Visit Castel Sant’Elmo in Naples

On the Vomero hill, not far from the Certosa di San Martino (San Martino Charterhouse), there is Castel Sant’Elmo, a former fortress and prison, that offers an amazing view of the city of Naples. 

Castel Sant’Elmo is in via Tito Angelini on the hill of Vomero. From the Garibaldi central train station take the line 1 underground train and get off at Vanvitelli, then, from piazza Vanvitelli you can either walk or take the V1 bus up to Largo San Martino. 

You can also take the Naples funicular railway to reach Castel Sant’Elmo: take the central funicular in piazza Augusteo and get off at piazza Fuga; the Montesanto funicular railway stops at via Morghen (the street close to the castle); whereas, the Chiaia funicular railway, that leaves from piazza Amedeo, stops at Cimarosa. 

Castel Sant’Elmo was built before the 14th century. It was a Norman observation tower that, as requested by Roberto d’Angiò, was turned into the Palatium Castrum. It also included a chapel dedicated to Sant’Erasmo, the saint the castle is named after. 

Between the 17th and the 18th century, the castle, that was used as a fortress, was turned into a prison. Then, in late 20th century, it became a museum and a cultural mixed-use centre. In fact, nowadays it hosts exhibitions and cultural events; moreover, its auditorium houses concerts, shows and conventions. 

The must-see places of Castel Sant’Elmo are the Grotta dell’eremita (Hermit’s Grotto), the prisons, the panoramic parade ground, the Torre del Castellano (Castellan’s Tower), the Bourbon watchtower, the cappella di Sant’Erasmo (Sant’Erasmo Chapel) .

Castel Sant’Elmo also houses the Museo Novecento a Napoli permanent exhibition, with a collection of more than 170 works of art made during the 20th century by Neapolitan artists.