Certosa di San Martino

A Carthusian monastery on the Vomero hill, and the single best view over the whole Bay of Naples.

Price: From €6
Hours: Thu–Tue 8:30am–5pm, closed Wed
Avg. visit: 1.5–2 hours
Book ahead: Not usually needed

Founded in the 14th century, the monastery was substantially rebuilt in Baroque style during the 17th century, when the Carthusian order commissioned some of the era's leading Neapolitan artists to decorate the church interior — now considered one of the most lavish Baroque church spaces in southern Italy. The complex passed out of monastic use in the 19th century and became a museum shortly afterward.

Alongside the church and cloisters, the monastery holds an unmatched collection of historic presepi — elaborate Neapolitan nativity scenes, some containing hundreds of individually carved figures arranged across detailed miniature landscapes, a tradition the city still actively continues in the workshops of Via San Gregorio Armeno below.

Inside

What to see

The Baroque church interior, densely decorated with marble inlay, frescoes and gilding
The Chiostro Grande (great cloister), a serene marble-columned courtyard in sharp contrast to the church
The presepi collection, including monumental nativity scenes with hundreds of figures
The belvedere terrace, with a panoramic view over the bay, the port and Vesuvius

Practical

Good to know

Combine with Castel Sant'Elmo next door for a second, even wider panorama from its ramparts on the same hill.
The Montesanto funicular is the most direct way up from the historic centre, avoiding a long uphill walk.
The museum spans several buildings across the former monastery — allow more time than the entrance courtyard suggests.

Timing

When it's busiest

Morning: Quiet
Midday: Busy
Afternoon: Busy
Late afternoon: Quiet

Nearby

Combine your visit

Funicular ride away

Spaccanapoli & the historic centre

Head back down the Montesanto funicular into the old town's straight streets.

Visit →

Funicular ride away

Napoli Sotterranea

From the historic centre, go underground into the tunnels beneath the old town.

Visit →

Funicular ride away

Museo Archeologico Nazionale

Combine the hilltop view with the city's essential archaeology collection below.

Visit →

FAQ

Common questions

Is it worth it just for the view?

Yes, many visitors treat the belvedere alone as reason enough, though the church and presepi collection reward the extra time.

How do I get up the hill?

The Montesanto funicular is the easiest route, landing a short walk from the monastery entrance.

Should I combine it with Castel Sant'Elmo?

Yes, if time allows — it sits immediately next door and offers an even wider view from its fortress ramparts.

What are the presepi?

Elaborate traditional Neapolitan nativity scenes, some containing hundreds of hand-carved figures — a craft still actively practised in the city today.