The Certosa of San Martino is one of the most successful examples of Baroque architecture. It dominates the entire city of Naples with Castel Sant’Elmo, from the top of the Vomero hill. In 2010, the Ministry of Culture declared the hill on which it stands a national monument.
The monastery was built in the 14th century at the behest of Charles Duke of Calabria, eldest son of Robert of Anjou. Few elements of the original structure have been preserved, including the impressive Gothic basement. The layout of the Certosa was later modified in the Baroque style, at the end of the 16th century. Many important artists contributed to enriching this wonderful monumental site in Campania.
After the religious orders had been suppressed, the Certosa became a separate section of the National Museum in 1866. The various collections housed in the San Martino Museum are divided into the following sections: Images and Memories of the City, Decorative Arts Collections, Theatre Section, Certosa Opera Museum, Prior’s Quarto, Alisio Foundation Views Section, Spezieria, Naval Section. The works in the museum range from Bourbon Naples to the post-unification period. Among them you will also find sculptures by Pietro Bernini and examples of Neapolitan crib art.
From the top of the Certosa you will enjoy a spectacular view of the entire city of Naples.