo is one of the most historic spots in Naples, perhaps the site of the original Greek settlement of Parthenope. In time, it became the villa of Lucullus, the Roman general and philosopher. By the 5th century, the villa had become the home in exile for the last of the western Roman emperors, Romulus Augustulus.

The Goths found him too young and stupid to be much of a threat to their ambitions and pensioned him off here. You can still see columns of Lucullus's villa in the dungeons.

The view from here is panoramic. The interior of the fortress is not open to the public except for special exhibits.

Open Hours

Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 9am-2pm. Call for schedules

Prices

Free admission

Transportation

Bus: C82 or R2

Nearest station

Piazza Amedeo station

Email: casteldellovo@comune.napoli.it

Website: http://www.comune.napoli.it/casteldellovo/intro.htm