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Castel Sant'Elmo

Castel Sant'Elmo: Our most recommended tours and activities

Naples: Castel Sant'Elmo Ticket and Pemcards

1. Naples: Castel Sant'Elmo Ticket and Pemcards

Visit the star-shaped military fortress of the Castel Sant'Elmo at the summit of Vomero Hill. Take in the fantastic views of Naples and its stunning surroundings from the rooftop. Explore the magnificent building at your own pace. Discover its interesting history, from the original church dedicated to St. Erasmus, to the current structure as a unique example of 16th-century military architecture carved into the city's famous tufa rock. Designed by the Viceroy Don Pedro Alvarez de Toledo and Pedro Luis Escriva, a military engineer from Valencia, the roof-top terrace covering the perimeter of the castle is without a doubt a stand-out feature. After enjoying the views over St. Martin's Charterhouse (Certosa di San Martino), admire the various views of the city and the gulf. Don’t miss the cultural activities and events that often enliven the spaces of the castle, from ancient art through to more contemporary styles.

Naples: Contrasting Neighborhoods Walking Tour w/ Funicular

2. Naples: Contrasting Neighborhoods Walking Tour w/ Funicular

we will start our 2-hour tour to discover Naples in all its nuances, we will take the funicular and arrive on the Vomero hill. A district different from the rest of the city with noble and majestic buildings, we now go down the hill in a quiet area without the chaos of the city, admiring the panorama of the Gulf of Naples. Capri, the Sorrento peninsula, the seafront of Naples and other monuments. After we will go down the stone stairs, not known even by the Neapolitans. You will feel like you are living in another world, at the end of the stairs we will arrive in an intermediate area, where you can admire the panorama of the historic center of Vesuvius, the churches and many other monuments. At the end we will go down to the ancient area of Naples, you will see the contrasts between rich and poor areas, we will notice the differences between the people and the atmosphere of the various places we will visit. You will have a tour to get to know the city and see it from all sides.

Campania Artecard: 3 - 7 Day or Gold 365 City Pass

3. Campania Artecard: 3 - 7 Day or Gold 365 City Pass

Purchase the Naples & Campania Artecard for access to over 40 monuments, museums, and archaeological sites, including Ruins of Pompei, Herculaneum, National Archaeological Museum, Madre, Museum and Royal Wood of Capodimonte, Royal Palace of Naples, Castel Sant'Elmo, Certosa of San Martino, Royal Palace of Caserta, Paestum, and the Archaeological Museum of Capua. Enjoy free admission to many museums or sites and discounted admission to all other museums and archaeological sites visited thereafter. Explore the city as you travel for free on the Naples and Campania regional public transportation network (UnicoCampania public transport system). Visit your chosen cultural sites, selecting freely from the following list, and receive a discount of up to 50% from the other sites on: • Parco Archeologico di Pompei • Parco Archeologico di Ercolano • Museo Archeologico Nazionale • Palazzo Reale di Napoli • Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte • Reggia di Caserta • Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Paestum • Palazzo Reale di Napoli • Certosa e Museo di San Martino • Madre_Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina • Museo Pignatelli Cortes • Museo Duca di Martina • Museo civico di Castel Nuovo • Castel Sant'Elmo • Parco Archeologico di Oplontis • Scavi di Oplontis • Scavi di Stabia • Scavi di Boscoreale ed Antiquarium • Parco Archeologico di Baia • Museo Archeologico dei Campi Flegrei nel Castello di Baia • Anfiteatro Flavio • Parco Archeologico di Cuma • Museo Archeologico dell'Antica Capua • Museo dei Gladiatori • Anfiteatro Campano • Mitreo • Parco Archeologico di Paestum • Certosa San Lorenzo • Parco Archeologico di Elea Velia

Naples: 3-Day City Attractions and Public Transport Pass

4. Naples: 3-Day City Attractions and Public Transport Pass

Gain access with a single city pass to over 20 monuments, museums, and archaeological sites in Naples, including the National Archaeological Museum, Madre Museum and Royal Wood of Capodimonte, Royal Palace of Naples, Castel Sant'Elmo, Certosa of San Martino. Enjoy free admission to 3 museums or sites and discounted admission to all other museums and archaeological sites visited thereafter. Explore the city as you travel for free on Naples public transportation network (Unico Campania). Use the underground Line 1 “Metro dell’Arte”, Line 2, Line 6, funicular, tram, trains Circumflegrea, and Cumana e Circumvesuviana Urban Route.

