Naples Castles Tour

This urban route lasts approximately 4 hours and will allow you to learn about the history and the most relevant anecdotes of Naples. An expert guide will tell you about the events linked to the two fortresses of the city: Maschio Angioino and Castel dell'Ovo. In fact, the itinerary is more complete and in addition to the castles you will be able to visit:

• Castel dell'Ovo - The oldest castle and symbol of Naples. It was the royal residence of the Aragonese and Bourbons and later became a prison and military base. Romulus Augustulus, the last Roman emperor of the West, was exiled here.
• Borgo Marinari - A charming neighbourhood on the islet of Megaride connected to the mainland by a short walk. It was the site of the first Greek settlement that gave birth to the city.
• Piazza del Plebiscito - The most emblematic urban space of the city 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 are the two equestrian statues of Charles III of Bourbon and his son Ferdinand I.
• Galleria Umberto I - A magnificent shopping arcade built at the end of the 19th century to rehabilitate 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 with a double function: to control the sea and to house the royal family. It also became an important cultural centre that hosted Giotto, Boccaccio and other artists. The castle was designed by the architect Pierre de Chaulnes, but it looks very different today.

The tour usually runs in two shifts (morning and early afternoon) and starts in a central location. You will easily recognise the guide because he will be holding a sign with the name of the excursion. In terms of effort, there is a bit of walking involved, but the itinerary is within everyone's reach. I recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes.