Naples / Attractions / San Martino

Certosa e Museo di San Martino

The Monastery and Museum on the Vomero Mountain of Naples

San Martino Naples

The Certosa di San Martino is a Carthusian monastery on the Vomero mountain of Naples and today houses the Museo Nazionale di San Martino.

Info & Tickets Certosa e Museo di San Martino

Location The monastery is located at the top of Vomero Mountain (address: Largo San Martino, 5), making it a grueling uphill climb to visit the monastery from the old town. The easiest way is to use one of the three cable cars to the Vomero mountain such as the 'Funicolare di Montesanto'. This funicular leaves from the metro stop 'Montesanto' and drops you off at the top of the mountain at the stop 'Morghen'; this is near the Castel Sant'Elmo from where it is only a short walk to the monastery. The funicular runs daily between 7 am and 10 pm and works with the same system as the metro tickets (a single ticket costs 1.10 € and a metro day ticket will cost 4.50 €).
Tickets
Hours
  • Thursday to Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Closed on Wednesdays

Certosa e Museo di San Martino

The architect and sculptor Tino di Camaino was given the responsibility to build the Carthusian monastery of San Martino (in Italian Certosa di San Martino). The construction of this monastery in Naples started in 1325. Only the Gothic cellar remains of the original building, which is a fine piece of engineering. Over the course of five centuries, the Carthusian monastery has repeatedly had to deal with different restoration work.

San Martino NaplesFrom the monastery you have a beautiful view of the bay
San Martino monasteryLook for the special details in the museum of San Martino Monastery

The San Martino Monastery through the years

The complex on Vomero mountain was damaged and occupied by the French during the Revolution of 1799. The Carthusians were suppressed by the king during this period. When the suppression was lifted in 1804, the monks were allowed to return to San Martino. In 1812 the monastery was used by the army for war victims. In 1831 the army left the monastery for the necessary restoration work. Finally in 1836 a small group of monks settled permanently until 1866. Then San Martino was transformed into a museum by Giuseppe Fiorelli as a separate department of the National Museum. 1867 was the year the museum was opened to the general public. You will find the monastery right next to Castel Sant' Elmo. These two buildings typify Mount Vomero. Today Certosa di San Martino is still a museum where you will find numerous paintings and statues from the 15th century and beyond, as well as old carriages and nativity scenes. Other highlights of San Martino are the courtyard gardens and cloister of 'Il Chiostro Grande'.

San Martino NapoliThe chapel, one of the highlights of the monastery
Museo di San MartinoThe national museum has a varied collection

Where is the San Martino Museum in Naples?

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