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.

References:

Wikipedia

Address

Largo San Martino 5, Naples, Italy

See all sites in Naples

Details

Founded: 1368
Category: Religious sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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User Reviews

Laura Porro (2 months ago)
This is a vast complex comprising church, two cloisters, a beautiful garden and several exhbitions. Very well worth the visit.

Tim P (2 months ago)
A stunning hilltop monastery with a lavish baroque church, a quirky museum collection, and a tranquil cloister. You can also catch great views across Naples to Mount Vesuvius. It was quiet, even on a public holiday, and at 6 euros for a good two hours of exploring, it's a steal.

Olaf van der Hee (2 months ago)
Nice and quiet place to visit. Entrance was just 6,- and you get some lovely views over Napels for that from the garden and balconies. It also includes a very nice church, lovely monastry and a huge christmass stall with hundreds of figures. The museum needs an update actually.

Milan Feys (3 months ago)
Nothing special. Many sections were closed. Scarce information. Nice church. Nice view.

Kristýna Vacardová (4 months ago)
The monastery is absolutely stunning. There are gorgeous views, and it's huge - you can easily spend there two or more hours. The admission fee was six euro which I think is totally reasonable.

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