Nearby: Ercolano

Positioned along the lower slopes of Vesuvius, Herculaneum boasts one of the best preserved and most beautiful archaeological sites in Italy, an ancient Roman city that has come down to us in almost perfect condition.

Ready for a time travel?

Founded according to legend by Hercules in 1243 BC, Herculaneum was destroyed and buried during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, which made it immortal. The citizens were burned alive by a pyroclastic cloud that fell on the city, subsequently submerged by a flow of mud and lava up to 20 meters thick which allowed the preservation almost intact of mosaics, furnishing elements, wooden objects, coins, jewels and papyrus. The excavations, although carried out partially, present a historical interest similar to that of nearby Pompeii.

Herculaneum is a treasure chest of priceless archaeological treasures: it has brought a large quantity of documents to the attention of scholars. It is a place of memory which, as the famous archaeologist Amedeo Maiuri stated: “should be considered as a city and not as a mine of works of art, a minor city different from Pompeii, but no less important, with its urban physiognomy, with its civilization and, what is more important, with its human face“.

The visit to the archaeological park can be concentrated in a few hours and is ideal for those who have little time available. Among the main points of interest we recommend visiting: the Baths, divided between the men’s sector and the women’s sector; the Sannitic House, famous for the beautiful Hellenistic style atrium decorated with paintings of the 4th style; the Skeleton House, which features stunning mosaic floors made in five different styles; the Casa dei Cervi, perhaps the most elegant residence in ancient Herculaneum; the Casa dell’Atrio a Mosaico, which stands out for its flooring with geometric designs and stylized flowers; and the House of Neptune and Anfitris, with the glass paste mosaic on the eastern wall depicting the two mythological characters.