Herculaneum is an ancient Roman city located in the modern-day Italian region of Campania. The city was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which also buried the nearby city of Pompeii. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, add Herculaneum to your itinerary. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Herculaneum, from how to get there to what to see and do.
Why Visit Herculaneum, Italy
Herculaneum is one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in the world. The town was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, but the layers of ash and volcanic debris that buried it also preserved many of its features.
Today, visitors can explore the remains of houses, shops, and public buildings, getting a glimpse of everyday life in the Roman Empire. Herculaneum is also home to some of the best-preserved examples of ancient Roman art.
Frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures provide a vivid record of the town’s wealthy inhabitants. With its fascinating history and beautiful artwork, Herculaneum is an essential stop for anyone interested in the Roman Empire.
How to Get to Herculaneum
Herculaneum is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore its well-preserved ruins. There are a few different ways that you can get to Herculaneum, and each has its own advantages.
by Train
If you’re looking for the quickest way to get there, taking the train is probably your best bet. The journey takes around two hours, and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel, and costs around €12.
Once you arrive at the station, you will need to take a bus or taxi to the site. However, there is also a special Herculaneum Train that departs from Naples and stops directly at the entrance to the archaeological site. Whichever route you choose, getting to Herculaneum by train is easy and convenient.
by Car
Getting to Herculaneum by car is easy and relatively inexpensive. The site is located just off the main highway between Naples and Pompeii, and it is well signposted. Parking is available on site, and there is a charge for entry. The site is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
by Bus
Getting to Herculaneum by bus is a great option for those who want to avoid the traffic and crowds at Pompeii. The journey takes just over an hour, and tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office in Herculaneum. Once you arrive in town, there are a number of tour operators that offer guided tours of the ancient site.
by Plane
While many visitors take the time to explore the ruins of Herculaneum on foot, there is another way to see this amazing site: from the air! The Herculaneum by Plain tour offers a unique bird’s-eye view of the city, and it’s a great way to avoid crowds.
The tour departs from Naples every day at 8:30 AM, and it lasts for approximately two hours. During that time, you’ll be able to see all of the highlights of Herculaneum, including the House of the Mosaic Atrium, the Villa of the Papyri, and more.
Things to See and Do in Herculaneum
Herculaneum is an ancient city located in the southern Italian region of Campania. The city was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, but its ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. Here are the best five things to do around this ancient city:
1. Explore the Ancient Roman Baths
One of the most fascinating features of exploring Herlaneum is the ancient Roman baths. The baths were used for public bathing and socializing, and they were some of the most impressive and luxurious baths in the Roman Empire.
Visitors to the site can explore the remains of the baths, including the dressing rooms, heated pools, and massage rooms. The ancient Roman baths at Herculaneum offer a unique glimpse into the past, and they are definitely worth a visit.
2. Stroll Through the Streets
Herculaneum is a small town in southern Italy that was buried by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD. Visitors can stroll through the streets and imagine what life was like in this ancient Roman town. One of the most striking features of the Herculaneum is the abundance of colorful frescoes that decorate the walls of many buildings.
These Frescoes provide a glimpse into the everyday lives of the townspeople. In addition, the site includes several well-preserved Roman villas, each with its own story to tell.
3. See the Remains of the Original Port
Herculaneum is a popular archaeological site, and visitors can see the remains of the original port. The port was built of stone and brick, and it featured a series of docks and quays.
It was also surrounded by warehouses, where goods were stored before being loaded onto ships. Although much of the port has been destroyed over time, archaeologists have been able to piece together a detailed picture of what it would have looked like in its heyday.
4. Visit the House of the Mosaic Atrium
The House of the Mosaic Atrium is one of the best-preserved examples of Roman domestic architecture. Located in the ancient city of Herculaneum, the house features a beautiful mosaic floor depicting a hunting scene.
The walls are decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from Greek mythology. Visitors to the House of the Mosaic Atrium can explore all three levels of the house and learn about daily life in ancient Rome.
Address: Via Mare, 38-42, 80056 Ercolano NA, Italy
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
5. Take a Tour of the Villa of the Papyri
The Villa of the Papyri is one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in the world. Today, it is a window into the world of the Roman elite. The villa was home to a wealthy family, and its many rooms and courtyards are filled with beautiful mosaics and frescoes.
Although much of the villa is still buried, excavations have revealed an expansive library containing over 1,800 scrolls. These scrolls are among the oldest and most well-preserved archaeological artifacts in existence, and they provide a rare glimpse into the lives of the ancient Romans.
Address: Via Mare, 53, 80056 Ercolano NA, Italy
For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
What to Eat While in Herculaneum
One of the most fascinating aspects of Herculaneum is its food Archaeologists have found numerous food remains in the ruins of the town, including bread, olives, grapes, and cheese. This evidence provides insight into what the people of Herculaneum ate on a daily basis.
Bread was the staple food of the Roman diet, and it is likely that the people of Herculaneum ate bread with every meal. Olives and grapes would have been used to make olive oil and wine, two very important staples in Roman cuisine.
Cheese was also a common food item in Herculaneum, and it was often eaten as a snack or used as an ingredient in recipes. The food remains of Herculaneum offer a tantalizing glimpse into the everyday lives of the ancient Romans.
How to Stay Safe while Visiting Herculaneum
Herculaneum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. Every year, thousands of people flock to this ancient city to see the ruins of Pompeii. However, while Herculaneum is a safe place to visit, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
First, be aware of your surroundings at all times. The ruins can be slippery, so watch your step and stay on designated pathways. Second, keep an eye on your belongings.
Pickpockets are known to operate in busy areas, so make sure you keep your valuables close to you at all times. Finally, remember to stay hydrated. It can get very hot in Herculaneum, so make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
The Best Time to Visit the Herculaneum
One of the best times to visit Herculaneum is during springtime. The weather is mild and the flowers are in bloom, making it a beautiful time of year to explore the ruins.
In addition, many of the city’s attractions are open during the spring, including the House of the Faun, the Forum Baths, and the Villa dei Misteri. Visitors can also take advantage of special tours and events that are often held during this time of year.
Tips and Tricks
Herculaneum is a popular tourist destination. If you’re planning a visit to Herculaneum, here are a few insider tips to help you make the most of your trip.
- Address: Corso Resina, 187, 80056 Ercolano NA, Italy
- Hours: The site is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.
- Prices: €12 for adults and €6 for children
- To avoid crowds, plan to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The hottest part of the day is typically from around 11 am to 3 pm, so if you can, try to schedule your visit outside of these hours.
- Wear comfortable shoes – there’s a lot of walking involved, and the uneven surfaces can be tough on your feet.
- Stop by the Herculaneum Museum before you leave. It’s located just outside of the archaeological site, and it’s crammed full of artifacts that were recovered from the ruins.
In Conclusion
Herculaneum is an ancient Roman city that offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the everyday life of the Roman Empire. The well-preserved ruins are a must-see for anyone interested in history or archaeology, and the museums and attractions provide plenty of opportunities to learn more about history. With a little planning, you can easily spend a day or two exploring all that Herculaneum has to offer.
