Have you ever seen Naples' seven castles?

The city of Naples was also called “the city of the seven castles”. 

Naples's history is still visible in the magnificence of its castles, given to the city by its different dominations through the centuries. 

Surrounded by the sea, the Gulf of Naples had been attacked many times: the castles had therefore the purpose of defence. 

The seven castles: a defence 

A strategic system to defend the prosperous city from foreign enemies, the castles were built in different parts of the city. 

The list includes: Castle Capuano, Castel dell’Ovo, Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino), Castel Sant’Elmo, Castel Carmine, Castel di Nisida and Fort Vigliena. 

Castel Capuano. Dating from the 12th century, it took its name from the fact that it was situated at the point in the city walls where the road led out to the city of Capua. The Castle was originally built as a fortress to defend Capua (Porta) and then adapted by Federico II as his residence when he was visiting Napoli. Nowadays it is  still in use as a legal and administrative residence. 

Castel dell’Ovo (Ovo Castle) is a unique castle due to its position. Located on the small island of Megaride on the Gulf of Naples, the castle was a fortress on the seaside. The castle was built during the roman era and it is the oldest standing fortification in Naples. A legend gave the Castle its particular name.
According to this legend, the roman poet Virgil put a magical egg into its foundations to support the fortifications. In case the egg had been broken, Naples would have been affected by tragic events and the Castle would have been destroyed. 

Castel Nuovo is a medieval castle located in the centre of the city. Erected in 1279, during Robert of Anjou reign, the castle was a centre of culture guesting artists, doctors and poets. Nowadays it is an important landmark in the city. 

Castel Sant’Elmo is a medieval fortress. Located on a hilltop near the Certosa di San Martino, it offers a fantastic view of the city. The name came from a 10th century Church and it houses now a museum, offices and an exhibition hall. 

Castel Carmine (or called Sperone) was a fortress located near Carmine square. Built during the anjoin era in the 16th century, it was adapted as a fortress against the BARBAROSSA pirate. It is nowadays a penitentiary. 

Fort Vigliena was  built in 1702 by Villena marquise as a fortress. It was projected to defend Naples’ harbour but nowadays there are only its ruins left which include the Vigliena Tower.  

What do we mean with the word castle?

A castle was a home for kings or aristocrats often located in the centre of the city or in the countryside as summer residence. Many times built with a defence purpose, they take, in this case, the name of fortress. Usually built on a hill or on the higher part of the city with the purpose to defend the place from eventual coming enemies. 

Provided with towers, fortresses or castles remain landmarks in the city of Naples.

 Discover the castles’ interiors, visit the city of the seven castles and come back to the era when the towers were defending the Gulf of Naples. Amalfi Luxury Tour offers a walking tour to explore the city of Naples and let you admire its castles Contact us for more info.