The Excavations of Herculaneum are one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, located a few kilometers from Naples. Here are some useful information for tourists visiting this incredible site:
1. History of Herculaneum
Origin: Herculaneum was a Roman city destroyed, along with Pompeii, by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. While Pompeii was buried by ash, Herculaneum was submerged by volcanic mudflows, which allowed for exceptional preservation of many buildings, objects, and even organic materials such as wood and textiles.
2. What to see
House of the Deer: One of the most imposing and rich villas, with well-preserved frescoes and statues.
House of the Inn: An ancient inn with interesting remains of decorations.
Suburban Baths: Public baths with frescoes and mosaics.
Villa of the Papyri: Famous for the library with papyrus scrolls, many of which are still being studied.
Decumanus Maximus: The main axis of the city, from which other streets branch out.
3. Tickets and Hours
Opening hours:
The site is open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm (last entry at 6:00 pm).
Closing days: usually January 1st and December 25th.
Tickets:
The standard ticket costs around 13 euros.
There are reductions for EU citizens aged between 18 and 25, and entrance is free for those under 18 and during the first Sunday of the month (in some periods of the year).
Where to buy: Tickets can be purchased online (recommended to avoid queues) or directly on-site.
4. How to get there
Train: From Naples, you can take the Circumvesuviana (Naples-Sorrento line) and get off at the Ercolano Scavi stop. The site is about a 10-minute walk from the station.
Car: If you arrive by car, follow the signs to Herculaneum and look for parking near the site. Beware of unofficial parking attendants.
5. Useful Tips
Guided tour: Consider booking a guided tour to better appreciate the history and details of the site.
Clothing: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen, especially in the summer months.
Duration of the visit: For a thorough visit, plan on about 2-3 hours.
Herculaneum Museum: Next to the site is also the Virtual Archaeological Museum (MAV), which offers an immersive and digital experience of the ancient city.
6. Curiosities
Unlike Pompeii, many organic materials, such as wooden furniture and food, have been preserved in Herculaneum thanks to the type of eruption that struck it, making the site unique for the wealth of intact artifacts.
Visiting Herculaneum is an extraordinary experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the daily life of a Roman city, preserved almost like in a time capsule!
