Castel dell’Ovo is located on the tuff island of Megaride, next to the Borgo Marinaro and the small harbour. It is connected to the world’s most beautiful seafront by a bridge. According to an ancient legend, Virgil would have hidden a cage containing an enchanted egg in a tightly locked and secret corner inside. On that egg would depend tutti li facti e la fortuna del Castel Marino (all the events and fortune of the sea castle) and the city itself.
The first buildings date back to the Greco-Roman period. The castle underwent total reconstruction during the Norman period. During the Swabians’ reign, it was also used as a state prison. The Aragonese took it over in the 15th century and rebuilt it. It was then that the castle took on the form represented in the famous Strozzi Table, on display in the San Martino Museum. During the period of the Spanish viceroys, philosopher Tommaso Campanella was imprisoned here until he was sentenced to death. In the 19th century, the famous Café Chantants, such as Eldorado and Santa Lucia, were established on the rocky islet. These Cafés hosted famous personalities such as Salvatore di Giacomo and Edoardo Scarfoglio.