Certosa di San Martino
Campania
The Certosa di San Martino is a grand historical complex located on the Vomero hill in Naples, adjacent to Castel Sant'Elmo. Founded in 1325 by Charles of Anjou, it originally served as a Carthusian monastery and has evolved into one of Naples' most important religious and architectural monuments. After the unification of Italy, it was declared a national monument and transformed into the National Museum of San Martino in 1866. The museum is dedicated to preserving and narrating the artistic and cultural heritage of Naples and the southern Kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Naples and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The complex spans approximately one hundred rooms, including two churches, four chapels, three cloisters, hanging gardens, and numerous other spaces. Architecturally, it represents a pinnacle of Baroque style, featuring works by prominent artists such as Massimo Stanzione, Jusepe de Ribera, Luca Giordano, and others. The museum offers visitors an immersive experience into Neapolitan history, art, and culture through its extensive collections and beautifully preserved spaces.
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Tip: Visit during the spring and autumn months for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance online to avoid queues. The museum offers concessions for students and seniors. Guided tours are available and can enrich the visit by providing detailed historical context. Allow at least 90 minutes to explore the main areas comfortably.
Interesting facts
- •The Certosa di San Martino is one of the largest and most extensive religious monumental complexes in Naples.
- •Its Baroque decoration includes works by renowned artists like Massimo Stanzione, Jusepe de Ribera, and Luca Giordano.
- •The underground spaces of the charterhouse, revealing its original Gothic structure, were opened to the public only in 2015.
- •The complex includes hanging gardens offering panoramic views over Naples and the Bay of Naples.
- •The marble busts decorating the cloister were created by Pietro Bernini, father of the famous sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
History
The Certosa di San Martino was founded in 1325 by Charles of Anjou, Duke of Calabria, as a Carthusian monastery on the Sant'Erasmo hill.
Initial construction was led by architects Tino di Camaino and Francesco di Vito, with the complex inaugurated in 1368.
The monastery underwent significant Baroque renovations from the late 16th to mid-17th century, primarily under architects Giovanni Antonio Dosio, Giovan Giacomo di Conforto, and Cosimo Fanzago.
These renovations included expansions to the church, cloisters, and decorative elements, making it a masterpiece of Baroque art and architecture.
After the suppression of ecclesiastical properties following Italian unification, it was repurposed as a national museum in 1866, dedicated to preserving Naples' cultural legacy.
Place Guide
Grand Cloister (Chiostro Grande)Late 16th century
The main cloister of the Certosa, remodeled by Giovanni Antonio Dosio, featuring elegant arcades and marble busts of priors by Pietro Bernini. It serves as the central access point to many parts of the complex.
Church of San Martino17th century
The complex's church showcases Baroque architecture and rich interior decorations by Cosimo Fanzago, including marble works and frescoes by leading Neapolitan painters of the 17th century.
Underground Gothic Structures14th century
Recently opened to the public, these subterranean areas reveal the original Gothic framework of the charterhouse and incorporate parts of the earlier Belforte castle foundations within the hill.
Hanging Gardens
Terraced gardens offering spectacular views over Naples and the Gulf, providing a peaceful retreat and a vantage point for photography.