Panoramic Naples Private Tour by Vintage Vespa

5. Panoramic Naples Private Tour by Vintage Vespa

A poet once wrote, "See Naples and Die," in recognition of the fact that the magnificent southern Italian city is so beautiful it’s essential to visit at least once in your life. On this 4-hour panoramic tour you will see it from many angles, and all from the seat of a vintage Vespa moped. Some of the views are famous, while others are hidden gems known only to locals. Among the many highlights is the Parco Virgiliano, a picturesque oasis on the hill of Posillipo, where a series of terraces overlook the Gulf of Naples. Another, is the romantic fishing village of Marechiaro. Get views of the volcanic islet of Nisida, and drive along the promenade of Via Petrarca. Wind your way along Via Orazio for stunning views of Versuvius. Pass the serene sanctuary of Sant'Antonio a Posillipo. Heading back to port, you will see the imposing Castel dell'Ovo, and the rocky Borgo Marinari, where boats bob and diners gather for cocktails. Continue to elegant Piazza Trieste e Trento and Piazza Plebiscito and admire an unforgettable view on the Gulf of Naples from the terraces of the Certosa di San Martino (closed on Wednesdays - replaced on that day with fortress of Castel Sant'Elmo, from which you can admire a 360 degrees panoramic view on Naples).

From Rome: Pompeii and Naples Guided Small-Group Tour

6. From Rome: Pompeii and Naples Guided Small-Group Tour

Escape the hustle and bustle of Rome for the day and take a trip along the Mediterranean Coast, traveling south down the highway towards the ancient archaeological site of Pompeii. After a stop for breakfast, continue to the ruins of Pompeii where an official guide will take you on a walking tour of the remarkably intact city. Buried by molten lava and ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, Pompeii remained lost for hundreds of years, until it partial rediscovery in 1599. Marvel at the homes, shops, public baths and even a brothel of the everyday town, and hear the story of how the city was lost to the violence of the volcano. Stop for a tasting of local products for lunch, included in the tour price. Admire the beautiful views of the crescent-shaped Gulf of Naples, where the glamorous islands of Capri and Ischia lie like jewels in the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a typical Neapolitan coffee to gather your strength for a walk in the city center, where you can marvel at famous piazzas, such as Piazza del Plebiscito, and see historic castles like Castel Nuovo and Castel Sant’Elmo.

Naples: Private City Tour with Castel Sant'Elmo and Churches

7. Naples: Private City Tour with Castel Sant'Elmo and Churches

Our itinerary to discover this fascinating city begins in the ancient city center, where more than 25 centuries of art and history come together, and ends on the hill of Vomero, dominated by Castel Sant'Elmo. Following the bustling street of Spaccanapoli, which divides the city in two, we will stroll through shadowy alleys and colorful piazzas to visit the principal attractions of the city center. In the Duomo we will admire the Baroque masterpieces of the Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro, stage to the famous miracle of the liquefaction of San Gennaro's blood. In the nearby Pio Monte della Misericordia we will witness the beauty of one of the most famous paintings of Caravaggio, the Seven Works of Mercy. In Via San Gregorio Armeno, we will stroll amongst the shops where craftsmen sell their nativity scenes, an old Neapolitan tradition still alive today. Extraordinary masterpieces of Baroque sculpture wait for us in the Sansevero Chapel with its famous Veiled Christ. From the elegant Piazza San Domenico with its noble palaces we will reach the monastery of Santa Chiara, where we will visit the famous cloister made of majolica. After a lunch break in one of the many historical pizzerias of Naples, we will travel to Vomero by funicular. At the top of the hill stands Castel Sant'Elmo, impenetrable medieval fortress transformed in the Renaissance.

