Castel Sant'Elmo
A star-shaped fortress on Vomero Hill. Its ramparts offer the best 360-degree panorama of Naples, and the nearby Certosa di San Martino is equally worth a visit.
Castel Sant'Elmo is a six-pointed star-shaped fortress built by Spanish viceroys in the 16th century, perched atop Vomero Hill. From the parade ground on the castle's top, you get a 360-degree view of all of Naples. Spaccanapoli cuts straight through the old town, while the bay, Vesuvius and the island of Capri spread out below. It is the best vantage point for a panorama of the city. Inside is a museum of 20th-century art. Admission is about €5. The neighboring Certosa di San Martino has a richly decorated Baroque church, cloisters and a collection of Nativity scenes, and the two can be visited together. Take the funicular up from Toledo or Chiaia, then walk about 10 minutes.
Opening hours
8:30 am–7:30 pm
Nearby sights
- Quartieri Spagnoli
- Galleria Umberto I
- Teatro di San Carlo
- Piazza del Plebiscito
- Royal Palace of Naples
- Santa Chiara Monastery
- Spaccanapoli
- Naples National Archaeological Museum