Castel Sant'Elmo

The Castel Sant Elmo is a fortress in Naples, Italy. Next to it lies the monastery of Certosa di San Martino. These two buildings are located above the city on the Vomero and are thus widely visible landmark of the city. The name " Sant Elmo " comes from a church from the 10th century, Erasmo, whose name was shortened to " Ermo " and later " Elmo ".

History

The construction of the fortress began in 1329 during the reign of Robert of Anjou and was completed in the year of his death in 1343. Pedro Álvarez de Toledo, the Spanish viceroy of Naples was the fortress 1537-1547 rebuild. The fort was a star shape created with six ramparts. During the revolution of 1647, the Masaniello revolt, the Spanish viceroy was in the fortress refuge from the revolutionaries. Sant Elmo was also a symbol of a short time when the Neapolitan Republic of 1799.

From 1860 to 1952, the fort served as a military prison, and after that still remained until 1979 in military possession. After several years of renovation, the Castel Sant Elmo is open to the public since 1982.

The fortress is now home to various cultural and scientific institutions, including the Art Historical Library ( Biblioteca di Storia dell'Arte ).