Castel Sant’Elmo and Museo di San Martino

The Vomero Hill is the highest point of Naples. At the top is the imposing Castel Sant'Elmo that can be seen from almost every point in the city. The oldest parts of this fortress date from 1329. After the explosion of an ammunition storage room in 1599, the castle was thoroughly rebuilt and got its current star shape with six points. That's a remarkable detail, most defensive fortresses had five points. Why Sant'Elmo has six is unclear. In addition to the defensive fortress, the castle was also used as a prison, the cells are located underground. From the fortress you have a magnificent view of the city and the sights in Naples. Cultural events are regularly held during the summer months and there is an art gallery in the fort itself.

In front of the fort is the Charterhouse of St. Martin, a former monastery. The cloisters, the richly decorated priory, the chiostro grande and the gardens are very impressive. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the monks had the monastery brightened up by the most famous artists of the time. Today the monastery is a museum with a large collection of works of art from the 15th to the 19th century. There is also a very nice nativity scene to see.

You don't have to walk up the hill, there is a funicolare (cable train) to the top.