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Castle · Nápoles, Campânia
Castel Sant'Elmo
Star-shaped fortress atop the Vomero, with the widest view of Naples, the bay and Vesuvius.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Castel Sant'Elmo
Castel Sant'Elmo occupies the summit of the Vomero hill, at about 250 meters above sea level. The current six-pointed star shape dates to the 16th century, when the Spanish viceroy Pedro de Toledo ordered the reinforcement of the medieval fort that already stood there.
For centuries the castle served as a prison and military post. Today it houses exhibitions and the Museo del Novecento, dedicated to 20th-century art from Naples. But the main reason to climb is the terraces on the ramparts, offering 360-degree views.
From the top you can see the historic center with the Spaccanapoli slicing the city in a straight line, the port, the bay, the Sorrento peninsula and Capri on the horizon, and Vesuvius across the bay. The Certosa di San Martino lies just below, a few steps away.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to one and a half hours, including the terraces and the exhibitions.
Best time
Late afternoon for the light over the bay, observing the last-entry time. On clear days you can see Capri and the Sorrento peninsula.
How to get there
Take the funicular up to the Vomero (Funicolare Centrale, which departs from Via Toledo, or Montesanto or Chiaia) and walk about ten minutes. Metro Line 1 also has Vanvitelli station in the Vomero.
Tip
Combine it with the Certosa di San Martino next door. To descend, the Pedamentina staircase leads on foot from the Vomero down to the Montesanto area.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castel Sant'Elmo
How do you get up to Castel Sant'Elmo?
By the funiculars that connect the center to Vomero, or by Metro Line 1 to Vanvitelli, then a short walk.
What can you see from there?
The whole city, the port, the gulf, the Vesúvio, the Sorrento peninsula and, on clear days, Capri.
Can it be visited together with the Certosa di San Martino?
Yes, they are side by side at the top of Vomero.