Castel Sant'Elmo
Journey to a medieval fortress in Naples, Italy, where panoramic views of the city and the Bay of Naples await. Experience this historical gem with guided tours and mobile tickets.
45M+ travellers love us
Delivering best in class experience
Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
-
With this entrance ticket, take a trip to Castel Sant'Elmo, one of Naples' most breathtaking archeological wonders.
-
Enjoy the spectacular views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius from the Castel on Vomero hill, 250 meters above sea level.
-
Come across the famous Belforte, a medieval castle erected over the ruins of St. Erasmo's chapel.
-
Get an opportunity to attend art exhibitions, performances, concerts, and conferences held within the castle's museum.
-
Learn all about the castle, its architecture, and history with a multilingual audio guide in an optional upgrade.
More details
-
With this entrance ticket, take a trip to Castel Sant'Elmo, one of Naples' most breathtaking archeological wonders.
-
Enjoy the spectacular views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius from the Castel on Vomero hill, 250 meters above sea level.
-
Come across the famous Belforte, a medieval castle erected over the ruins of St. Erasmo's chapel.
-
Get an opportunity to attend art exhibitions, performances, concerts, and conferences held within the castle's museum.
-
Learn all about the castle, its architecture, and history with a multilingual audio guide in an optional upgrade.
- Visit Naples' largest castle and a former Carthusian monastery with a licensed guide.
- Begin at the Certosa di San Martino, a former Charterhouse and epitome of Baroque architecture.
- At San Martino, dive into its unique history, rich art collections, and breathtaking hilltop views.
- Wander through the serene cloisters and admire the intricate Nativity scene.
- Walk just under 5 minutes to Castel Sant’Elmo for a mix of modern art and military history.
- Enjoy sweeping panoramas of Naples, the Posillipo coastline, and Mount Vesuvius.
More details
- Visit Naples' largest castle and a former Carthusian monastery with a licensed guide.
- Begin at the Certosa di San Martino, a former Charterhouse and epitome of Baroque architecture.
- At San Martino, dive into its unique history, rich art collections, and breathtaking hilltop views.
- Wander through the serene cloisters and admire the intricate Nativity scene.
- Walk just under 5 minutes to Castel Sant’Elmo for a mix of modern art and military history.
- Enjoy sweeping panoramas of Naples, the Posillipo coastline, and Mount Vesuvius.
-
Explore Naples without the hassle of purchasing tickets at each attraction and get free admission to the first 3 attractions of your choice from the list provided.
-
Visit the Museum of Capodimonte, Royal Palace of Naples, and many more sites! Leverage discounts of up to 50% on the 4th attraction onwards.
-
Enjoy unlimited public transport in the entire urban route for the 3-day validity of the pass.
-
Support is available in English and Italian with a digital pass that does not require you to physically carry a card and worry about handling it.
More details
-
Explore Naples without the hassle of purchasing tickets at each attraction and get free admission to the first 3 attractions of your choice from the list provided.
-
Visit the Museum of Capodimonte, Royal Palace of Naples, and many more sites! Leverage discounts of up to 50% on the 4th attraction onwards.
-
Enjoy unlimited public transport in the entire urban route for the 3-day validity of the pass.
-
Support is available in English and Italian with a digital pass that does not require you to physically carry a card and worry about handling it.
-
Discover the Campania region from Naples to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum, and more with a single pass.
-
Enjoy free entry to two top attractions of your choice and get up to 50% off additional visits.
-
Choose from over 100+ included museums, archaeological sites, and cultural landmarks across the region.
-
Travel freely with unlimited access to Campania's public transportation during the validity of your Artecard.
-
Fun fact: Campania produces some of Italy's finest dry pasta and an abundance of well-respected cheeses and salamis, as well as some delicious liqueurs.
More details
-
Discover the Campania region from Naples to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paestum, and more with a single pass.
-
Enjoy free entry to two top attractions of your choice and get up to 50% off additional visits.
-
Choose from over 100+ included museums, archaeological sites, and cultural landmarks across the region.
-
Travel freely with unlimited access to Campania's public transportation during the validity of your Artecard.
-
Fun fact: Campania produces some of Italy's finest dry pasta and an abundance of well-respected cheeses and salamis, as well as some delicious liqueurs.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Similar things to do in Naples
About Castel Sant'Elmo
Castel Sant'Elmo stands out in any Naples collection, offering visitors a rare combination of breathtaking city views, fascinating star-shaped architecture, and a renowned modern art museum. It's a highlight for anyone exploring Naples' historic and artistic treasures, providing a unique vantage point and a journey through centuries of Neapolitan culture.
Castel Sant'Elmo’s six-pointed star shape was completed in the mid-1500s under Spanish Viceroy Pedro de Toledo, chosen for its defensive advantages.
The fortress sits 250 meters above sea level, making it the highest panoramic viewpoint in Naples.
It once served as a notorious prison, holding revolutionaries and intellectuals, including philosopher Tommaso Campanella.
The Museo del Novecento inside the castle features over 4,000 pieces of 20th-century Italian art, making it one of Italy’s notable modern art collections.
Castel Sant'Elmo is part of Naples’ UNESCO World Heritage Centre, recognized for its historical and architectural significance.
Why visit Castel Sant'Elmo?
Plan your visit
Porta d’accesso (Main Gate)
The main entrance, known as the Porta d’accesso, is located at the end of Via Tito Angelini, right next to the Certosa di San Martino. Look for the imposing stone gateway with Charles V’s imperial crest above. This entrance is step-free from the street, but interior access involves steep ramps and cobblestone paths. Wheelchair users and those with strollers may find some areas challenging, especially the ramparts and upper terraces. The ticket office and information desk are just inside the main gate.
Regular Hours: Open daily (except Tuesdays) from 8:30am to 7:30pm.
Last Entry: Final admission is at 6:30pm.
Museum Hours: The Museo del Novecento inside the castle usually closes 1 hour before the fortress—plan to visit the museum first if arriving late in the day.
Special Closures: Closed every Tuesday, January 1, and December 25.
Holiday Hours: Hours may vary on public holidays and during special events—always check the official website before your visit.
Audio guides are available for rent at the entrance or included with select ticket types. Multiple languages offered.
Toilets are available on site. Facilities are basic and may be limited during peak times.
An information desk is located near the main entrance for visitor assistance and inquiries.
Castel Sant'Elmo is not fully wheelchair accessible. Some areas, including the panoramic terraces, require navigating steep ramps and uneven surfaces.
Service animals are welcome to assist guests with disabilities.
Nearby cities to explore
