Vomero hill in Naples
Castel Sant'Elmo, the Certosa di San Martino and the ways up the hill.
The Vomero is a hill above the historic centre of Naples. Castel Sant'Elmo and the Certosa e Museo di San Martino stand next to each other at the top, and the hill is known for its views over the city and the bay.
Castel Sant'Elmo
A star-shaped fortress at the top of the Vomero hill. Its name comes from a church dedicated to St Erasmus that stood on the site. The castle was built under Robert of Anjou and took its star shape in the 16th century, under the Spanish viceroy Don Pedro de Toledo. It was later used as a military prison. Today it is known for its panorama over the city and the bay, and it houses the Museo Napoli Novecento, with works by Neapolitan artists from 1910 to 1980.
Certosa e Museo di San Martino
A former Carthusian monastery next to Castel Sant'Elmo, inaugurated in 1368 under Joan I of Naples. It was expanded in the 16th century and, from 1623, under the architect Cosimo Fanzago, it became essentially the structure seen today. After the unification of Italy it opened to the public as the National Museum of San Martino, in 1866. The museum displays nativity scenes (presepi) that are considered among the finest in the world.
Funiculars and metro
The Centrale, Chiaia and Montesanto funiculars connect the city with the Vomero. A funicular can be closed for maintenance, so check the operator, ANM, for the current status. Metro Line 1 also has stations on the hill, such as Vanvitelli.
Opening days, tickets and booking rules change, so check each site's official website before you go.
Frequently asked questions
What is on the Vomero hill?
Castel Sant'Elmo and the Certosa e Museo di San Martino stand next to each other at the top of the hill, with views over the city and the bay.
How do I get to the Vomero?
By funicular (Centrale, Chiaia or Montesanto, and check ANM for the current status) or by Metro Line 1, which has stations on the hill such as Vanvitelli.
Are Castel Sant'Elmo and the Certosa di San Martino the same place?
No. They are two separate sites next to each other: a fortress and a former monastery that is now a museum.
Vomero
Quiet, up on the hill, with a view
Things to do in Naples
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