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Quick Information

ADDRESS

Corso Resina, 230, 80056 Ercolano NA, Italy

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

08:30–17:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

300000

TICKETS

From $17.28

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

1-2 hours (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

1997

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Did you know?

It was found that the Vesuvius eruption caused the brains of one of the victims to turn to a glass-like material. This was because the brain had heated up very quickly before cooling down just as fast, thereby crystallizing brain matter.

Unlike Pompeii, Herculaneum was engulfed by a pyroclastic surge that carbonized and preserved wooden structures, furnishings, and even food.

The ancient Romans believed that Herculaneum was founded by the god Hercules on his return from Iberia.

Why is Herculaneum a must-visit attraction?

Herculaneum offers an incredibly vivid, almost intimate window into daily life during the Roman era, far more preserved than its famous neighbor, Pompeii. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, Herculaneum was buried under a deep layer of volcanic material that sealed homes, shops, wooden beams, food, fabrics, and even door frames in remarkable detail. Walking its streets feels less like exploring ruins and more like stepping into a paused moment in time.

As you explore, you’ll see colorful frescoes still on the walls, mosaic floors in near-perfect condition, and multi-story houses with balconies intact, details rarely seen elsewhere in the ancient world. The town’s boathouses along the ancient shoreline offer a powerful and human connection to the past.

Whether you're interested in archaeology, history, art, or simply want a quieter, more immersive alternative to Pompeii, Herculaneum delivers an experience that’s both deeply moving and visually unforgettable.

What to see at Herculaneum

Roman mosaic depicting Neptune and Amphitrite in the House of Neptune and Amphitrite.

House of the Neptune

A small villa famous for its Neptune and Amphitrite mosaic, crafted in vibrant glass and stone, with its colors and detail remarkably well preserved.

Herculaneum Ruins ancient bathhouse interior with stone seating and mosaic floor.

Public bath complex

Walk through the town’s bathhouse where heated floors, marble basins, and changing rooms still offer a clear window into how Romans relaxed and socialized every day.

Wooden partition in ancient house, Herculaneum, Italy.

House of the Wooden Partition

One of Herculaneum’s most unique finds, a carbonized wooden sliding door that survived the eruption. It’s a rare example of everyday Roman domestic life preserved in place.

Herculaneum boat sheds with arched entrances and ancient ruins in Italy.

Boathouses

Near the ancient shoreline, the vaulted boat sheds preserve haunting evidence of residents caught during the eruption, a deeply human and emotional highlight of the site.

Samnite House ceiling with wooden beams and ancient columns in Pompeii, Italy.

Samnite House

One of the oldest residences in Herculaneum, showcasing early Italic architecture with a columned atrium and decorative wall painting styles that predate the Roman Imperial period.

Amphitheater at Villa of the Papyri with visitors exploring the site.

Villa of the Papyri

A grand seaside villa once filled with bronze statues and a unique library of carbonized papyrus scrolls, one of the most important literary finds from the ancient world.

Herculaneum frescoes with detailed red and white drapery patterns.

Frescoes and mosaics

Throughout Herculaneum, you’ll find wall paintings and floor mosaics depicting mythological scenes, geometric designs, and vivid colors still in place after nearly two millennia.

Ruins of the College of the Augustales with frescoes and columns in Herculaneum, Italy.

College of the Augustales

A ceremonial hall dedicated to the imperial cult, featuring colorful frescoes and inscriptions that offer insight into civic life and the political-religious role of local elites.

Herculaneum highlights

House of the Relief of Telephus

Relief at the House of Telephus

This high relief was found in House of the Relief of Telephus. Archeologists have recently been able to restore the entire timber roof of the villa. This wood was preserved all these millennia by hardened volcanic material.

Panoramic view of Herculaneum
Neptune and Aimone
Kitchen in Herculaneum, ancient Roman town
House of the Deer, Herculaneum

A brief history of Herculaneum

  • 6th–4th century BC: Herculaneum begins as a small settlement, likely Oscan in origin, later influenced by Greeks and then absorbed into Roman control.
  • 1st century BC–1st century AD: The town develops into a prosperous seaside community favored by wealthy Romans who build lavish villas overlooking the Bay of Naples.
  • 79 AD: Mount Vesuvius erupts. A fast-moving pyroclastic surge and volcanic mud bury Herculaneum under 15–20 meters of material, preserving buildings, wooden structures, and everyday life with extraordinary detail.
  • 18th century: Excavations begin under the Bourbon kings of Naples, initially through underground tunnel networks that uncover statues, frescoes, and the Villa of the Papyri.
  • 1927–1958: Systematic open-air excavations expose much of the ancient town center, residences, baths, and public buildings.
  • 2000s–present: Conservation becomes the priority, with ongoing stabilization and restoration projects to preserve the unique organic materials (wood, textiles, food remains).

