The National Museum of San Martino is one of the top museums in Naples. San Martino Museum is housed in the Certosa di San Martino or Saint Martin's Charterhouse, a large monastery complex dating from 1368 that sits atop the Vomero hill near Sant'Elmo Castle. From the street between the castle and museum there are fantastic views of Naples and the Bay. See Photos from Vomero Hill
Museum exhibits are housed in the former living quarters of the monks and you can see the ornately decorated rooms of the monastery. Be sure to visit the garden and cloisters, too. San Martino Museum and Monastery highlights:
- The famous Neopolitan nativity scenes, or presepi, display features one of the largest nativities with more than 160 people. Most of the scenes belonged to royalty or wealthy residents of Naples during the 18th - 20th centuries and have been donated to the museum. This is one of the world's top presepi exhibits.
- Chiostro Grande, or large cloister, was designed in 16th century Renaissance style and has a portico with marble columns and mosaic floor. You can see the monks' cemetery here, too.
- 16th - 17th century frescoes, mosaics, and wood carvings in the monastery.
- Paintings and sculptures from the 13th-19th centuries.
- Chiesa delle Donne, the church with Lanfranco frescoes and Baroque art.
- The monastery gardens have fruit trees, flowers, and fountains and magnificent views.
- Folk Art exhibit and Mount Vesuvius exhibit.
- Check for rotating special exhibits, too. In 2010 there's an extensive Baroque exhibit - Back to Baroque from Caravaggio to Vanvitelli.
National Museum of San Martino
Museum Location: Largo San Martino 5, on the Vomero HillHow to Get to the Museum: Take the funiculare, or inclined railway, from Via Toledo by Galleria Umberto to Vomero, then it's about a five minute walk. The closest underground station is Piazza Vanvitelli on metro line 1, then bus V1 or a 10-15 minute walk up the hill.
Museum Hours: Thursdays - Tuesdays, 8:30 am until 7:30 pm (ticket office closes 6:30 pm), closed Wednesdays
Updated Information: Certosa and Museum of San Martino, Tel. 0039-0817944021
Admission: price was 6 euro in December 2009. Reductions for under 25, free for EU citizens under 18 or over 65. Audioguide in English or Italian is available for 4 euro.
If you're visiting other sites, save on admission with the Napoli e Campa Flegrei Campania Artecard - includes free admission for the first three uses and 50% on further uses and public transportation for three days. It can be bought ahead or right at the museum, price is 16 euro in 2010.
