Pedamentina di San Martino
Vomero→centro
Hidden gemNature
The story
A fourteenth-century stairway dropping from the hill of San Martino down to the city: hundreds of steps through vegetable plots, gardens and glimpses of the bay — one of the finest urban paths in Naples.
Access
FREE (downhill)
The story
The Pedamentina di San Martino is one of the ancient staircases of Naples: a long route of steps that descends from the San Martino hill, beneath the Charterhouse and Castel Sant'Elmo, down to the lower city. Born to connect the top of the Vomero to the centre, it is today a scenic walk away from the traffic.
What to see
A stepped descent among vegetable plots, gardens and houses, with the gulf opening up at every turn: one of the most beautiful and unusual ways to pass from the San Martino hill to the centre of Naples, on foot and with a view.
How to get there
- Funicular
Hours and prices
Free entry.
Tips
It is a long stairway: downhill it is a pleasant scenic walk, but uphill it becomes demanding — if you have little energy in the legs, do it going down (from the Charterhouse towards the centre) and go back up by funicular. Comfortable shoes and water in summer are useful. Treat yourself to stops for the panorama.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pedamentina di San Martino?
An ancient and long stairway that connects the San Martino hill, beneath the Charterhouse, to the lower city of Naples, with a view over the gulf.
Is the Pedamentina tiring?
Downhill it is a fine scenic walk; uphill it is demanding for its length. Many walk it going down and go back up by funicular.
Where does the Pedamentina lead?
From the area of the Charterhouse of San Martino, on the Vomero, down towards the centre of Naples.
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