Certosa di San Martino Religious Site

The Certosa di San Martino is a former Carthusian monastery on the Vomero hill above Naples, Italy, now housing the Museo Nazionale di San Martino. It occupies a prominent site overlooking the city and the Gulf of Naples.

The site combines ecclesiastical architecture, richly decorated interiors and museum galleries that present Neapolitan art, religious artefacts and an extensive collection of nativity scenes. Visitors commonly tour the monastery cloisters, the former church spaces and exhibition rooms, and then use the terraces for views over Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The juxtaposition of Baroque decoration and panoramic outlooks makes it a frequent stop on cultural itineraries in Naples.

Founded as a Carthusian charterhouse in the medieval period, the complex was redeveloped and richly decorated in later centuries, with notable 17th and 18th‑century additions. After suppression of monastic orders in later centuries the buildings were repurposed and much of the site now functions as a state museum.

Perched on the Vomero hill to the northwest of Naples’s historic centre and adjacent to Castel Sant’Elmo, the Certosa di San Martino overlooks the city and the Bay of Naples.

• Viewpoint: The complex is situated on the Vomero hill and offers one of the best panoramic views of Naples and the bay from its terraces.
• Collections: The museum collections include an important display of Neapolitan presepi (nativity scenes) and works illustrating regional religious art.

What to See#

• Church: The former monastic church contains Baroque decoration and carved woodwork that are central exhibits for visitors to the complex.
• Cloisters and museum galleries: The cloisters and monastery buildings house the museum’s galleries, including a major collection of Neapolitan nativity scenes and artefacts of Neapolitan art and history.
• Panoramic viewpoint: The elevated site provides panoramic views across the city of Naples and the Bay of Naples, often accessed from the adjacent fortress of Castel Sant’Elmo.

From the historic center: take the funicular (Chiaia or Centrale line) up to Vomero, then walk 10-15 minutes. Several buses (e.g., lines C15, 168) also serve the Vomero district. Taxis from Piazza Municipio or the port take about 15 minutes depending on traffic.

• Walk up from Piazza Municipio through the Certosa's gardens for the best approach and views over the bay.
• Visit the Carthusian cloister and the nativity scene rooms (presepi) early in the day to avoid school groups.
• Buy a combined ticket if available for other historic sites on the Vomero hill to save time and money.