​Explore the detailed history of Herculaneum

Who lived here and what made the town special?

Unlike Pompeii, which was larger and more commercial, Herculaneum was a quieter, wealthier coastal town. Aristocrats, merchants, and freedmen lived alongside craftspeople and laborers. Many homes were decorated with fine frescoes, gardens, and sea views. Its preservation is unique because the pyroclastic surge carbonized wood, furniture, doors, shelves, and food, allowing us to see daily life frozen in place.

Architecture of Herculaneum

Herculaneum showcases Roman domestic architecture at an exceptional level of preservation:

  • Multi-story houses with balconies and wooden beams still intact.
  • Atrium and peristyle layouts that reflect the wealth and status of their owners.
  • Public buildings including the baths, palaestra, and the College of the Augustales.
  • Shops, bakeries, and workshops integrated into residential blocks.
  • Seaside villas, including the Villa of the Papyri, which once contained a vast library of ancient texts.

Walking the streets today, you can still see carbonized furniture, painted walls, original floors, water basins, wooden shutters, and even food storage containers, details rarely found anywhere else in the Roman world.

Frequently asked questions about Herculaneum

How much of Herculaneum has actually been excavated?

Due to the hardened volcanic material coating Herculaneum, experts believe that not even 1 acre of the town has been unearthed, as opposed to 55 acres in Pompeii.

What was the Herculaneum population like?

There were approximately 4,000-5,000 people residing in Herculaneum at the time of the Vesuvius eruption. Most residents were well-to-do and possibly had noble lineage. This is evidenced in the lavish two and three-storeyed homes, a sight that was rare in ancient Rome.

Who owned the houses in Herculaneum?

It was mostly owned by members of the Roman elite who inhabited these luxurious living spaces. For example, it was rumored that Julius Caesar’s father-in-law Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus owned the Villa of the Papyri. Similarly, the House of the Relief of Telephus was said to be owned by Marcus Nonius Balbus, the Governor of Crete and part of present-day Libya.

How did archeologists determine the diet patterns of Herculaneum victims?

The cesspits of the town were excellently preserved due to the hard volcanic material that entered the drains via pipes. Stool samples were salvaged from these cesspits and helped scientists ascertain the eating patterns of the population — with seafood, meat and dairy products topping the list.

How was Herculaneum discovered?

The discovery of Herculaneum was a complete accident. A local farmer, while digging a well in the nearby town of Ercolano, chanced upon some bronzes and rare objects. When the news of the find reached Prince d'Elbeuf, an Austrian army commander stationed nearby, he ordered further exploration. But Karl Weber was considered one of the first archaeologists to explore Herculaneum with a more scientific approach in the mid-1700s. His approach was further refined by Amedeo Maiuri in the 20th century.

How are artifacts in Herculaneum so well preserved?

A pyroclastic surge, which is a superheated gas and ash cloud, swept through the town. The intense heat instantly carbonized organic materials like wood, food, and even some textiles, essentially baking them in place. This process preserved their shape and details in a remarkable way.

What are some unique Herculaneum facts?
  1. Nearly every house had a latrine, and shops were sometimes built into the villas (as in the case of the House of Neptune).
  2. Herculaneum’s basilica has a list of 2000 exclusively male names, perhaps hinting at all the members of the population.
  3. Modern scientists and archeologists introduced falcons to curb the pigeon population. The pigeons were damaging Herculaneum’s structures with their acidic droppings.
Can you enter the Herculaneum theatre?

On an experimental basis, the Italian proposes to allow tourists in small groups along with a guide to access the theater. However, the dates of this have not been confirmed yet.

More reads

Herculaneum History

History

Herculaneum Frescoes and mosaics

Frescoes and mosaics

Plan your visit to Herculaneum

Plan your visit