Certosa e Museo Nazionale di San Martino
Napoli (NA)
FamousSacred art
The story
Beside Sant'Elmo, the Carthusian monastery weaves together marble cloisters and a sumptuous church, keeper of the most famous collection of Neapolitan presepi (nativity scenes).
The story
The Charterhouse of San Martino rises on the Vomero hill, next to Castel Sant'Elmo, facing all of Naples. Founded in the fourteenth century and remodelled over the centuries, it is one of the greatest masterpieces of Neapolitan Baroque; since 1866 it has housed the National Museum of San Martino, devoted to the history and art of the city.
What to see
The complex is vast: the sumptuous church, the cloisters and the hanging gardens with the most beautiful view over Naples and the gulf. The National Museum of San Martino tells of the city in all its forms — from the famous Cuciniello nativity scene (presepe) to the naval section with the royal boats, from the views and paintings to the decorative arts collections: it is at once the museum of the history and identity of Naples.
How to get there
- Funicular
Tips
Go up to the Vomero (by funicular is very handy) and combine the Charterhouse and Castel Sant'Elmo, which are adjacent: it is the monumental balcony of Naples. Reckon on a couple of hours. Check hours and tickets on the official site; do not miss the gardens for the panorama.
Frequently asked questions
What can you see at the Charterhouse of San Martino?
The Baroque church, the cloisters and the panoramic gardens, and the Museum of San Martino with its famous section dedicated to the Neapolitan nativity scene.
Where is the Charterhouse of San Martino?
On the Vomero hill, next to Castel Sant'Elmo, with a view over all of Naples.
Why is the Charterhouse of San Martino important?
It is one of the greatest monumental complexes and one of the masterpieces of Neapolitan Baroque, and has also housed the museum of the city's history since 1866.
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