Certosa di San Martino, Naples, Italy

The Certosa di San Martino is a former monastery complex and now a museum. Along with Castel Sant'Elmo that stands beside it, this is the most visible landmark of the city, perched atop the Vomero hill that commands the gulf. A Carthusian monastery, it was finished and inaugurated under the rule of Queen Joan I in 1368. It was dedicated to St. Martin of Tours. During the first half of the 16th century it was expanded. Later, in 1623, it was further expanded and became, under the direction of architect Cosimo Fanzago, essentially the structure one sees today.

In the early 19th century, under French rule the monastery was closed and was abandoned by the religious order. Today, the buildings house a museum with a display of Spanish and Bourbon era artifacts, as well as displays of the presepe—Nativity scene—considered to be among the finest in the world.

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User Reviews

Aurelia Ghenuche (6 months ago)
Situated on top of the Vomero hill, this is a former carthusian monastery complex, now a museum. The interiors are absolutely stunning. Well worth a visit.

EV (7 months ago)
Worth a visit for art, architecture, history and really good view. There is no need to spend another €6 to visit the castle above the museum. I don't think your selfies are going to be any better there.

elizabeth angg (8 months ago)
reduce price for under 24y.o is really a great deal. i just need to pay for 2€ ?? it has a nice view. not too crowded easy to reach by cable car or metro. the neighborhood also nice and safe. good for family trip, i guess ?

Jim Baneham (9 months ago)
Visited the Certosa e Museo Di San Martino on a Thursday afternoon. It wasn’t too busy and tickets were €6 (August 2024). I took Metro line 1 to Vanvitelli from where it was about a 5 minute walk to the Certosa, made easier by some on-street escalators. The Certosa e Museo has several different parts including large cloisters, a beautiful church and several large spaces devoted to art, historic artefacts and unusual collections such as really detailed figurines used for dioramas (I’m sure I’m not using the right term here but it’s the best word I can think off, see one of my photos). I really enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful artwork and exhibits. The gardens have a great view over Napoli (the Castel Sant’Elmo is even better for views though). The condition of the gardens was very poor when I visited unfortunately. Could be a beautiful place for a walk if some money was spent on upgrading and maintaining it. I’d happily pay €8 or €10 if the extra money was spent on the gardens.

L A (12 months ago)
Absolutely fabulous, must visit, museum, gallery, monastery & papal hang out all in one, with stupendous interiors. That and THE best views of the city & Vesuvius in Naples (see photos). There is so much to enjoy here. Do not miss the postcard views by spending too much time elsewhere and then not having the energy to walk through rather unattractive medieval art hallways to the piece de resistance view at the end. Plus it's not busy, which in itself is amazing. Save you feet, take funicular up and then walk down if you have any energy left after.

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