2-979-530 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Pizzofalcone and Castello dell'Uovo, at Naples, 1857. 'Castello dell'Uovo...is situated on a small rocky island, once called Megari, and derives its name from its shape. It was built by William I., in 1154...in 1221, King Frederic completed and much strengthened the building. In the fifteenth century King James fled to this castle from the persecutions of his wife, the Queen Johanna...it has always been deemed an important point by the Sovereigns of this country. Weak for external resistance, it is strong for the maintenance of the order of the city, and to such an object it seems now to be appropriated. Standing at the apex of an angle it commands both Santa Lucia and Chiutamone, and its outer walls are prepared with holes for musketry...[It] is one of the main props of the throne of King Ferdinand, and perhaps no other part of the city gives a better idea of the security of the King...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.