Castel Dell'Ovo

Lonely Planet review

According to myth, the Castel dell'Ovo owes its improbable name - Castle of the Egg - to Virgil. The Roman poet was said to have buried an egg on the site where the castle now stands, ominously warning that when the egg breaks the castle (and Naples) will fall. Killjoys prefer to say that the name of the castle is due to its oval shape.

Built in the 12th century by the Normans, the castle is the city's oldest. Its particular position had long been appreciated - originally by the Roman general Lucullus, who had his villa here - and it became a key fortress in the defence of Campania. It was subsequently used by the Swabians, Angevins and Alfonso of Aragon, who modified it to suit his military needs.

Today the castle is invaded by tourists, taffeta-clad brides and dictatorial wedding photographers all out for the perfect sea-view shot.

The in-house Museo di Etnopreistoria features a cool collection of prehistoric tools, fossils and ceramics.