Discovering Italy and the famous « Naples »? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Castello Sant’Elmo in Naples!
Naples, in the heart of Campania, is one of Italy’s must-see cities. Everyone knows or has heard of the magnificent « Bay of Naples », dominated by Mount Vesuvius. This city, rich in exceptional heritage and incredible culture, holds sumptuous treasures such as the Castello Sant’Elmo, which has dominated Naples for 700 years!
You can’t pass through Naples without visiting the Castello Sant’Elmo, which offers an exceptional view of Naples, its gulf, Vesuvius and the historic center! Find out all the practical information you need to know about visiting Castello Sant’Elmo in Naples.
History of Castello Sant’Elmo
Photo credit: Flickr – Andrea Schaffer
Located on the Vomero hill, Castel Sant’Elmo in Naples is today a medieval castle and museum. Built under Robert d’Anjou (1329), this former medieval palace, known as Belforte or Castel Sant’Erasmo, was a fortified royal residence designed by Timo di Camaino. But an earthquake caused part of the castle to collapse. When the Spanish decided to rebuild, they turned it into a defensive castle.
Military architect Pedro Luis Escrivà di Valenza was commissioned to build an impregnable fort: the Castello Sant’Elmo was built on the Vomero hill, providing surveillance over the entire Gulf of Naples, the city and its surroundings. The fort was then called San Telmo, after a Spanish Dominican saint. From the 17th to the 19th century, it was used as a prison until 1952.
Today, the Castello Sant’Elmo in Naples is a state-owned cultural asset which, after restoration, was opened to visitors. Remarkable and emblematic of Neapolitan history and culture, it occasionally hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
What to see and do at Castello Sant’Elmo?
Photo credit: Flickr – Rob Alter
If you’re visiting the Castello Sant’Elmo in Naples, you’ll reach the building by crossing a drawbridge and portcullis leading to the parade ground.
The interior of the Castle is not open to visitors, but the site now houses a multicultural center that regularly organizes temporary exhibitions, concerts and shows. The Napoli Novecento museum occupies some of the castle’s rooms, where you can admire paintings and sculptures by Neapolitan artists representative of the 20th century.
But the Castello Sant’Elmo in Naples is also an exceptional viewpoint, offering incredible panoramic views of the city, its bay and Vesuvius, as well as the historic center, the Spaccanapoli gorge, the Monumental Quarter, the Chiaia district, the Lungomare, the Isle of Capri in the distance, Mergellina, the Pausilippe hill and the tuff quarries.
The Château Fortress will impress you with the height of its vertical walls. You can reach the upper terrace by elevator, or via the ramp on the left as you enter. Access via the ramps allows you to discover the drawbridge and portcullis, as well as the view through the loopholes, notably of the San Martino Carthusian monastery.
How to get to Castello Sant’Elmo
The Vomero hill, home to Sant’Elmo Castle and the San Martino Charterhouse, has 3 funicular railways.
- By metro :
You can reach it from the Montesanto metro station (verspiazza Dante). This line is the closest to San Martino and Sant’Elmo. From the Morghen station, turn right immediately into a small, semi-private street.
- By funicular :
You can also take the central funicular, which departs from via Toledo, in the monumental district, or the Chiaia funicular, which departs from the district of the same name, near Piazza Amedeo, served by metro line 2. These funiculars, which vary in age, are above all a charming way to get to the site, but they’re also quick. The ascent takes just a few minutes, whereas the journey by bus or metro may take longer.
- By bus :
By bus, take the V1 line to several stops near Castello Sant’Elmo (San Martino-certosa and Sant’Elmo, for example).
- By car :
If you’ve come to Naples with your own car, or have opted to rent one on arrival at the airport, you can park near Castello Sant’Elmo and continue on foot.
Use the map above to help you find your way! You can zoom right in!
Opening hours and prices of Sant’Elmo Castle in Naples
Photo credit: Flickr – Andrea Schaffer
SCHEDULES
– Castello Sant’Elmo in Naples is open daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm(last admission at 6:30 pm).
-The Novecento Museum is open daily (except Tuesdays) from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm(last admission at 4:15 pm).
RATES
- Full price: €5
- Reduced rate: €2.50
- Tuesday rate (Novecento Museum closed): €2.50
Please note that admission fees and opening times may vary according to the exhibitions in progress. You can find out about free admission conditions on the official website of Castello Sant’Elmo in Naples.
Group tours in French can be organized (duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes / price: €90.00).
GOOD TO KNOW
To help you make the most of your visit to Castello Sant’Elmo in Naples, here is some additional practical information:
- The average visit to the site lasts 1h30
- If you want to visit the Castello Sant’Elmo in Naples without too many tourists, choose the morning or the end of the day.
- An elevator takes you to the top of Castello Sant’Elmo
- Pets are not allowed on site.
- From February 28, 2019 , the ticket price is 2.00 euros for young people aged 18 to 25.
Now you know all about how to visit Castello Sant’Elmo in Naples!