Located on the Vomero hill, Castel Sant’Elmo is one of the castles of Naples that date back to the Middle Ages. It takes its name from a 10th-century chapel dedicated to Saint Erasmus, transformed into Ermo and then Elmo. Initially, around 1275, the fortress was inhabited by the relatives of King Charles of Anjou. Later, between 1537 and 1547 the castle was rebuilt on commission by the viceroy Don Pedro de Toledo and took the characteristic configuration with a six-pointed star system. Thus it became one of the most modern fortresses of the time. The immense complex has remained for years a body substantially unrelated to civil development. In recent years, however, it has become the seat of exhibition initiatives and cultural events that have changed its vocation and, consequently, its urban role. The castle is proposed today as a multifunctional center aimed at expanding both the world of culture and that of the show, with an auditorium that hosts conferences, concerts, theatrical and cinematographic performances.
Also on the Vomero hill we find the Neapolitan Charterhouse, dedicated to San Martino bishop of Tours, which was founded in 1325 at the behest of Charles, Duke of Calabria, son of Roberto D’Angiò. A series of changes have changed the Certosa di San Martino over the centuries, making it enrich its prestigious and precious artistic, historical and architectural heritage made of marbles, stuccos, sculptures, excellent furnishings, frescoes and paintings. In the second half of the nineteenth century, the Certosa became the Italian National Museum. The current arrangement of the Certosa keeps intact the correct perception of the religious place and the ancient space in a museum itinerary that alternates evidence of the history of Naples and the church with breathtaking views perceptible from arcades, belvederi and gardens.
HOW TO GET
By Metro: take Line 1 which leaves from Piazza Garibaldi, exit at the Vanvitelli stop.
By Funicular: take the line that leaves from Montesanto and exit at the Morghen stop. Continue for 6 minutes on foot.
By car: take the A56 (Tangenziale) from Corso Malta / Corso Arnaldo Lucci and continue to exit 9, continuing on Via Luigi Caldieri, in 10 minutes you will arrive at your destination.
From Piazza Vanvitelli: continue by bus with the V1 line and exit at the Piazzale San Martino stop. Or continue for 12 minutes on foot.
INFO AND TIMES
Open Monday to Friday
from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 14.00 to 17.00
Saturdays from 9:00 to 14:00
For more information call the number:
848 800 288 from Italy
+39 06 399 67 050 from mobile phones and from abroad