DK Travel : Naples & the Amalfi Coast : Certosa di San Martino

Certosa di San Martino

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In 1325 Charles, Duke of Calabria began construction on what is now one of the richest monuments in Naples, the monastery of San Martino. The extensive layout of the place, serenely ensconced just below the massive Castel Sant’ Elmo, is nothing less than palatial, boasting two fine cloisters and a dazzling array of architectural and artistic wonders. The Carthusian monks were avid collectors and between the 16th and 18th centuries commissioned the greatest artists of the day to embellish their impressive edifice. Given its commanding position, the finest in Naples, the monastery also enjoys the most spectacular views of the entire city, its bay, the Sorrentine peninsula and Vesuvius.

Top 10 Features

1. Façade

Although originally Gothic in style, the façade has mostly been overlain with Baroque decoration, including the large round windows.
2. Church

The nave of the church is a riot of Baroque art – the most complete record of Neapolitan art from the 17th and 18th centuries crowded into a single space.
3. Paintings & Frescoes

Dominating the ceiling is the Ascension of Jesus by Lanfranco, while the counter-façade has a lovely Pietà by Stanzione.
4. Sculpture & Marble Decor

4. Sculpture & Marble Decor

The altar, designed by Solimena, sports silver putti by Giacomo Colombo and silver angels by Sanmartino, who did many of the marble figures that adorn the chapels.
5. Choir & Sacristy

5. Choir & Sacristy

The richly carved walnut choir stalls were executed between 1629 and 1631 by Orazio de Orio and Giovanni Mazzuoli. Note the cherubs and the abundance of volute curves.
6. Chapels & Subsidiary Rooms

The eight chapels are decorated in a unified style consistent with the main part of the church. All of them are rich with brightly coloured marbles and opulent gilded stucco trim.
7. Chiostro Grande

7. Chiostro Grande

The Large Cloister is one of Italy’s finest, with a 64-marble-columned portico designed in the 16th century in Renaissance style.
8. Monks’ Cemetery

8. Monks’ Cemetery

Taking up a corner of the Chiostro Grande is a plot where a small number of monks have been laid to rest.
9. Quarto del Priore

These were the quarters of the monastery’s Prior, the only one of the monks who was allowed contact with the outside world. Aristocratic furnishings and priceless works of art adorn the walls.
10. Gardens & Belvederes

10. Gardens & Belvederes

One of the most satisfying aspects of the Certosa are its gardens. Not only are the views from here picture-perfect, but the gardens themselves are lush and fragrant, with flower and fruit-tree plantings, fountains and marble benches.

Practical Information

The best place for a quick and delicious snack is Arx (Via Tito Angelini 57 Piazzale San Martino 081 556 88 58 €). They serve wonderful sandwiches, great pizza and creamy desserts with fresh fruit toppings. Most of the ground floor is accessible, but the upper and lower floors seem to be under permanent restoration. If there is something you particularly want to see, ask one of the custodians and the locked rooms may be opened for you. Largo San Martino 5 081 578 17 69 Open 8:30am–7:30pm Tue–Sat ticket office closes 6:30pm) Adm €6.00 Dis. access (partial)