From the historic centre of Naples the Certosa and Museum of San Martino and the Castel Sant'Elmo behind it loom above the city on the Vomero hill.
John and I visited the Certosa by taking a funicular to the top of the hill.
The views of Naples and Vesuvius were stunning as we walked to the entrance to the building.
To add to the Neapolitan experience was a Punch and Judy show outside the entrance doors
to the delight of both young and adult visitors.
Once inside the complex we entered the monastery's church.
It is a marvel of the High Baroque.
The star shaped Castle of Sant'Elmo looms above the entrance courtyard outside the church.
From there we explored various cloisters laden with Royal emblems of the Bourbon kings of Naples.
Most impressive of these was the Grand Cloister
with its Baroque sculpture above the main doorways.
John and I chose among the Carthusian monk cells that lined the Cloister corridors.
I've often fantasized a monastic life -- just not yet!
The Certosa's interiors are sumptuously decorated.
They lead to the museum's rich collection of creches or Nativity scenes -- a Neopolitan speciality.
Peasant families,
delightful characters,
and exotic Middle Eastern visitors abound!
Another reason to visit Certosa is for the spectacular views,
of Vesuvius and Naples below
and Capri in the Bay beyond.
It's been almost 2000 years, isn't it about time for that volcano to blow?
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