Perched atop the Vomero hill alongside Castel Sant'Elmo, the Certosa di San Martino—or Charterhouse of St. Martin—is one of Naples's most visible and striking landmarks. Originally finished and inaugurated in 1368 under Joan I of Naples and dedicated to St.
Martin of Tours, this former Carthusian monastery offers you a breathtaking window into southern Italy's rich artistic and political history. As you explore the complex, you will admire a masterpiece of baroque architecture, shaped largely by architect Cosimo Fanzago during seventeenth-century expansions. Inside, the site houses the National Museum of San Martino, where you can discover fascinating displays of Spanish and Bourbon era artifacts.
Do not miss the church's impressive murals, including a dramatic depiction showing Henry VIII's brutal suppression and destruction of the London Charterhouse. Additionally, you can view world-renowned displays of the presepe—or Nativity scene—considered to be among the finest on Earth. After surviving the anti-clerical French occupation of 1799 and definitive state confiscation in 1866, this remarkable property now provides an unforgettable encounter with Neapolitan heritage atop its hillside perch commanding the gulf.
What to see at Certosa di San Martino
- Masterpiece of baroque architecture redesigned by architect Cosimo Fanzago
- Fascinating displays of Spanish and Bourbon era artifacts
- World-class presepe (Nativity scene) collection
- Church murals depicting Henry VIII's suppression of the London Charterhouse
- Commanding hilltop location on Vomero overlooking the gulf
Visiting tips
Take your time when entering the church to carefully observe the historic mural depicting the suppression of the London Charterhouse.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Certosa di San Martino is easy to reach on Naples’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Teatro di San Carlo and Museo di Capodimonte. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Naples travel guide.
See the full Naples travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.