Naples Castles Tour

This city tour lasts approximately 4 hours and will introduce you to the history and most significant anecdotes of Naples. An expert guide will recount the events linked to the city’s two fortresses: Maschio Angioino and Castel dell’Ovo. In fact, the itinerary is more comprehensive and, in addition to the castles, you will discover:

• Castel dell’Ovo – The oldest castle and a symbol of Naples. It was the royal residence of the Aragonese and the Bourbons and later became a prison and a military base. It was here that Romulus Augustulus, the last Western Roman emperor, was exiled.
• Borgo Marinari – A charming neighbourhood on the islet of Megaride, connected to the mainland by a short walk. It was home to the first Greek settlement from which the city originated.
• Piazza del Plebiscito – The most iconic square in the city on the slopes of Vesuvius. It is framed by four buildings, the most majestic of which are the Royal Palace and the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola. In the centre stand the two equestrian statues of Charles III of Bourbon and his son Ferdinand I.
• Galleria Umberto I – A magnificent shopping arcade built in the late 19th century to revitalise a neighbourhood that had a bad reputation. It has four entrances and a beautiful iron and glass structure.
• Maschio Angioino – A fortress built by Charles I of Anjou to serve a dual purpose: to control the sea and to house the royal family. It also became an important cultural centre that welcomed Giotto, Boccaccio and other artists. The castle was designed by the architect Pierre de Chaulnes, but its current appearance is very different from what it was back then.

The tour usually runs in two sessions (morning and early afternoon) and starts in a central location. You’ll easily recognise the guide as they’ll be holding a sign with the name of the tour. As for the level of exertion, there’s a bit of walking involved, but the route is suitable for everyone. I recommend you wear comfortable clothes and shoes.