Monks' Walk at Dawn at the Certosa di San Martino 2026

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, the Certosa and Museum of San Martino will open its doors at dawn. From 6:00 to 7:30 a.m., a section of the Passeggiata dei Monaci (Monks' Walk) will once again be exceptionally accessible to the public, among the terraces of the complex on Vomero . A rare opportunity to watch the sun rise over Naples from above, with live music by the Quartetto di Napoli.

The event lasts about an hour and a half and annually attracts nature, photography, and chamber music enthusiasts. The special ticket costs 15 euros and there are only 80 seats . Online tickets close at 6:30 a.m. on October 3rd , or you can buy them at the box office the day before.

The path between the terraces

The Monks' Walk is one of the most scenic routes in the Vomero National Museums and is normally not open to the public. At 6:00 a.m. , the group enters the green terraces and crosses the path once used by the Carthusians in prayer. The pace is dictated by the light: we walk while the sky changes color over the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius.

The walk ends near the eighteenth-century Coffee House , the pavilion overlooking the panorama. Here, starting at 7:00 , the second performance takes place: the dawn finale with the sun rising from behind Vesuvius . It ends around 7:30.

The musical program

The Quartetto di Napoli takes center stage , accompanying visitors throughout the tour. Their repertoire ranges from the Andean folklore of Luis Gianneo to the Italian chamber music tradition of Giuseppe Martucci , a Neapolitan composer who is often rarely performed.

The grand finale features Antonín Dvořák's celebrated "Americano" quartet , performed as the sun rises over the gulf. A dialogue between late Romanticism and transatlantic influences, it's designed to cap off the experience in a captivating way.

Tickets and reservations

The special "Monks' Walk at Dawn" ticket costs 15 euros and must be purchased online on the Italian Museums website . Tickets close at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 3rd ; alternatively, the Certosa ticket office sells tickets the day before . The maximum number of visitors is 80 , so it's best not to wait.

The price includes a tour of the trail and admission to the Certosa di San Martino and its collections. Those staying in the city can combine sunrise with a full tour of the museum, including nativity scenes, paintings, and the naval section.

How to get there and practical advice

The Certosa is located at Largo San Martino 5 , at the top of the Vomero hill in Naples. You can reach it by funicular or by public transport to Via Cimarosa , then walk up the hill. At dawn, transport is limited: it's best to plan your trip in advance or use a car and find nearby parking.

At 6:00 a.m. in October, Vomero is cool and humid. Comfortable shoes and a light jacket are essential; a flashlight or a fully charged cell phone are also recommended for the dimly lit section. The walk is on sloping terrain and is not suitable for those with severe mobility issues.

What to see at the Certosa

The dawn opening is also an opportunity to visit the museum at your leisure. The Certosa di San Martino houses the famous Cuciniello Nativity Scene , the section of 17th- and 18th-century Neapolitan paintings , and the naval section , recently reopened to the public.

From the terrace, you can see the entire city, from the gulf to Vesuvius . Those who attend at dawn can complete their day with the collections, or return at another time: the museum ticket remains one of the most interesting in Vomero.

Info

Event: Monks' Walk at Dawn
Where: Charterhouse and Museum of San Martino, Largo San Martino 5, Naples
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Ticket: 15 euros, max 80 seats, online sales until 6:30 am on October 3rd
Music: Naples Quartet

FAQ

Can I enter without a reservation? No, seating is limited to 80 visitors , and tickets must be purchased in advance, either online or at the ticket office the day before.

What time is best to arrive? It's best to be at the Certosa by 5:45 , so you can get in calmly before the 6:00 start.

How long does the event last? About an hour and a half , from 6:00 to 7:30.

What to bring? Comfortable shoes , a jacket for the cool morning air, and a light flashlight for the dimly lit section.