Unlike Pompeii, which was smothered by ash, Herculaneum was struck by a superheated pyroclastic surge, a scorching cloud acting as an insulator, essentially flash-baking the city and retaining much of the organic material.
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Buried alongside Pompeii in the catastrophic Vesuvian eruption of 79 AD lies Herculaneum, a smaller yet more opulent Roman city.




The ruins at Herculaneum have several interesting attractions to visit, from ancient Roman houses to boat sheds and gymnasiums. Here's a map guide to getting around the ruins on your visit.
Located a little further from the House of the Charred Furniture, the House of Neptune was created as a tribute to the gods Neptune and Amphitrite. The primary attraction at the House of Neptune is a stunning glass mosaic wall featuring Neptune and his wife Amphitrite, with marble masks over it.
Considered one of the most magnificent villas in Herculaneum, this site gained fame due to the discovery of numerous papyrus scrolls that offer insights into the philosophical and intellectual rigor of the time. The Villa of the Papyri is thought to once have a vineyard and gardens, and has a direct view of the sea from its terraces.
The thermal baths date back to the 1st century BC and clearly demarcate separate areas for men and women. Once can still identify how the water was heated by a large, still-intact furnace.
Devotees of Emperor Augustus’ cult met here for their meetings and claimed it as their official seat. It is also identified by various frescos, famous ones portraying Hercules wrestling Achelous.
From all the excavation projects, the Samnite House was identified as one of the oldest aristocratic residences in Herculaneum. Of note is its beautiful flooring, rainwater pool and still-standing columns and pillars.
On this spot, one can find another grand villa in Herculaneum, facing the oceanside. These were decorated with statues of deer and large marble tables that one can find in the on-site museum as well. Notice the unique flooring of this villa, as it is covered with intricate mosaics, frescoes and marble chips.
One of the largest buildings to have been excavated in Herculaneum, this house features a relief of Telepho, son of Hercules, being cured by Achilles. This residence is believed to be owned by Roman senator Marco Nonio Balbo.
It was in this boat house that some 300 skeletons were found. The remains are thought to be of people who sought to flee Vesuvius’ wrath by the sea, but the heat got to them before they could escape.



You can expect to save 20 minutes to an hour of waiting time by booking priority access tickets. With these tickets, all you need to do is show your ticket at the entrance and begin your tour immediately.
Since Herculaneum is buried in historical wealth, walking the ruins with a tour guide or archeologist can help you understand the meaning and purpose of various houses, frescoes and mosaics and other remnants. So, paying the extra few bucks for a guided experience is absolutely worth it.
Although nothing quite tops a guided tour, you can still learn about the history and significance of the Herculaneum with audio guided tours like Herculaneum Skip-the-Line Tickets with Audio Guide. If you want to go the traditional route and explore on your own, make sure you do plenty of research before visiting so you can fully appreciate what you’re looking at.
Avail Herculaneum audio guide tours in Italian, English, French, Spanish and German.
Typically, those under 18 enter for free, as do members of the ICOM, people with disabilities and one companion, students and teachers enrolled in courses related to archeology, culture, history, conservation, etc. Groups, Ministry bodies, etc. are liable to receive concessions.
It depends on the ticket you choose to book. While some tickets offer a full refund on canceling tickets up to 48-72 hours in advance, for others there may be no refund available on cancelation. Please check before you make your reservation.
Yes, entry is free for people with disabilities and one companion, provided they offer proof of availing social support.
Yes, tourists can generally access all sites open to visitors, unless any specific monument or building is cordoned off for repair, like the Villa of the Papyri, for instance.
While not exactly hidden, definitely check out the Palestra that sprawls two terraces (here, ancient Romans engaged in physical sport and ball games). Also visit the House of the Wooden Partition which has sliding doors that still work on their hinges. Though not much to look at, you can also stop by the House of the Skeleton, known for the fact that a skeleton was discovered here in the 19th century. It now has faded mosaics.
Yes, Herculaneum is a popular day trip destination owing to its proximity to Naples. From Naples or Pompeii, book transfers to Herculaneum. To tour Herculaneum from Naples, you need just 3 hours, including travel time. Additionally, along with Herculaneum, you can even visit Mount Vesuvius if your ticket permits.
Walk past the waiting lines and step into the ancient Roman city, exploring well-preserved traces of daily life frozen in time.
Inclusions
Skip-the-line entry to Herculaneum
Digital audio guide in English, Italian, French, Spanish & German (as per option selected)
Digital guidebook (as per option selected)
Guided tour with an expert English-speaking archaeologist guide (as per option selected)
Round-trip AC coach transfers from Naples (as per option selected)
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
See Herculaneum come to life with an archaeologist leading the way, sharing context and discoveries in the language that suits you best.
Inclusions
2-hour guided tour of Herculaneum
Skip-the-line entry to Herculaneum
Expert English, Spanish, French, German, or Italian-speaking archaeologist guide (as per option selected)
Group of 20 or 25 people (as per option selected)
Exclusions
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
Explore Herculaneum the easy way with an all-in-one package including transfers, skip-the-line entry, and a guided tour.
Inclusions
Skip-the-line entry to Herculaneum
2-hour guided tour of Herculaneum
Pompeii entry tickets (as per option selected)
2-hour guided tour of Pompeii (as per option selected)
Round-trip AC coach transfers from Naples (as per option selected)
Round-trip express train ticket from Sorrento (as per option selected)
One-way Circumvesuviana ticket from Pompeii (as per option selected)
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
Contrast the epic scale of Pompeii with the rich, close-up details of Herculaneum with one easy, skip-the-line combo ticket.
Inclusions
Skip-the-line entry to Pompeii
Skip-the-line entry to Herculaneum
Exclusions
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information Herculaneum
Pompeii
An exclusive tour of Herculaneum with a dedicated archaeologist-guide who tailors the visit to your interests and pace.
Inclusions
Private tour of Herculaneum
Skip-the-line entry to Herculaneum
Expert English, French, Spanish, or German-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Exclusions
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.