The castle of Virgil's legend on the islet of Megaride
On the small islet of Megaride, joined to the seafront of Santa Lucia by a causeway, stands Castel dell'Ovo, the oldest castle in Naples. It is here that the Greeks founded the first settlement, Parthenope, and a Roman villa of Lucullus later stood on the site. The name, "Egg Castle", comes from a legend: the poet Virgil, considered a magician in the Middle Ages, is said to have hidden a magic egg in its foundations, and if the egg ever broke, the castle and the city would collapse.
The massive castle is free to visit, and from its terraces the view sweeps over the gulf, Vesuvius and the hill of Posillipo. At its feet, the little Borgo Marinari is a picturesque harbour of fishing boats and yachts, lined with seafood restaurants. The nearby Lungomare, closed to traffic, is the favourite evening walk of Neapolitans.
Tip: come at sunset, when the light turns Vesuvius pink; the restaurants of the Borgo are pricier than elsewhere but the setting is unique.
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