Herculaneum
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Latest page update: 12 February 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The Herculaneum Archaeological Park is located in the Province of Naples, around 10 kilometres from Naples city centre.
Since 1997 it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the nearby archaeological sites of Pompeii and Villa Oplontis. The park opens every day from 08:30, closing at 19:30 in the evening. |
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In 79 AD, the prosperous city of Herculaneum (known as "Ercolano" in Italian) was overcome by the pyroclastic flows from Mount Vesuvius which partially buried the city. However, unlike at Pompeii, the burial at Herculaneum was deep enough so that may of the taller buildings remained unharmed and to this day much of the city is visible and intact.
The site provides a fascinating walk through history and a chance to understand how ancient man lived by wandering through one of its finest cities that has been almost frozen in time.
The site provides a fascinating walk through history and a chance to understand how ancient man lived by wandering through one of its finest cities that has been almost frozen in time.
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Herculaneum: the Ancient Roman city that suffered a similar fate to Pompeii
The Herculaneum archaeological site is one of the most significant and well-preserved ancient Roman sites in Italy, located near the modern town of Ercolano, close to Naples. Like its more famous neighbor, Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, but unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was engulfed by pyroclastic flows of hot gas and ash, which led to better preservation of organic materials such as wooden beams, furniture, and even food.
Excavations at Herculaneum have uncovered stunning remains of houses, baths, frescoes, mosaics, and everyday objects, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of the Roman elite. The city was a luxurious seaside resort, with grand villas that boasted intricate decorations and panoramic views of the Bay of Naples. Unlike Pompeii, which was largely preserved under a layer of ash, Herculaneum's buildings were sealed in a thick layer of volcanic mud, which helped to preserve many structures in remarkable detail.
Today, visitors can walk through the ancient streets, explore well-preserved buildings, and view artifacts that shed light on daily life in the Roman Empire. The site offers a quieter, more intimate experience compared to Pompeii, with many treasures still being uncovered by archaeologists.
Excavations at Herculaneum have uncovered stunning remains of houses, baths, frescoes, mosaics, and everyday objects, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of the Roman elite. The city was a luxurious seaside resort, with grand villas that boasted intricate decorations and panoramic views of the Bay of Naples. Unlike Pompeii, which was largely preserved under a layer of ash, Herculaneum's buildings were sealed in a thick layer of volcanic mud, which helped to preserve many structures in remarkable detail.
Today, visitors can walk through the ancient streets, explore well-preserved buildings, and view artifacts that shed light on daily life in the Roman Empire. The site offers a quieter, more intimate experience compared to Pompeii, with many treasures still being uncovered by archaeologists.
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Opening-times:
Mon - Sun: 08:30 - 19:30 |
Prices:
Adults: €16 |
Parco Archeologico di Ercolano
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Region: Campania
Province: Metropolitan City of Naples Nearest train station: Ercolano Scavi Recommended accommodation: Hotel Herculaneum (450 metres) Close by: Naples, Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii, Villa Oplontis |
