The majestic fortress of Castel Sant’Elmo looks down imperiously over the entire city of Naples. Located at the top of Vomero Hill, it affords an extraordinary view which stretches from the hinterland to the islands and from the Sorrento Peninsula to the Phlegraean Fields.
Its elevated position, hexagonal star shape, large moat and “double tenaille” design made this fortress, today the beating heart of Neapolitan culture, impregnable.
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Opening days
Castle and Museo Novecento a Napoli
from Monday to Friday
from 9.30 to 17.00; last admission at 16.15. -
Closing
Saturday and Sunday
1 January and 25 December - Web Castel Sant'Elmo
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Feature List
- Info line
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Accessibility
Partially accessible
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Info Reservation
HISTORY
The first documentary references to Castel Sant’Elmo date from the second half of the 13th century. Roberto of Anjou commissioned architect and sculptor Tino di Camaino, at that time busy working on the Certosa di San Martino, to begin extension work in 1329.
Between 1537 and 1547, during the reign of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, viceroy Don Pedro de Toledo began the reconstruction work that led to the current hexagonal star-shaped layout. When an explosion destroyed a large part of the buildings in Piazza d’Armi in 1587, the reconstruction project was entrusted to architect Domenico Fontana.
The castle was also a protagonist of the 1799 Revolution when a group of intellectuals, inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution, took hold of the fortress proclaiming the Neapolitan Republic.
In the 19th century it was used as a prison firstly by the Bourbons and then by the National Guard. Following important restoration work in 1976, Castel Sant’Elmo became the headquarters of the Polo Museale della Campania, the museum network of Campania.
VISITING CASTEL SANT'ELMO
A walk through the stylish residential district of Vomero brings you to Castel Sant’Elmo. Having reached the bastions of the fortress, you will walk past watchtowers, crenellations and embrasures as you admire the various possible views of the city and the gulf. In this compelling environment don’t miss the cultural activities and events that often enliven the spaces of the castle, from ancient art through to more contemporary styles.
Want to admire Naples in all its beauty? Plan a visit to Castel Sant’Elmo.
One of our special tickets will also enable you to visit the adjacent Certosa di San Martino, another unmissable port of call on your tour of the city.
Services
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Visits
for groups by reservation
available in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish -
Didactics for schools
by reservation
available in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish - Bookshop
Where
Via Tito Angelini 20, Napoli
Transportation
Funicular: Montesanto, stop on Morghen
Chiaia, stop on Cimarosa
Central, stop on piazza Fuga
Metro: line 1 station Vanvitelli
Bus: ANM route V1 stop on via Angelini
Visiting Rules
- At the entrance to the Museum, an operator allow the body temperature to be measured, indicating 37.5°C as the threshold for the entrance
- Inside the building it will be essential to wear personal protective equipment
- Disinfect your hands