Naples Half-Day Private Tour by Vintage Fiat 500 or 600

8. Naples Half-Day Private Tour by Vintage Fiat 500 or 600

If you’ve heard the expression, "See Naples and Die", then this 5-hour panoramic tour will show you why, without the need for the last bit! You’ll be touring by vintage Fiat 500 or 600, some of the most iconic cars ever produced in Italy. Your driver will take you on a route that includes, but is not limited to, the Parco Virgiliano (entrance), the little fishing village of Marechiaro, and views of Nisida. You’ll nip down Via Petrarca and Via Orazio to see the sanctuary of Sant'Antonio a Posillipo, and the promenade of Largo Sermoneta. Other highlights include the Egg Castle (Castel dell'Ovo) and the harbor at Borgo Marinari. Admire handsome plazas, such as the squares of Trieste e Trento and Plebiscito and discover an unforgettable view on the Gulf of Naples from the terraces of the Certosa di San Martino (closed on Wednesdays - replaced on that day with fortress of Castel Sant'Elmo, from which to admire a 360 degrees panoramic view on Naples). The Fiat 600 D is undoubtedly the symbol of the economic growth of the 1960s. Designed by engineer Dante Giacosa, the Fiat 600 is a little jewel of a car with a popular place in Italian history. Fiat 600 and Fiat 500 are very classic cars and will let you savour the charm of an Italian wonder. Zooming around in these beautiful vehicles you'll notice the nostalgic glances of passers-by who have their own Fiat 600-themed memories.

Naples: Private Guided Walking Tour with Local Michele Arpa

9. Naples: Private Guided Walking Tour with Local Michele Arpa

Explore the historic town of Naples on a guided walking tour. Learn about Naples' 3,000-year-long history from local historian buff Michele Arpa and see the city's top sights. Begin your tour in the Piazza del Gesù Nuovo with a quick rundown of the history of Naples. Learn how Naples began as a Greek settlement before coming under the rule of the Romans, Normans, Swabians, French, Aragonese, Spaniards, and Bourbons until Italian unification in 1861. As you stroll through the ancient Greek streets, hear how each dynasty left deep traces in the appearance, culture, and customs of the Neapolitan people. See architecture from the ancient Greeks and Romans and the Middle Ages, and marvel at Renaissance and Baroque churches. See some of Naples's over 500 churches. Start with the Gesù Nuova Church, with its intricate decorations. Continue to Santa Chiara to marvel at its cloister. Next, discover the centers of political power in Naples. Marvel at the Royal Palace in the spectacular Piazza Plebiscito. See the Maschio Angioino, the castle that served as a defense against sea invaders. Climb the hill of San Martino to reach the Castel Sant'Elmo. Continue to explore the homes of Naples' well-to-do families. Visit the Sansevero Chapel to see its collection of statues, including Giuseppe Sanmartino's masterpiece, the Veiled Christ. Walk down the coastal road Via Caracciolo and get a stunning photo of the clear water. As you walk, hear about the many museums in Naples from Michele. Get an overview of the National Archaeological Museum's collection of objects from Pompeii and the Capodimonte Museum's immense painting collection. Finish your tour with a visit to the Naples Cathedral and learn about its historic relics.

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What people are saying about Castel Sant'Elmo

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 24 reviews

Activation wasn't seamless, but after that and handcrafted instructions, it's simple to use. I don't know how, but somehow everyone (city/metro employees) knows about the metro pass. Made our trip easy.

Very useful and easy to use. Only comment is that you have to Login each time when you left the App. Maybe to put option to remember user and password.

What made the experience special were the guides! Full of knowledge, friendly and welcoming, we had such an amazing time! Would definitely recommend

My tour guide was AWESOME! I had the best time! I will definitely do this again!