Create your free account
Sign in to your account
Search over 1,000,000 properties worldwide and 550 airlines worldwide.
Search over a million flights, hotels, packages, and more
No Expedia cancellation fee to change or cancel almost any hotel reservation.
Castle Of The Egg (Castel Dell'Ovo)
The rocky islet where this castle now sits at Borgo Marinari has been the scene of many legendary events, even for Naples. Neapolitans believe that the heartbroken siren Parthenope washed ashore here after failing to seduce Ulysses with her song. It's also where the Greeks first settled in the city in the 6th century BC, and the famous Roman general Lucullus had his villa here too.
This castle's unusual name has an unusual source: the ancient Roman scribe Virgil. Legend has it that he buried an egg on the site where the castle now stands and warned that when the egg breaks, Naples will fall.
You reach the castle, which dates back to the 15th century, by walking down a 100-metre long causeway which connects the castle to the mainland. It's a popular place for locals to have their wedding photos, so you might end up in the background of some of them! Once you've reached the castle, you can explore the simple stone, twin-towered building and learn the history of the area's people in the Museum of Prehistory which occupies part of the building. The museum's collection of ceramics, clothes and other artefacts are well worth exploring. For excellent panoramic views of the city and Mount Vesuvius, head up one of the two towers, looking out for the canons that face out from the tower walls.
The Castel Dell'Ovo is open Monday to Saturday and admission is free. There is a charge for the Museum of Prehistory which varies depending on the exhibition. Travel by bus to Saint Lucia and walk along the causeway to reach this attraction. After your visit, the surrounding narrow streets are very picturesque, and the small fish restaurants and cafés are a good place for lunch.
Popular Activities at Castel dell'Ovo
How about making your visit to Castel dell'Ovo even more unique? Don't miss the chance to try out some of these activities:
Trying out a Scholar-led La Vita Napoletana Small-Group Walking Tour will make visiting this famed attraction all the more special!
Have a look at our Naples things to do page to discover more activities in the area.
Guide to Exploring Castel dell'Ovo
Top Castel dell'Ovo Hotel & Accommodation Deals
Per night/room
25 Aug. - 26 Aug.
Royal Continental Hotel Naples
Via Partenope 38-44, Naples, NALocated in Historical Center, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Via Partenope, Castel dell'Ovo, and Gulf of Naples. Piazza del Plebiscito and Royal Palace are also within 15 minutes. Toledo Station is 21 minutes by foot and Naples Piazza Amedeo Station is 21 minutes.
Per night/room
30 Aug. - 31 Aug.
Eurostars Hotel Excelsior
Via Partenope 48, Naples, NALocated in Historical Center, this hotel is steps from Via Partenope and Gulf of Naples. Castel dell'Ovo and Lungomare Caracciolo are also within 10 minutes. Toledo Station is 20 minutes by foot and Naples Piazza Amedeo Station is 24 minutes.
Per night/room
2 Sep. - 3 Sep.
Grand Hotel Vesuvio
Via Partenope, 45, NaplesLocated in Historical Center, this luxury hotel is steps from Via Partenope and Castel dell'Ovo. Piazza del Plebiscito and Gulf of Naples are also within 10 minutes. Toledo Station is 20 minutes by foot and Naples Piazza Amedeo Station is 23 minutes.
Per night/room
22 Aug. - 23 Aug.
Hotel Matilde - Lifestyle Hotel
Piazzetta Matilde Serao 7, Naples, Città Metropolitana di NapoliLocated in Historical Center, this hotel is steps from Via Chiaia, Piazza del Plebiscito, and Teatro di San Carlo. Royal Palace and San Francesco di Paola are also within 5 minutes. Toledo Station is 6 minutes by foot and Dante Station is 15 minutes.
Per night/room
28 Aug. - 29 Aug.
Grand Hotel Santa Lucia
Via Partenope 46, Naples, NALocated in Historical Center, this romantic hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Via Partenope and Lungomare Caracciolo. Castel dell'Ovo and Gulf of Naples are also within 10 minutes. Naples Piazza Amedeo Station is 18 minutes by foot and Toledo Station is 22 minutes.
Per night/room
18 Sep. - 19 Sep.
Romeo Hotel
Via Cristoforo Colombo 45, Naples, NAThis family-friendly Naples hotel is located in the entertainment district, within a 10-minute walk of Galleria Umberto and Teatro di San Carlo. Royal Palace and Santa Chiara are also within 15 minutes. Toledo Station is 10 minutes by foot and Dante Station is 14 minutes.
Per night/room
25 Aug. - 26 Aug.
Exe Majestic
Largo Vasto a Chiaia, 68, Naples, NALocated in Historical Center, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Palazzo delle Arti Napoli, Piazza del Plebiscito, and Royal Palace. San Francesco di Paola and Teatro di San Carlo are also within 15 minutes. Naples Piazza Amedeo Station is 5 minutes by foot and Piazza Amedeo Station is 10 minutes.
Per night/room
2 Sep. - 3 Sep.
UNAHOTELS Napoli
Piazza Garibaldi, 9/10, Naples, NALocated in Naples City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi and Spaccanapoli. Naples Cathedral and Naples Underground are also within 15 minutes. Porta Nolana Station is 5 minutes by foot and Piazza Garibaldi Station is 6 minutes.