San Martino Monastery and Museum, Naples
Certosa di San Martino in Naples is a former monastery of the Cartesians, built in the 14th century. The building is situated on the hill of Vomero, near the great number of historical sights. There is an amazing view of Naples and the sea bay from the territory of the monastery. The museum with the same name is opened in the monastery – there are artifacts from the period of the Spanish Bourbon rule in the monastery cells.
History of Certosa di San Martino
The construction of the monastery began on the order of the Duke Carl of Calabria in the 20s of the 14th century. The construction of the monastery walls have lasted for 40 years, survived the plague epidemic, the change of rulers and was completed only during the reign of Queen Giovanna I. Soon a magnificent garden was created near the territory of the monastery, and visitors and tourists can still enjoy the beauty and freshness of it.
Gothic dungeons of the monastery were built under the leadership of Tino di Camaino and Attanasio Primario. Giovanni Antonio Dosio added features of the Renaissance to the complex in the 16th century, in the 17th century Cosimo Fanzago used the elements of the Baroque in the reconstruction, and already in the 18th century the exquisite notes of the Rococo were added by Nicola Tagliacozzi Canale.
It is believed that the monastery was built in the style of the Neapolitan baroque (most of the work of Cosimo Fanzago), with a colonnade, courtyard and a viewing platform-balcony, decorated with luxurious marble ornaments. Marble covering of the Neapolitan craftsmen is a real rarity and a special sight of the building of the monastery. It is worth noting that in the exterior of Certosa di San Martino you can learn the elements of different styles.
Having dismissed the monastery at the beginning of the 19th century, in 1866 the doors of the monastery were welcoming for visitors of the National Museum of San Martino.
Exhibits of the museum
In the former monastic cells there are large expositions devoted to painting, archeology and sculpture, belonging mainly to the period of the 18th century. In addition, here you will see the gala carriages, national carpets and tapestries, Neapolitan folk costumes, the work of craftsmen and creations of painters.
One of the brightest sections of the museum is the exposition dedicated to the Presepe – Christmas nativity scene.
It is worth pointing out that not only the exhibits, but also the interior is of great value. For example, in the church and chapels you can see the unique frescoes, mosaics, sculptures and paintings by Andrea Vaccaro, Domenico Antonio Vaccaro, Lorenzo Vaccaro and Pietro Bernini. The altar is the work of Francesco Solimena.
How to get there
Getting to Certosa in Naples is easiest on the cable car, the station is not far (about 100 meters) from the Montesanto train station. From Morghen (this is the end station of the funicular) you can see signs leading to the monastery. You will still need to walk about 300 meters.
Opening hours: the museum is open daily from 8:30 to 19:30, except Wednesday. The ticket office closes an hour before the museum closes.
