The Charterhouse of San Martino was founded in 1325 by Charles d’Anjou, Duca di Calabria, on the crest of the hill that dominates the whole Bay of Naples. The spectacular construction, built according to the architectonic principles of the Carthusian order, was the work of Tino di Camaino and Attanasio Primario.
Down the ages this religious house engaged the most prominent artists, including the painters Lanfranco, Ribera, Battistello Caracciolo and Luca Giordano, and the sculptors Cosimo Fanzago, Giuseppe Sanmartino and Domenico Antonio Vaccaro. In the second half of the 19th century the complex was designated as a museum, and it underwent radical restructuring. Classed as a National Monument in 1866, its first director, Giuseppe Fiorelli, decided it should commemorate the history of the city and the Kingdom of Naples. It thus accumulated all the most disparate materials recording the history of Naples and its artistic achievements. This heritage was increased thanks to the donations of organizations and private benefactors. The riches of its art works and its matchless position have made this former monastery a favourite haunt for men of letters, scholars and travellers.
The site as you see it today, following an exemplary architectonic restoration, gives an accurate impression of the religious house and its original layout. The museum visit combines exhibits recounting the history of Naples and the Charterhouse itself with the enchanting panorama stretched out below you, glimpsed from the arcades, vantage points and the gardens.
Museo di San Martino
Largo San Martino, 5 - 80129 - Napoli
Tel.e Fax: 0039.081.5781769;
e-mail sanmartino.artina@arti.beniculturali.it
Opening hours every day except Wednesdays, from 8.30 to 19.30
