 Introduction
It was first built and occupied by the Frederick II, but later the Angevins, the Aragonese, the French, and the Spanish. The inner and higher parts of the castle are reachable through the Norman Ramp, which is still today the main way of access. It is possible to visit only some areas of the castle, and particularly the panoramic terrace with the Catalan Loggia.
Location
Transit: By Bus: C82 or R2.
History
The islet was the first settlement by Greek colonists coming from Pithecusa (on Ischia Island) who also founded the old town of Partenope on Monte Echia, the earliest nucleus of Naples. During the 1st century B.C. the islet of Megaride became property of Lucius Licinius Lucullus, who built his most magnificent villa there. Very few signs of this legendary villa remain, because of the several constructions made upon it in the following times.
After the death of Lucullus, the villa came under the Empire property and it was used as luxury prison for some exponents of the Emperor's family, during the numerous conspirations and succession fights for the throne of Rome. In 476 the Barbarian king Odoacre imprisoned there the last emperor Romulus Augustus, ratifying the definitive fall of the West Roman Empire. After that, Naples had been a Byzantine duchy for some centuries, under formal domain by the East Roman Empire, but with a substantial independence. Then the islet of Megaride housed a friary of Basileus monks, dedicated to Il Salvatore (the Savior). From that period remain some tracks inside the Savior's Chapel and in the so-called Sala delle Colonne (Columns' Hall), a refectory decorated with some columns taken by the underlying Roman villa.
The Castel
Legends of the Castel dell'Ovo
Here, legend has it, is where the siren Parthenope washed ashore after throwing herself into the sea when her song failed to bewitch Ulysses. Less mythologically, here is where the Greeks from Cuma to the north first settled the bay of Naples in the fifth century B.C. Centuries later the island became the home of the last Roman emperor, exiled here in 476 A.D. after the empire was overrun by the Goths.
Useful information
Open: Monday-Saturday: 9am - 5pm, Sunday: 9am - 1pm.
Links
Transport
Transport
Transport
Transport
Transport
|
Pagina iniziale
Castel dell'Ovo
Prenota Hotel
