Castle Sant'Elmo

Last weekend we decided to venture to the beautiful Castel Sant’Elmo. We had spent our first few weeks admiring this star-shaped military fortress perched atop Vomero Hill, dominating the Naples skyline.

We walked to Ameddo metro station and took the funicular up to the final stop. 

Carved into and out of Naples famed tuff rock, the six-pointed star structure we see today was originally the Angevins 14th century fortress. This unique example of 16th century military architecture was created by Viceroy Don Pedro Alvarez de Toledo and Pedro Luis Escriva, a military engineer from Valencia. 
 

Part of his design was a "roof-top terrace," encircling the entire perimeter of the castle. While its intent was clearly defensive, today it is the castle's most important draw for tourism, offering 360° panoramic views of the city and the bay.

The best time to visit, after 4:00 pm when entrance to the Castle is free and the views of the eastern side of the city are at their best.