Herculaneum was an ancient town, located in the modern-day comune of Ercolano, Campania, Italy. The city was destroyed and buried under volcanic ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Like the nearby city of Pompeii, Herculaneum is famous as one of the few ancient cities to be preserved more or less intact, with no later accretions or modifications. The thick layer of ash that blanketed the town also protected it against looting and the elements. Unlike Pompeii, the mainly pyroclastic material that covered Herculaneum carbonized and preserved more wood in objects such as roofs, beds, and doors, as well as other organic-based materials such as food and papyrus. The traditional story is that the city was rediscovered by chance in 1709, during the digging of a well. Remnants of the city, however, were already found during earlier earthworks. In the first years after its rediscovery, tunnels were dug at the site by treasure hunters, and many artifacts were removed without authorization. Regular excavations began in 1738, and have continued ever since, albeit intermittently. Today, only part of the ancient site has been excavated, and attention and funds have shifted to the preservation of the already excavated parts of the city, rather than focusing on uncovering more areas. Although it was smaller than Pompeii, Herculaneum was a wealthier town. It was a popular seaside retreat for the Roman elite, which is reflected in the extraordinary density of grand and luxurious houses with, for example, far more lavish use of coloured marble cladding. Famous buildings of the ancient city include the Villa of the Papyri and the so-called "boat houses", in which the skeletal remains of at least 300 people were found.
Herculaneum Archaeological Park (Parco Archeologico di Ercolano) Tours and Tickets
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Herculaneum was an ancient town, located in the modern-day comune of Ercolano, Campania, Italy. The city was destroyed and buried under volcanic ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Like the nearby city of Pompeii, Herculaneum is famous as one of the few ancient cities to be preserved more or less intact, with no later accretions or modifications. The thick layer of ash that blanketed the town also protected it against looting and the elements. Unlike Pompeii, the mainly pyroclastic material that covered Herculaneum carbonized and preserved more wood in objects such as roofs, beds, and doors, as well as other organic-based materials such as food and papyrus. The traditional story is that the city was rediscovered by chance in 1709, during the digging of a well. Remnants of the city, however, were already found during earlier earthworks. In the first years after its rediscovery, tunnels were dug at the site by treasure hunters, and many artifacts were removed without authorization. Regular excavations began in 1738, and have continued ever since, albeit intermittently. Today, only part of the ancient site has been excavated, and attention and funds have shifted to the preservation of the already excavated parts of the city, rather than focusing on uncovering more areas. Although it was smaller than Pompeii, Herculaneum was a wealthier town. It was a popular seaside retreat for the Roman elite, which is reflected in the extraordinary density of grand and luxurious houses with, for example, far more lavish use of coloured marble cladding. Famous buildings of the ancient city include the Villa of the Papyri and the so-called "boat houses", in which the skeletal remains of at least 300 people were found.
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- Herculaneum is a must-see for ancient history buffs.
- Kids especially enjoy exploring the Herculaneum ruins—choose a tour with an expert guide who is adept at engaging the whole family.
- Almost all of the remains of the ancient town are outdoors, so be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen in summer, as well as comfortable shoes.
- Most of the archaeological site at Herculaneum is accessible to wheelchair users.
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For Individuals with Hearing Loss
- Video Guide
- Hearing kits
- Speech To Text
Access for Seniors
- Recommended time for visit 1 hour
- Recommended time for visit 2 hours
- Physical difficulty level - 3
Accessibility for wheels
- Special Parking
- Access with Portable Ramp
- Accessible elevator
- Easy without assistance
- Wide doors >= 75 cm and < 90 cm
- Exhibit height - 2
- Accessible Toilet
Access for Visually Impaired
- Audio Guide
- Place has Special Guide Service
- Service animals permitted
- Touch Gallery
As you step into the ancient ruins of Herculaneum, you are immediately enveloped in a sense of wonder and mystery. The faint scent of ancient stone and earth mingles in the air, transporting you back in time to when this bustling city thrived. You can almost hear the whispers of the past echoing through the narrow streets and crumbling buildings.
Walking along the preserved cobblestone streets, your fingers graze against the rough walls of the ancient buildings, feeling the grooves and indentations left by centuries of weathering. The warm sun filters through the canopy of intertwined branches above, casting dappled shadows on the worn stones beneath your feet.
