Built over the small island where the first Greek colony was created in the 9th century B.C., this castle is one of Naples's most famous sites; its profile graces most pictures of the Bay. According to legend, its name, "Castle of the Egg," refers to the magic egg that the classic poet Virgil -- the author of the Aeneid and a reputed magician -- placed under the foundations to protect it. The fortress evolved from the villa of the Roman Lucullus (a celebrated gourmand), which was fortified in the Middle Ages and transformed into a castle by Frederick II. Enlarged and strengthened between the 16th and the 18th centuries, it remained a royal residence until the 20th century. Part of the castle now houses the Museum of Ethno-Prehistory, which is open only for special exhibits. The rest of the castle offers the Sala delle Colonne (Hall of the Columns), and the Loggiato-- both architectural masterpieces, and great views from two towers, Torre Maestra and Torre Normanna. The castle occupies only part of the island, which is connected to the shore in front of the Santa Lucia neighborhood. Around it are the picturesque alleys and fishermen's houses of the Borgo dei Marinari -- many of which have been transformed into restaurants.
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