As you explore further, the vivid frescoes and intricate mosaics that adorn the walls of the villas come into view, their vibrant colors and intricate patterns telling stories of a bygone era. You can almost feel the life and energy that once filled these now silent halls, imagining the laughter of children playing and the chatter of families gathering for meals.
In the House of the Deer, you are struck by the exquisite detail of the mosaic depicting a majestic stag surrounded by lush vegetation. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors seem to come alive before your eyes, evoking a sense of awe at the skill and artistry of the ancient craftsmen who created it.
Moving through the city, you come across the haunting sight of the skeletons preserved in the boat houses, a poignant reminder of the tragic fate that befell the inhabitants of Herculaneum. The eeriness of this discovery sends a shiver down your spine, as you contemplate the sudden and devastating force of nature that forever altered the course of history.
As you reach the edge of the city and gaze out towards the turquoise waters of the Bay of Naples, a sense of peace washes over you. The gentle rustling of the leaves, the distant cry of seagulls, and the rhythmic lapping of the waves against the shore create a serene backdrop to the tumultuous history that unfolded in this once vibrant city.
Leaving Herculaneum, you carry with you a profound sense of awe and reverence for the lives that were lost and the stories that were preserved in these ancient ruins. The emotions stirred by your visit linger long after you have departed, a testament to the enduring power of this remarkable archaeological site.
The Herculaneum Archaeological Park offers audio descriptive guides for visually impaired visitors. They also provide sensory-friendly hours for visitors with sensory sensitivities. Visitors can inquire about these services and accommodations when planning their visit to the park.
Located near Naples, the Herculaneum Archaeological Park is a treasure trove of ancient Roman history and culture. Local writers and artists from Rome and the surrounding areas often visit this site to draw inspiration from its well-preserved ruins and unique atmosphere.
One local writer, Martina, shared her experience of exploring Herculaneum. She described the feeling of walking through the ancient streets and imagining what life was like for the people who once lived there. The intricate mosaics, colorful frescoes, and well-preserved buildings sparked her imagination and inspired her to create stories set in the ancient world.
An artist named Luca found inspiration in the detailed wall paintings and sculptures found in Herculaneum. He described how he would spend hours sketching the intricate designs and studying the techniques used by ancient Roman artists. The play of light and shadow in the ruins provided him with endless opportunities for artistic exploration and experimentation.
Both Martina and Luca emphasized the importance of preserving sites like Herculaneum for future generations to enjoy and learn from. They highlighted the significance of experiencing history firsthand and the unique perspective it offers on ancient civilizations.
Overall, the Herculaneum Archaeological Park continues to inspire and captivate local writers and artists, providing a rich tapestry of stories, images, and emotions that reflect the enduring legacy of the ancient Roman world.
To get to the Herculaneum Archaeological Park (Parco Archeologico di Ercolano) from Rome, you have several transportation options:
1. Train: Take a train from Rome to Naples (Napoli Centrale) and then transfer to the Circumvesuviana train towards Sorrento. Get off at the Ercolano Scavi station, which is right next to the entrance of the archaeological site.
2. Bus: You can take a bus from Rome to Naples and then transfer to the Circumvesuviana train as mentioned above. Another option is to take a bus directly from Rome to Herculaneum. Check with local bus companies for schedules and routes.
3. Driving: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and follow the highway from Rome to Naples, then continue towards Herculaneum. Parking is available near the archaeological site.
For visitors with accessibility needs, the archaeological site has facilities to assist, including ramps and accessible routes. It’s recommended to contact the site in advance to arrange any specific accommodations if needed.
### Ticket Booking and Discounts:
Tickets to the Herculaneum Archaeological Park can be purchased online through the official website or on-site at the ticket office. It is advisable to book online in advance to skip the lines, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and EU citizens under 18 or over 65 years old. Make sure to bring a valid ID or proof of eligibility for any discounts.
### Local Amenities:
- Parking: Parking is available near the entrance to the archaeological park. There are designated spaces for visitors with disabilities.
- Restrooms: Restrooms are located within the park, including accessible facilities.
- Dining: There are cafeteria-style restaurants and snack bars within the archaeological site. They offer a variety of options to accommodate different dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices.
Enjoy your visit to the Herculaneum Archaeological Park and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this ancient Roman city!